Education

Ph.D., Organizational Leadership, Columbia International University
J.D., University of South Carolina
B.A., University of South Carolina

Background

Thomas S. (Tom) Mullikin serves as professor of practice at the University of South Carolina School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Mullikin earned his Ph.D. from Columbia International University and currently serves as the chair of the gubernatorially established South Carolina Floodwater Commission. In addition to his position at the USC, he is a research professor at Coastal Carolina University (School of Coastal Environment) and a visiting professor at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito - Galapagos campus.

Mullikin serves as a senior environmental attorney where he has studied first-hand environmental issues worldwide. He has logged certified SCUBA dives in every ocean on Earth and has summited more than 20 mountains including peaks on every continent.

Mullikin is a retired senior military officer having served as special assistant to chief prosecutor of Military Commissions and having served with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, U.S. Army Reserve, where he was the international legal officer (JAG) and assistant staff judge advocate attached to an element of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Mullikin is a second-degree black belt, certified U.S. Army master fitness trainer and self defense instructor and a 2019 inductee of the South Carolina Black Belt Hall of Fame.

Mullikin retired as major general / commander of the South Carolina State Guard and president of the State Guard Association of the U.S. (SGAUS). 

Among Mullikin’s awards and decorations are the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Ribbon (with numeral 2), the South Carolina Military Department Exceptional Service Medal, the Joint Services Detachment Meritorious Service Medal (South Carolina), the South Carolina State Guard Medal of Merit, the South Carolina Military Department Meritorious Service Medal, the South Carolina Military Department Individual Achievement Ribbon, the SGAUS Commendation Medal, the SGAUS Medal of Merit, and the SGAUS Distinguished Service Award. His qualification badges include, among others, military parachutist badges (jump wings) from the Kingdom of Laos and the nations of Serbia, Croatia, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Germany.

Mullikin and his wife, Virginia Ann, were recognized as "National Civic Leader Parents of the Year" in 2019. They reside in Camden, South Carolina, and together have four children: Mary Elizabeth, Alexandra (Tomlinson) and husband, Brant, Thomas, Jr., and Margaret Charles (Whitney) and husband, Will; granddaughter, Anna Gibbs Tomlinson and grandson, Baylor Davis Tomlinson. Mullikin enjoys the outdoors where he studied water related concerns in certified scuba dives in all oceans on earth and climbed to the summit of mountains on every continent.

---

In the Media

Expand all

2024

• 89th Annual Carolina Cup to be sponsored by MUSC Health: ABC Columbia
• S.C. Floodwater Commission Chair speaks at international conference in South Africa: Associated Press and many other outlets

2023

• Should 'Brown v. Board of Education' Be Renamed? The Debate, Explained: Education Week
• South Carolina 7 ramping up for July 2023: Midlands Biz
• Commentary: Clean energy, advanced technology can power SC growth: Post and Courier
• Global expedition leader receives South Carolina Chamber’s prestigious military award: EIN Presswire

2022

• Ecuadorian Olympian and naturalist addresses USC students and military veterans: Midlands Biz
• Shane Beamer, others to plant national championship tree: WIS
• SC7 Expedition builds new reef near Charleston after 30 day trip across the state: WACH
• Ten receive top GEA awards: Midlands Biz

Duties as Senior Environmental Attorney Include:

• Representation of a wide range of clients including the United Nations and foreign countries and numerous Fortune 100 companies.
• Managing complex energy and environmental issues, both domestically and internationally
• Providing litigation support before the U.S. District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court
• Performing environmental due diligence for large corporate transactional work
• Serving as environmental management systems auditor and conducting sustainability studies for multinational corporations, universities, and domestic and international governments

In addition, Mullikin has been selected by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to serve as a private sector representative at the 2016 U.S.-Caribbean Central American Energy Summit

Professional Associations 

• American Nuclear Society 
• Chairman, South Carolina Floodwater Commission 
• Member, South Carolina Energy Advisory Council
• Member, Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions External Advisory Committee 
• Co-chair, International Environmental Law Committee of the American Bar Association (ABA) International Law Section (2019- present)
• Membership officer, LAWASIA Environmental Law Committee
• Fellow, The Explorer’s Club (New York)
• Fellow, Royal Geographical Society (London)
• Expert, National Geographic Society (2016)
• Member, Association of the United States Army 
• Member, The American Legion
• Member, The Civil Affairs Association 
• Member and award recipient, U.S. Counterterrorism Advisory Team
• Chairman, board of directors, South Carolina Black Belt Hall of Fame
• Chairman, Global Eco Adventures (environmental non-profit)
• Executive director and board member, GAIS Foundation (environmental non-profit dedicated to protecting the Amazon and Galápagos Islands)
• Board member, chief legal officer, Force Blue
•  Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, South Carolina State coordinator, Church Ministry (2018 – 2019)
• President’s Advisory Council, Columbia International University (2021 – present)

Academic Positions

• Professor of practice, University of South Carolina School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (2022 – Present)
• Research professor at Coastal Carolina University School of Coastal Environment (2013 – Present)
• Adjunct professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Galapagos Campus) (2015 – Present)
• Adjunct professor Environmental Law at Charleston School of Law (2019)
• Adjunct associate professor at the Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development (CIECD) (2011 – 2014)
• Associate director of Law and Policy Doctorate Program, Northeastern University, Boston (2011 – 2013) 

United Nations System Experience

• Sierra Leone Constitution Review — Legal Expert (May 2016 – June 2016)
  Assisted in reviewing Sierra Leone’s Constitutional Review Commission’s recommendations and provided recommendations to a proposed new chapter entitled, “Local Government and Decentralization” of the Sierra Leone Constitution.
• Maldives Pro Bono Best Practices — Legal Expert (April 2016 – May 2016)
  Assisted in assessing pro bono and legal assistance program best practices and provided a case study to be utilized in Maldives for the first National Pro Bono Conference, focusing on improving access to justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
• Republic of Fiji — Team Leader (July 2013 – 2015)
  Team leader of 52 attorney / experts around the world for the Republic of Fiji mineral law and seabed mining legislation project. Worked closely with UNDP Fiji and ABA-UNDP International Legal Resource Center throughout entire project to ensure all project deliverables and goals were accomplished. Served as liaison to the 52 experts around the world to assist in development of appropriate recommendations for the Republic of Fiji mineral law and seabed mining legislation. Created an effective recommendation report of the draft mineral law and seabed mining legislation which was presented to the Government of Fiji.
• Republic of Moldova Chemical Law — Legal Expert (Fall 2012 – Spring 2013)
  Assisted in drafting Republic of Moldova Chemical Law through the ABA-UNDP International Legal Resource Center.

Military

• Commander, South Carolina State Guard (Major General — Retired 2018)
• President, State Guard Association of the U.S. (2016 – 2018)
• Special assistant to Chief Prosecutor of Military Commissions, overseeing the trial of Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four co-defendants (2011 – 2013)
• U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, USAR (Trial Counsel)
• International legal officer, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command 
• Certified U.S. Army master fitness trainer and self defense instructor (2nd Degree Black Belt in Karate — Sport Karate Museum Humanitarian Award)
• U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal
• U.S. Army Achievement Medal
• Global War on Terror Service Medal
• U.S. Army Reserve Components Overseas Ribbon (2)
• Exceptional Service Medal (SCMD)
• Meritorious Service Medal (JSD)
• Medal of Merit (SCSC) (2)
• Medal of Merit (SGAUS)
• Commendation Medal (SGAUS)
• RAIDER — Rapid Assistance in Disaster and Emergency Relief Pin 
• Military Emergency Management Specialist Badge
• Honorary Green Beret by Special Forces (South Carolina Chapter)
• Airborne parachute jump badges from Germany, Serbia, Croatia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the Royal Laotian Parachutist Badge

Honors / Awards

• Recipient, Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the State of South Carolina
• Recognition in the Congressional Record by Congressman Ralph Norman for work with the South Carolina Floodwater Commission in flood mitigation (Feb. 27, 2020)
• Ironman Outdoors (Sandhills chapter)
• Dive master and member of the Richland County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Department Underwater Recovery (dive) Unit
• 2020 Expedition Leader of the Year, South Carolina National Heritage Corridor 
• Recipient, South Carolina Senate Resolution commending leadership and visionary work; sacrifices of time, energy, and resources; exemplary leadership and overall example (June 2020)
• Recipient, South Carolina Senate Resolution for SC Floodwater Commission 
• Camden High School Hall of Fame
• Board member, South Carolina Aquarium
• Board member, Carolina Cup Racing Association
• Serves on a variety of other boards and commissions in South Carolina, including the board of directors for the U.S. Army Special Forces Foundation (S.C. Chapter)

Publications and Presentations

Published Cases

Friends of the Earth v. Laidlaw Envtl. Servs., 149 F.3d 303 (4th Cir. 1998), Counsel for Amici Curiae Chamber of Commerce, et al.

Authored Books

• Profiles in Optimism: Stories of Brave Individuals Who Looked at Adversity and Saw Hope (2010)
• The Maxims of Politics: Making Government Work (2009)
• Global Solutions: Demanding Total Accountability for Climate Change (2007)
• Truck Stop Politics: Understanding the Emerging Force of Working Class America (2006) 

Authored Book Chapters

• “Guiding principles for creating environmental regulations that work.” Air Pollution, XVII. Eds. C.A. Brebbia & V. Popov. WIT Press, 2009.
• “Winning a government contract:  Responding to RFP's and IFB's." Inside the Minds — Navigating the Government Contracts Process: Leading Lawyers on Understanding Timelines, Complying with Documentation Requirements, and Overcoming Common Challenges. Aspatore Books, 2008.
• “Governmental representation.” South Carolina Jurisprudence. Ed. Aleta M. Pillick. Vol. 23. South Carolina Bar, 1994.

Authored Documentary

• The Whole Truth (2010) (vimeo.com/376882464)
• Climate Change: Global Problems, Global Solutions (2005) 

Authored Articles 

• “Inextricably Intertwined — Environmental Management and the Public.” Georgetown International Environmental Law Review 17.3 (Spring 2005): 393-433.  
• “Community Participation in Environmental Protection.” UCLA Journal of Environmental Law and Policy 21 (2002-03): 75-95.
• “Campaign Finance Rules in Limbo.” Campaigns and Elections Magazine 1 June 2003. 
• “Business and the Environment: Concentrate on Issues that Unite” Vital Speeches of the Day 65.11 (Mar. 15, 1999): 333-6.
• “A Tale of Two Cities: Denton Versus Stillwater — An Issue Too Important to Lose.” Family Security Matters (December 31, 2015).
• “Banning the Bans: State Legislatures Pass Bills to Avoid Patchwork of Local Laws Intended to Obstruct Shale Energy Production.” Well Servicing Magazine (July 2015). 
• “Property Rights and Forced Pooling Amidst the Shale Revolution.” Well Servicing Magazine (March 2015).
• “Denton Hydraulic Fracturing Ban.” Well Servicing Magazine (January 2015).
• “Home Rule and the Rule of Local Governments.” Well Servicing Magazine (September 2014).
• “American Energy Security from the Shale Revolution: A Blessing to Share.” Well Servicing Magazine (July 2014). 
• “Hydraulic Fracturing ‘Right to Know’ Laws: Satisfying the Public’s Right to Know While Protecting Innovation.” Well Servicing Magazine (May 2014).
• “Sue and Settle: Activist End Run Around Congress and Industry.” Well Servicing Magazine (March 2014)
• “Setback Distances in the Barnett Shale: The Need for Uniformity at the State Level.” Well Servicing Magazine (January 2014). 
• “Balancing preserving the environment with economic development in the Caucasus Mountains.” ABA SIL International Environmental Law Committee Newsletter (January 2013).
• “Fracking has a 60-year Safety Record.” The Fayetteville Observer (October 17, 2011).
• “A Tribute to My Father, a Member of Rogers’ Raiders.” NavySeals.com (July 27, 2010); also published Canada Free Press. (July 27, 2010); “Remembering Rogers’ Raiders.” Family Security Matters (July 28, 2010); World Defense Review (July 29, 2010).
• “Recipe for Disaster: Increasing Risk of Terrorism, Decreasing Resources.” World Defense Review. (May 30, 2010); also published Canada Free Press. (May 31, 2010). 
• “Currency Manipulation and South Carolina Manufacturing.” Made in SC Magazine (Oct. 2008): 30-1. 
• “Two Seconds Between Me and Death.” Huntinamibia (2007): 22-3.
• “Public Disclosure Can Help Limit Scope of Environmental Problems.” Charlotte Business Journal (July 4, 2003).
• “Environmental Justice.” Environmental Solutions 8.5 (May 1995): 77.

Global Environmental Presentations  

• “Environmental Law and Policy Colloquium.” Stanford Law School, Stanford, California, Feb. 24, 2015.
• “Public Participation in Environnemental Management.” Oxford University, London, England, May 2, 2011. 
• “Public Participation in Environnemental Management.” Northeastern University, Boston, Mass., Aug. 11, 2011. 
• “Flood Planning and Mitigation: Lessons from South Carolina.” Southern Legislative Conference, Oct. 2020.
• “Coastal Issues & Shoreline Management.” The Seminar Group, Nov. 2020.
• “South Carolina State Guard Military Law CLE 2021.” April 2021.
• “Carolinas Climate Resilience Conference” May 2021.
• “Summer Honors Speaker: Charleston School of Law.” June 2021.
• “LAWASIA Annual Conference: Environmental Law.” Nov. 2021.
• “Climate Change Overview: Causes, Effects and Recent Findings.” 2016 Environmental Law & Global Climate Change Symposium (Certified Continuing Legal Education Seminar) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Oct. 2016.
• “Alternative Energy:  Clean Power Plan and Other Clean Energy Methods.” 2016 Environmental Law & Global Climate Change Symposium (Certified Continuing Legal Education Seminar) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Oct. 2016.
• “Natural Disasters:  Effective Government Preparation and Response.” 2016 Environmental Law & Global Climate Change Symposium (Certified Continuing Legal Education Seminar) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Oct. 2016.
• “Global Climate Change ‘What You Won’t Hear in the Classroom’.” Appalachian State University, N.C., Sept. 25, 2016.
• “Public Participation in Environnemental Management.” Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, Oct. 13, 2011. 
• “Effectively Managing the Risks Associated with Climate Change.” MAPI Manufacturers Alliance, Risk Management Council Meeting, Miami, Fla., Jan. 27, 2011. 
• "California Regulatory Policies and the State Economy." California Regulatory Landscape — Getting it Right, Industrial Environmental Association / California Manufacturers and Technology Association Environmental Summit, 
San Diego, Calif., Oct. 22, 2010. 
• “Challenging the Endangerment Finding.” Virginia Industry Environmental Conference, Richmond, Va., Sept. 
17, 2010. 
• “Regional Cap and Trade Agreements and Low Carbon Fuel Standards.” State Energy and Climate Policy Summit, Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 15, 2010.  
• “Meeting the Global Climate Challenge.” St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia, Oct. 12, 2009. 
• “Guiding Principles for Creating Environmental Regulations That Work.” 17th International Conference on Modeling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution, Tallinn, Estonia, July 22, 2009.
• “Meeting the Global Climate Challenge.” Institute of Geology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia, July 21, 2009. 
• “Meeting the Global Climate Challenge.” American Water Works Association, San Diego, Calif., June 16, 2009.  
• “Climate Change, Is the Clock Ticking on Your County?” National Association of Counties, Annual Legislative Conference, Washington, D.C., March 9, 2009.  
• “Meeting the Global Climate Challenge.” National Association of Manufacturers & Associated Industries of Florida, 
Tampa, Fla., Nov. 13, 2008. 
• “Meeting the Global Climate Challenge.” National Association of Manufacturers & New Mexico Association of Commerce & Industry, Albuquerque, N.M., Nov. 6, 2008. 
• “Meeting the Global Climate Challenge.” National Association of Manufacturers & Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry, Denver, Colo., Oct. 9, 2008.
• “Truck Stop Politics: Understanding the Emerging Force of Working Class America.” American Mold Builders Association 2008 Fall Conference, Washington D.C., Oct. 3, 2008. 
• “Carbon Standards: What is the Right Choice for the United States and Canada?” Woodrow Wilson Center Cross Border Energy Forum, Chicago, Ill., Oct. 2, 2008. 
• “Government Policy Recommendations That Can Steer Hydrogen-Fueled Vehicles and a U.S. “Hydrogen Highway” 
Back on Track.” 17th World Hydrogen Energy Conference, Brisbane, Australia, June 16, 2008. 
• “Global Problems, Individual Solutions: What the Individual Can Do to Address Climate Change and How our Government Can Help.” Climate Change Symposium (Certified Continuing Legal Education Seminar), Machu Picchu, Peru, Dec. 2007. 
• Global Solutions: Demanding Total Accountability for Climate Change.” Illinois Governors State University, Distinguished Lecturer, University Park, Ill., Oct. 29, 2007.
• “Climate Change and Public Participation: Now More Than Ever.” 9th Annual EUEC Conference and Expo, Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 23, 2006. 
• “Climate Change: Global Problems, Global Solutions.” Global Climate Change Symposium (Certified Continuing Legal Education Seminar), Windhoek, Namibia, Oct. 2006. 
• “The Kyoto Protocol, Major Movements to Address Global Warming, and the Role of Corporations.” Global Warming Symposium (Certified Continuing Legal Education Seminar), Argentina and Antarctica, Dec. 2005. 
• “Public Participation in Environmental Management.” 6th International Symposium on Environmental Contamination, Prague, Czech Republic, Sept. 3, 2003. 
• “Global Public Participation in Environmental Protection.” 3rd International Congress on Waste Management and 
Recycling, Moscow, Russia, June 3, 2003. 
• “Project Prestige Crisis Management Training and Preliminary Action Plan.” Embassy of the United States of America in Spain, Madrid, Spain, Nov. 26, 2002. 
• “The Rise of Citizen Lawsuits in Environmental Litigation.” The Network of Trial Law Firms Litigation Management Supercourse 2001, Palm Beach, Fla., Oct. 27, 2001. 
• “Hazardous / Toxic Waste Management Training.” Gaosheng, Taiwan, March 1999.