As colleges and universities across the country prepare for a generational transition in academic leadership, schools of public service are investing in the next generation of deans and directors.

RaJade Berry-James, Ph.D., professor and senior associate dean in Virginia Commonwealth University's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, has been selected for the Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service program, a national initiative that identifies and prepares emerging academic leaders for senior leadership roles in public affairs education.

Founded in 2022 by the Deans Summit and supported by the Volcker Alliance, the program was created to expand racial and ethnic diversity among leaders in schools of public service while building a national network of scholars prepared to step into dean and director positions. Participants are nominated by colleagues in recognition of their leadership potential and spend the academic year participating in mentoring, leadership development and networking with experienced academic leaders from across the country.

"Being selected for the Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service program at this stage of my career is both a profound honor and a timely catalyst," Berry-James said. "After spending decades in public higher education mentoring students and faculty, this opportunity gives me the chance to continue growing as a leader while helping shape the future of public affairs education."

Over the course of the year, participants engage in one-on-one mentoring, virtual leadership modules, office hours and in-person networking at major conferences, including NASPAA, APPAM and ASPA. Program sessions explore topics such as balancing the competing demands of academic leadership, developing a leadership voice and preparing for the transition from faculty member to dean or director.

For Berry-James, the opportunity builds on a career dedicated to strengthening public affairs education through scholarship, faculty development and institutional leadership. Her work has advanced graduate education, social equity and evaluation research while mentoring students, faculty and practitioners and securing external support for community-based research initiatives.

"Public affairs education is ultimately about preparing leaders to serve their communities," Berry-James said. "This program provides an opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from across the country, strengthen executive leadership skills and explore how our institutions can better connect rigorous scholarship with meaningful community impact."

Berry-James's selection also reflects the Wilder School's longstanding commitment to developing leaders who strengthen public institutions through teaching, scholarship and service.

"As I look ahead, I believe the next generation of academic leaders will need to combine resilience with an unwavering commitment to equity," Berry-James said. "The most effective leaders will build inclusive institutions, make thoughtful, data-informed decisions and cultivate workplaces that inspire people to serve the public good."

The Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service program begins this academic year and includes leadership development, mentoring and collaborative learning opportunities with current deans and directors from schools of public service across the country.