The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of doctoral program specialists in Big Ten universities. Face-to-face interviews with 20 doctoral program specialists employed in institutions in the Big Ten were conducted. Participants were asked to describe their roles within their work place. The doctoral program specialists reported their work interactions with other administrative offices, faculty and students. Their roles as problem-solvers, bridge-builders and being anonymous were dominant descriptors of their work. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are offered for administrators, departments, faculty and students. Future research directions are suggested as well.