Fall 2023

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Visionary leadership

A Q&A with RaJade M. Berry-James, incoming President of NASPAA

This interview was condensed and edited for clarity by TIFFANY MURRAY-ROBERTSON

Dr. RaJade M. Berry-James, the senior associate dean of faculty and academic affairs at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University and elected president for the 2023-24 term of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), brings over 30 years of dedication to public administration, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and education. Her achievements include $1,130,000 in research grants to support vulnerable populations, the creation of innovative graduate courses in social equity, and numerous awards for pedagogy and mentoring. A two-time chair of the NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA), Dr. Berry-James’s leadership accredited the first international programs and initiated COPRA’s first diversity policy. Her unparalleled service exemplifies her commitment to advancing public administration worldwide.

Q: Dr. Berry-James, congratulations on being elected as the incoming President of NASPAA by the organization’s membership. What vision do you bring to NASPAA under your upcoming leadership?

A: Thank you. My vision for NASPAA under my leadership is to bridge the gap between academic research and practical action for social change. It’s about bringing to life the core values of NASPAA, such as diversity, inclusion, and social equity, by making them actionable.

Q: How do you plan to engage the membership in achieving this vision?

A: Engaging the membership requires open communication, active listening, and a willingness to take on broad new ideas and perspectives. It’s about working with people who are on the ground, understanding their needs and challenges, and then creating a dialogue to address those needs.

Q: What is the key characteristic that you feel will be most necessary for your success?

A: I believe resilience is a key characteristic that will be most necessary for my success. There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, but the capacity to recover quickly, adapt, and keep moving forward is crucial.

Q: As a distinguished academic and public servant, how do you see the role of education in advancing equity and justice in society?

A: Education is a powerful tool for advancing equity and justice. It provides a pathway for upward mobility, it enlightens individuals about their rights and responsibilities, and it fosters empathy and understanding among diverse groups. As educators, our role is to empower students with knowledge and skills that enable them to be drivers of social change.

Q: As the incoming president of NASPAA, how do you plan to address the increasing demand for diversity, equity, and inclusion in public affairs education?

A: We plan to leverage the collective power of our members to challenge and change systemic biases in public affairs education. We want to create an environment where every student feels valued and is given equal opportunities to succeed. This requires a multipronged approach that includes policy changes, cultural shifts, and continuous education.

Q: You mentioned the significance of practical action for social change. Could you discuss a specific project or initiative you’ve been involved with that best represents this approach? How might you apply lessons from that experience to initiatives at NASPAA?

A: I believe in engaged scholarship through research, teaching, and service. Collaborating with community partners offers promising practices that solve the problems we all face. During my time as a research associate at the University of Akron Institute for Health and Social Policy in Ohio, I honed the art of community-engaged practice. Working closely with my research assistants, I collaborated with health and juvenile justice professionals to secure grants, initiate programs, and evaluate outcomes. Together with practitioners, we worked to strengthen the community and enhance the quality of life for its members. Our combined efforts focused on addressing social issues, fortifying public services, and creating a meaningful impact on society.

Q: One of your key leadership characteristics you’ve mentioned is resilience. Could you share an instance from your past where you had to exhibit this trait? How did that experience shape your approach to leadership?

A: My dissertation research centered on the implementation of affirmative action, specifically the vital role of affirmative action officers in higher education. The study examined factors affecting equitable outcomes, barriers hindering social change, and leadership characteristics. These officers had to show courage, commitment, and consciousness to work effectively on college campuses. Their efforts in advancing equity were influenced by the campus climate and political determination to enhance diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. In both campus and community work, my focus is on progressing people, policies, and practices toward cultural competence. I aim to move from a state of incompetence to cultural proficiency, concentrating on the attributes that promote cultural awareness and foster social equity. As a professor of public administration, I’ve created award-winning courses blending social equity, cultural competence, and program evaluation. Despite often being the only woman of color present, I am unwavering in my commitment to racial equity and the eradication of racism through my work and leadership.

Q: As NASPAA seeks to expand its global reach, can you share your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities presented by such international collaborations? How does the potential to impact international policy frameworks align with your vision for NASPAA?

A: As President, I’m eager to promote the ideal of public service globally. I’m honored to follow the lead of distinguished public sector giants whose impact strengthens NASPAA’s ideals. Together with the NASPAA Executive Council and the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation, I will work to enhance our brand and engage with institutional members, both domestically and internationally. Our joint efforts are aimed at recruiting a diverse group of students for careers in state, local, and federal government service. As NASPAA engaged scholars, we’re dedicated to addressing grand challenges in public administration. Through our scholarship and engaged practices, we strive to create practical knowledge to solve universal problems and implement breakthrough approaches with a meaningful global impact.