The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75^NTR) is expressed on many cell types and can influence a variety of cellular functions. This receptor can mediate cell survival or cell death, can promote or inhibit axonal growth and can facilitate or attenuate proliferation, depending on the cell context. The emerging picture regarding p75^NTR indicates that it can partner with different coreceptors to dictate specific responses. It then signals by recruiting intracellular binding proteins to activate different signaling pathways. The function of p75^NTR has mainly been studied in neurons; however, it is also expressed in a variety of glial populations, especially during development and after injury, where its roles have been poorly defined. In this review, we will examine the potential roles for p75^NTR in glial function.