Dr. James Korku Agbodzakey is a globally recognized thought leader, educator, and public servant whose career spans academia, applied research, nonprofit innovation, and public sector transformation. Currently serving as Professor of Public Leadership and Administration and Director of the Urban SERCH Institute at the University of North Texas at Dallas, Dr. Agbodzakey brings decades of experience in building resilient communities through collaborative governance and strategic partnerships. His extensive background is a testament to his enduring commitment to advancing public service, empowering marginalized populations, and shaping policy at local, national, and international levels.
With a multidisciplinary academic foundation that includes a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University and dual master’s degrees in International Affairs and Public Administration from Ohio University, Dr. Agbodzakey integrates deep theoretical expertise with pragmatic field-based leadership. He is currently pursuing an advanced MPH in Global Health at Yale University, a move that underscores his dedication to interdisciplinary problem-solving in health equity and policy innovation.
Dr. Agbodzakey’s scholarly work is prolific and impactful. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and books on collaborative governance, public health policy, nonprofit management, and African governance. His recent publication, Collaborative Governance Primer: An Antidote to Solving Complex Public Problems (Springer, 2024), exemplifies his role as a pioneering voice in tackling multifaceted social challenges through cross-sector engagement. Additionally, his scholarship features prominently in global encyclopedias and international conferences, with a focus on HIV/AIDS governance, women’s health in Africa, and sustainable development strategies.
Beyond academia, Dr. Agbodzakey has held influential leadership positions within some of the most respected professional organizations in public administration. He served as President (2020–2021) and President-Elect (2019–2020) of the Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA), where he led executive and board meetings, shaped national conference agendas, and oversaw programmatic development. He was also a member of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) National Council and Executive Committee, contributing to high-level strategic decisions for the organization. As Vice Chair and former Chair of the ASPA Section on African Public Administration’s Fundraising Committee, he has played a pivotal role in resource mobilization for academic and global engagement.
Dr. Agbodzakey’s board service reflects his dedication to urban equity, social mobility, and inclusive development. He is a long-standing Board Member of NASPAA’s Urban-Serving Universities Section and an Advisory Committee Member of the African American Leadership Institute in Dallas-Fort Worth. These roles have enabled him to bridge academia and community, particularly in addressing health disparities, food insecurity, digital literacy, and economic opportunity in underserved regions.
As Director of the Urban SERCH Institute, Dr. Agbodzakey has led several grant-funded initiatives aimed at improving workforce development, public safety, and nonprofit capacity. Notable examples include a $13,042 CSME Capacity Development Grant for nonprofit training and a $6,000 program evaluation grant supporting justice-involved individuals. His leadership in grant writing and research evaluation has drawn collaboration from diverse university departments and civic stakeholders.
A seasoned educator and mentor, Dr. Agbodzakey has served on multiple tenure and promotion review committees and advises students through mentorship programs like the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. His teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking and leadership in complex systems, reflected in his dynamic course offerings in public service, policy, nonprofit governance, and organizational change.
Internationally, he has contributed to policy dialogues and capacity-building efforts through fellowships, United Nations initiatives, and participation in global health symposia. Notably, his engagement with the International AIDS Society has led to over a decade of active participation in shaping global HIV/AIDS strategy and collaborative health governance models.
Throughout his career, Dr. Agbodzakey has been recognized for his contributions with accolades such as the Gwendolyn Bullock-Smith Public Service Award (2024), Chester A. Newland Presidential Citation of Merit by ASPA (2021), and Outstanding Faculty Award from UNT Dallas Graduate School (2023). His impact continues to expand across continents, disciplines, and generations of public service leaders.
In sum, Dr. James Agbodzakey exemplifies the fusion of scholarship, leadership, and service. Through his tireless advocacy, innovative research, and institutional stewardship, he continues to redefine what it means to lead in public administration and collaborative governance—locally and globally.
Character
James Agbodzakey exemplifies integrity, perseverance, and service-driven leadership through his decades-long commitment to public administration, academic excellence, and community impact, always guided by a deep sense of equity and purpose.
Knowledge
With an extensive academic background including a Ph.D. in Public Administration and ongoing studies in global health at Yale, James possesses a rare depth and breadth of expertise in collaborative governance, public policy, nonprofit management, and international development.
Strategic
James consistently demonstrates a visionary ability to align interdisciplinary partnerships, secure funding, and design impactful initiatives that address complex societal challenges across public health, education, and workforce development.
Communication
Through dynamic teaching, prolific writing, and international presentations, James communicates with clarity, passion, and cultural awareness, effectively engaging diverse stakeholders and inspiring informed action in both academic and civic arenas.
