Seeking your vote for ASPA's National Council District I Representative
VOTE
Malcolm K. Oliver, Ph.D.,
ASPA National Council
District I Representative
Experienced, Innovative, Progressive
Strong Public Service Education Leadership
Reasons to Vote for Malcolm
# 1
Experienced
Malcolm K. Oliver, Ph.D., currently serves as Dean for the John S. Watson School of Public Service at Thomas Edison State University. The Watson School serves over 400 adult learners in masters, bachelors and associate degree programs delivered online and designed to support practitioners in the public and nonprofit sectors. Dr. Oliver previously served as Associate Dean for Excelsior College’s School of Graduate Studies, which enrolls over 2,000 nontraditional learners in 7 online master’s degree programs. Dr. Oliver has also served as Director for Master of Public Policy and Administration programs at California Lutheran University, National Louis University and at The College of New Rochelle. Prior to higher education, Dr. Oliver served public agencies in California and Texas as a city planner, where the importance of educating the community about governmental operations and regulations became a passion that led to his career in higher education.
# 2
Innovative
Technology has impacted the social, economic, and political realities of our nation. Public service education must be responsive to technological change, by adopting and incorporating the use of instructional technology into the delivery of timely and meaningful educational experiences. This will ensure that our students can receive the training they need to address the challenges of the twenty-first century while balancing work, family, and educational responsibilities. As a member of ASPA´s Executive Council, I´ll serve as a voice for innovative educational practices to support the continual training of our public and nonprofit sector professionals.
# 3
Progressive
The Latin root of government is "to steer," which remains the government's primary function as it guides society progressively forward in addressing critical challenges. Today, COVID-19, economic stagnation, racial injustice, and climate change are the greatest threats facing our nation. Public administration plays a vital role, and the education we provide needs to support our practitioners as they address these challenges. As a member of ASPA´s Executive Council, I will work with academic programs, public agencies, and nonprofits to ensure structures are in place to continually assess responsiveness to member needs during this time of rapid social, economic and political transformation.
Active in the Community:
Links Theory with Practice
Creates Opportunity:
Brings Learners Together
Prepares Students for the Global Economy
Prepares Students to Effectively Serve
Dr. Malcolm Oliver is an exceptional human being, educator, and mentor to many. As a former student, I witnessed first hand the dedication and inspiration he embodies. He drives an inherently deep message with his lectures and builds confidence in everyone he touches. His leadership is only matched by his passion and true commitment to making the world a better place for all.
April Watkins, MPA (2015), Managing Director of Workforce Development, GMHC
When I worked as the Deputy City Manager/HR Director for the City of New Rochelle, I was interviewed by several of Dr. Oliver's students. They were conducting research in local government administration. The students were engaged and asked good questions. After the interview, they suggested that I meet Dr. Oliver. I followed up and called Dr. Oliver, who invited me to chat with him about local government and the MPA Program. He asked me to speak to a class and shortly thereafter he offered me an Adjunct Professor position at the college.
As a first-time college instructor, Dr. Oliver provided an excellent overview and framework for teaching. He led by example and was always available to answer any questions I had. One of his main concerns was preparing students to use and integrate the things they were learning in the classroom to the real world. He wanted them to be viable in government agencies, businesses, and non-profits.
Dr. Oliver is proactive and a forward thinker. He helped broaden the perspective of students by facilitating exciting experiential learning opportunities. He took several classes overseas to Africa and Europe. These experiences undoubtedly impacted the perspective of students, making them more well-rounded and better equipped to compete in our global economy. Another hallmark of Dr. Oliver's guidance and the MPA Curriculum he designed was the use of collaborative assignments to build personal and professional management capacity. Dr. Oliver provided a foundation and platform for students to excel in public service administration.
Omar T. Smalls, MPA (2011), Village Administrator, Pelham, NY.
Dr. Oliver you are very passionate about paying it forward. You are always very kind, patient, helpful and you truly care about your profession, the communities you serve and your students! Thank you for providing me with a great educational experience! I always enjoyed having you as a professor and I appreciate how approachable you are. It means a lot that you are very thoughtful and your consistent of checking in with how things are going, because of you I am better prepared to face the challenges that may arise when servicing my community. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Ann Clarke, MPA (2017), Program Coordinator Virology, NYC Health + Hospital Corporation
Dr. Oliver is intelligent he has taught me the fundamentals needed for me to be very successful in my career I’m so thankful God bless Dr. Oliver.
Aesha McNeil. MPA (2014), Human Resources Director, New Life Health Care
Dr. Oliver is selfless and a builder bringing change to everywhere he has been. His mentorship and training has given me the tools that is needed for my everyday work in better serving the public.
The rapidly changing world requires collaboration between educators, employees and employers in fashioning out workable solutions to the make challenges confronting public service.
Divine Selasie Sikanku, MPA (2017), Registrar Co-ordinator, Baruch College, City University of New York
Dr. Oliver is a dedicated leader, educator and strategist. I admire his inspiring instruction and dedication to civil service. Dr. Oliver is extremely enthusiastic about education, mentorship, and student success. His instruction links theory to practice, and provides relevant real-world examples through case studies, field trips, and experiential education. Further, his compassion and empathy contributes to a positive classroom climate. I appreciate how Dr. Oliver challenged me to think critically and introspectively about real-world issues. His course served as the foundation for my interest in public service.
Jonelle Ward. MHA (2014), PhD Candidate, Gerontology, McMaster University
I can honestly say that my MPA education under Dr. Oliver and his colleagues at The College of New Rochelle more than prepared me to work in the nonprofit sector. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Oliver and all of his colleagues under his command at CNR who were extremely supportive, sympathetic, empathetic and honest. I was able to complete my education despite my personal adversities because of their support.
Shawn J. Nixon, MPA (2017) US Army Veteran
Dr. Oliver is one of the most inspirational and dynamic professors I've encountered. He places emphasis on the person in the profession, the student in the class, and the citizen in the world.
I traveled to Brazil with his trip and learned an extensive amount about public service in a local municipality with an engaging curriculum; that experience made an everlasting impression on my academic career.
I'm currently working in administration and operations in higher education. I believe his passion for public administration played a strong role in me pursuing higher education as a field of study and career.
Damien A. Germino, MPA (2017), Administration and Operations, Mercy College
Dr. Oliver has always encouraged my forward thinking and supported my passion for community engagement. I have been able to serve within the private and public sectors and to volunteer within the community.
The education that I received under his guidance has allowed me to run for office as a board trustee, lobby for many causes in Albany, create viable programs within my community and advocate for justice with other community leaders. I subsequently taught within the same program that I earned my MPA degree.
Dr. Oliver is a natural leader and will lead with grace, vision, and purpose.
Andrea Fobbs, MPA (2015), Adjunct Instructor, Work Readiness Instructor & Trainer, The Hope Program, Bronx Community College
The MPA degree, coupled with my nonprofit background, equipped me with the skills necessary to add value from day one and to effect true change within the communities we serve.
Tammy Griffith, MPA (2017), Curriculum Planning & Development / Course Instructor, Nonprofit Sector
Dr. Oliver is an extremely enthusiastic and experienced professional who is also very supportive.
Dawn V. Martin, MPA (2019), Counseling and Public Advocacy
Thanks for all you do for your students!
Anike Elegbe, MPA 2016, Sales Management
Dr. Oliver is the candidate to bring communities together for the greater good. He also provides the type of training needed to effectively support public and nonprofit sector officials.
Darlene Moore, MPA (2015), Case Manager, St. Joseph's Medical Center
Dr. Oliver is a very forward-thinking professor. He consistently forced us to ask the hard questions about organizations, public and nonprofit, and how to make them better. He taught us how to draw from our strengths and improve on our weaknesses.
We were also privileged to do study-travel to Cape Town ZA to study international governmental administration in both the public and nonprofit organizations. The cultural differences of problem-solving and critical thinking about improving the quality of life for those who had been marginalized through the apartheid system of South Africa gave me ideas to improve race relations here in America. This course was both inspirational and thought-provoking.
I also worked at the same institution that I receive my MPA from and we did a SWOT analysis that resulted in some improvements in the administrative operations. This showed us an excellent example of a textbook becoming experiential learning. It was also insightful in understanding the complexity of institutions and how much has to be considered when trying to implement change.
The exposure to the multifaceted complexities of administration under diverse situations was a plus in our MPA program. Dr. Oliver made sure our educational experience would open doors for our future in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. I am currently applying many of those theories and techniques in my church's ministry!
Pearl M. Sullivan, MPA (2015), Minister - Administrator and Media Ministry Director, Miracle World Outreach Ministries, Inc.
I had my first graduate class ever with Dr. Oliver. It was very obvious he has a passion for government, which inspired me to make a career switch from the Non-profit side of Public Administration to Municipal Government. Lessons he taught our class about budgeting and public finance have stuck with me to this day.
Succession planning is so important and there aren't enough young people getting passionate about municipal careers, especially here in the NY Metropolitan area. Students interested in Municipal Administration would benefit from classes on issues such as Capital Planning, Contract Negotiations, and Land Use Decisions.
Alexandra (Frank) Marshall, MPA (2017), Assistant to Village Administrator
Dr. Malcolm Oliver is one of God’s glorious soldiers serving him as an educator, and mentor. As a former student, I witnessed his dedication and inspiration to challenge people to make a change, think outside the box and never settle for normal standards. Through lectures and assignments, he has been able to educate and build confidence in tomorrow’s leaders. His leadership is second to none, matched by his passion and true commitment to making the world a better place for all. I endorse him knowing that he will give 110% towards the mission.
Trenel Martin, MPA (2017), Community Coordinator, Administration of Children Services (ACS), City of New York, Veteran
As a former public administration student, I'm happy to say my educational experience has contributed to my knowledge of public service management. Working as a public service professional, I've gained the knowledge necessary to coordinate, direct, and implement government policies and programs.
Shanique Porch, MPA (2016), Athletics Coordinator, New York City Parks Department
As a Graduate Student at CNR, Dr. Oliver was welcoming and approachable. His love for academia was/is refreshing and can transfer into any career of his choosing. It is admirable he has chosen Public Service. Dr. Oliver's, ambition and passion for the improvement of our communities is a sure recipe for success. I applaud Dr. Oliver in all his endeavors and I will lend my support and knowledge of affordable housing whenever he needs it.
Mauricia Colley, MPA (2015), Senior Property Manager, Affordable Housing, HOPE Community Inc / Non-Profit.
Dr. Malcolm Oliver is an exceptional educator. His educational prowess is only surpassed by his value, passion and willingness to help his fellow man. I learned about policy development and learned to incorporate my video and audio editing skills under Dr. Oliver's tutelage providing for an incredibly powerful tool. Dr. Oliver's positive attitude leads his students to believe in what they're studying to accomplish. It is through my experience in the MPA program with Dr. Oliver that I'm confident in my ability to lead, teach and influence on a level that enables me to be successful.
Presently, I enjoy the fact that I'm crafting opportunities for minority youth to learn about policy development, project management, and advocacy. I look forward to teaching students how to use communications to advocate for policy changes and to develop messaging that will benefit their communities and people. Such programming needs as much support from public administrators, nonprofit organizations, after-school programmers, parent organizations, law enforcement organizations, and other stakeholders.
Randal Hayes, MPA (2014), M.S., Adv. Cert., Education Programmer
Creating a ripple effect to help inspire and shape future leaders by mentoring, fostering an inquisitive mindset, and seeking value-based approaches to problem-solving are key elements to strengthening the nonprofit sector.
Pela S. Terry, Ed.D., MPA (2014), Chief Quality and Compliance Officer (NPO), CRVI/ Hudson Valley (NYS).
Dr. Oliver is an instrumental educator, a motivator and a detailed oriented person. His dedication and commitment can be measured by the lives he has changed and the years he has committed to education. He has the ability to bring change from the classroom to the community. As I embodied my career, Dr. Oliver's voice echo into my mind almost daily, "facts only the facts.
Roxsand Lewis, RN, MPA (2017), Nurse Care Manager, Elderserve.
I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures given by Dr. Oliver when I was attending the College of New Rochelle. I particularly enjoyed and learned a lot through the study abroad program in Brazil, which was organized by Dr. Oliver. I had a chance to work on a comparative case study between the American public policy and the one in place in Salvador the Bahia ( Brazil).
Besides being an instructor, Dr. Oliver has been a mentor to all of us in his classes. He was a real life role model for me. He encouraged us to always give our best in our respective professional paths. Dr Oliver demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in the MPA program at the College of New Rochelle.
He definitely had a great impact in my life and contributed in growing my sense of accountability in this world.
Anic S. Sawadogo, MPA (2016), Abandoned Property Auditor, New York State Comptroller Office.
An absolutely great individual who is committed to the profession of public administration but more importantly he cares deeply about service to people. (Dr. Oliver was my Department Head Supervisor at College of New Rochelle Graduate School Public Administration).
I'm a pastor of a large urban church in one the poorest neighborhoods in the South Bronx, NY. What is needed is for professors to assist their students with making connections to urban communities of color so they have better hands on engagement with up and coming communities like mine.
Floyd R. Blair, MSE.(LIU 98) , J.D. (2000), D.Min. (candidate -Eden Theological Seminary). Senior Pastor/ Law and Public Policy, Congregational Church of North NY, Bronx, NY.
Dr. Oliver is a genuine person and deeply cares about the causes he is interested in. His commitment, sincerity, and leadership during his doctoral coursework is testament to his current professional accomplishments. His conviction and dedication to public service is inherent in the activities he undertakes.
Karabi C. Bezboruah, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Public Administration, College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington
Dr. Oliver’s passion for the field of public administration and urban affairs will be of tremendous value to any institution. As a fellow alum, I am familiar with Dr. Oliver’s scholarship interest in the field of public and urban affairs, his study abroad programs, and his invaluable service as an external examiner at the University of Cape Town.
Perhaps more importantly, Dr. Oliver enriches the educational experience of his students by placing them in the company of other students whose own experiences and background further deepen his students’ learning opportunities and outcomes. For instance, he recognizes that while study abroad is an integral component of the American college experience, minority students (particularly African-American students) however significantly lag behind in study abroad participation. Therefore, putting together unique groups of MPA students for trips to Africa have become an integral part of his teaching career.
His service to our peer-review system at the University of Cape Town as an external examiner over the years have provided a unique international perspective in public affairs for our graduate students. He is an embodiment of a true public servant.
Steven Nabieu Rogers, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director, Center for Urban Research and Public Policy
Dr. Oliver was my professor when I was a student at National-Louis University. He is truly a trailblazer as evident by his vision and progressive leadership which cultivates an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity. His candid, unequivocal, and authentic presence allowed my colleagues and I to gain confidence as public administration students.
As a professional mentee of Dr. Malcolm Oliver, I’ve received life-changing advice regarding my career trajectory. The education I received has allowed me to boldly lead at a nonprofit university. Learning how to mitigate inefficiencies, develop talented employees, and strategically pivot to meet current needs and demands were all skills that evolved as an MPA student.
India Cooley, MPA (2019), Assistant Director of Student Accounts, Adler University.
Dr. Oliver's candidacy for the ASPA District Representative is a logical "next step" in his legacy of successful involvement in local planning and community development; academic administration, teaching, writing and advising of Graduate and Undergraduate students; and, a visionary in pursuing public/private partnerships that have impact at the local level.
Dr. Oliver, Ph. D. is a "must have" resource with a results oriented focus that will help guide the ASPA into our "new normal."
Ray E. Willis. Former Director of Community Planning and Development, US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Chicago (Region 5)
The experience of being one of Dr. Oliver's students was both eye opening and continues to yield results to this day. As an immigrant, the dimensions of American public policy were new to me, so after a few classes I meet with Dr. Oliver to express my concerns. He went above and beyond to listen, and thanks to his relation and knowledge of Latin-Caribbean communities, he is able to understand the struggles and challenges I was going thru; his guidance and leadership had a great impact while going through the MPA and on my professional career.
Working as a business owner in the private sector, having a firm understanding of public policy making has been instrumentally in how I've been able to adapt while helping the local economy.
Andrew Estop, MPA (2017), President, Tobacco Export.
The MPA program built the foundation for my public leadership. Dr. Oliver inspired me to pursue leadership, take chances in my career, help me find the confidence and pair it with my skills so that I can lead in the non profit industry. Dr. Oliver imparts true leadership authenticity, top of the line skills and integrity, ethical decision making for the greater good and dedication to his mission. The art of his craft in teaching leadership stands alone and above the rest.
Dr. Oliver taught me many great valuable lessons about leadership. There is one lesson that he taught me that catapulted me from a less than mediocre position to a greater calling. He said "Lead from your heart."
Dr. Oliver has the wisdom and understanding of people and helps us leaders who stand with the broken in society, the people who need help and those that have been treated unjustly. There is a translation from my native tongue "The Riders Hands are not to control the horse but to feel the horses thoughts." He taught us something the textbooks will never teach and which is how to anticipate the future in the name of helping others. Thanks Doc! God Bless! You have the Rider's Hands!
A.M. MPA (2015). Compliance Officer
Dr. Oliver's support throughout the program was constant; he encouraged us to be the best in what we do. Dr. Oliver's individualized attention to each student was (in our program) key to the success of each of us in the program. I recommend Dr. Oliver for ASPA's Executive Council 100% because he will be a great asset to the leadership of the organization.
Alex Jose Bueno, MPA (2016). Education Administration, New York City Department of Education.
The MPA degree gave me the fuel I needed to expand my career!
Carmen, MPA (2017), Director of Enrichment Programs, BUILD (Youth Services Nonprofit).
As an Alumni of the MPA program, I found Dr. Malcolm Oliver to be a no-nonsense educator. Dr. Oliver’s passion for teaching has impacted me in many ways (and others) in our career journey. His enthusiasm for Public Administration and Public Policy emanated through his scholastic commitment to his students. He applied this same energy in his own personal, educational and career path. Dr. Oliver is the best candidate for ASPA’s Executive Council.
Viola Hamilton-Keith, MPA (2016), Administrative Associate, Board of Elections in the City of New York.
Dr. Oliver is an exceptional individual with the ability to listen, teach and guide . His dedication and professionalism helped me succeed in a field where compassion plays an important role.
Fedra Manigaulte, MPA (2016), Nursing Home Administrator.
Dr. Oliver is an influential leader with much knowledge and compassion. When I was attending his MPA program, I observed his passion and dedication to inspire others to be better than you were yesterday. I can reflect on how Dr. Oliver always made time to mentor or assist you in your journey. In addition, Dr. Oliver always expressed the importance of being a leader for your community, family and self. Dr. Oliver is an example of what a true Public Administrator should be.
Jeff Cherry, MPA (2015), Security Instructor
Contact
Thank you for your interest in my candidacy. I'd love to hear from you, so please do not hesitate to contact me.
315 W. State Street, Trenton NJ. 08618
mkoliver@
(609) 777-5642, ex. 4285