Nexus Center

Yetunde Odugbesan

Director, Office of Community & Civic Engagement Email Greenley Hall

Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Ph.D., is the Director of the Nexus Office of Community and Civic Engagement and Professor of Global Affairs and Politics at Farmingdale State College (FSC). At FSC, she assumes a pivotal role in spearheading institution-wide initiatives dedicated to fostering community and civic engagement between the campus community and industry leaders, government entities, and civil society. She is also the Co-Chair of the Carnegie Community Engagement Committee. As a faculty member in the History, Politics and Geography department, Dr. Yetunde teaches courses on Comparative Politics, Women in Comparative Political Development, Imperialism, Global Politics, African Politics, American Foreign Policy and others.  She is a pracademic who has extensive practitioner and academic based experience in global affairs, higher education, and organizational leadership. She is a four time author, global speaker and lends her time and talent serving on various philanthropic and advocacy boards.

 

Dr. Yetunde's area of research expertise are counter-corruption studies, human security, good governance and knowledge-based economies that drive innovation and sustainability. She was recently awarded a four year tenure as a Fulbright Specialist Scholar in the Fulbright Program under the U.S. Department of State. As recognition of her contribution and impact in the field of higher education, civic and community engagement and international affairs, Dr. Yetunde was inducted into Rutgers University African-American Hall of Fame Class of 2021. In addition, her work thus far has been inscribed on a paver at Rutgers University Paul Robeson Plaza, a historic tribute to Rutgers University most distinguished alumnus. In addition she is the recipient of the 2023 Presidential CARES (Commendation & Recognition for Excellence in Service) Award which honors members of the Farmingdale State community whose efforts and achievements demonstrate an exemplary commitment to the college community, service beyond what is considered a normal part of one's job description, and an attitude of caring and selflessness. 

Courses Taught

African Politics
Women in Comparative Political Development

Global Politics

Introduction to Politics

Introduction to Comparative Politics

Imperialism: A Modern History

American Foreign Relations

 

Education

  • Ph.D, Global Affairs (Global Affairs), Rutgers University , 2017
  • MSc, Global Affairs (Global Affairs, International Law), Rutgers University , 2012
  • BA, Journalism (Journalism and Media Studies), Rutgers University, 2009 – cum Laude

Certificates & Licensures

  • Applied Political Leadership, New Leaders Council, 05/12/2011
  • Applied Politics & Government , Eagleton Institute of Politics, 05/28/2013
  • International Relations and Business, United Nations Worldview Institute, 06/11/2011
  • U.S. Public Policy: Social, Economic and Foreign Relations, Harvard University , 04/26/2020

Publications

  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, George Floyd: A reflection of a global problem, The Guardian, 2022.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, The Balance Guide: Quotes and Affirmations on Living a Balanced Life, : KDP (2020).
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Yetunde. Soro Soke: The Youths Have Spoken, The Guardian, 2020.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan, Where is the money?, The Guardian, 2020.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Government’s essential item: humans, The Guardian, 2020.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Balance: Balancing Life, Love, Family, Career and the Pursuit of Your Dreams, : Kindle Direct Publishing (2020).
  • Yetunde Odugbesan, Sexual Exploitation of Students, The Guardian, 2019.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan, When a leader lacks self awareness, , 2019.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Human insecurity: a global vulnerability., The Guardian, 2019.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan, Empowerment manifesto: A call to power., The Guardian, 2019.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, COVID-19 and its rude awakening, The Guardian, 2019.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, Empathy in Politics, The Guardian, 2019.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, The Hidden Truth Why Women Limit Their Dreams, The Guardian, 2018.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, Lead It Forward: The Ripple Effect, The Guardian, 2018.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, Millennium Policy Institute Gender Equity Report., commissioned by Millennium Policy Institute, 2018.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, A Fleet of transactional leaders are controlling our governments, The Guardian, 2018.
  • Yetunde Odugbesa-Omede, World Bank: Let’s stop reducing the girl-child to a dollar amount, , 2018.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan, Equal Pay: Gender wage disparities still plague women of all education levels, even in the world’s most developed nations, commissioned by Millennium Policy Institute Commission on Gender Equity, 2018.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan, Godfatherism in Africa: Do women and young people stand a chance to lead?, The Guardian, 2018.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, You have to first see it in yourself, The Guardian, 2018.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Everything begins with a vision, The Guardian, 2018.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan, Social justice cannot be achieved without ethical leadership, The Guardian, 2018.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Human beings are not machines, The Guardian, 2018.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan, To be successful you must learn how to manage and lead, The Guardian, 2017.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Leadership is knowing when its time to pass the baton, The Guardian, 2017.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan, Responsibility to protect youths, The Guardian, 2017.
  • Yetunde Odugbesan, Lead from within, The Guardian, 2017.
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, Young Woman's Guide, : (2014).
  • Yetunde A. Odugbesan, A Call to Serve: Quotes on Public Service., : School of Public Affairs and Administration. Rutgers University. (2009).
  • Yetunde A. OdugbesanGuest Editor, ed., Public Performance & Management Review: PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGEMENT, TRUST, PERFORMANCE, AND PARTICIPATION: A Citizens Survey and National Assessment in the United States, 34(2).
  • Yetunde A. OdugbesanGuest Editor, ed., Public Performance & Management Review: SYSTEMIC BIAS IN FEDERAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS: Does Hierarchy Trump a Performance Management Process?, 34(1).
  • Yetunde A. OdugbesanGuest Editor, ed., Public Performance & Management Review: NETWORK PERFORMANCE AND COORDINATION: A Theoretical Review and Framework, 34(3).
  • Yetunde OdugbesanGuest Editor, ed., Public Performance & Management Review: MEDIATING ACCOUNTABILITY: How Nonprofit Funding Intermediaries Use Performance Measurement and Why It Matters for Governance, 33(4).
  • Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, Mentorship without empathy causes more harm than good, ,.
  • Yetunde A. OdugbesanGuest Editor, ed., Public Performance & Management Review: COLLABORATIVE NETWORK MANAGEMENT FOR URBAN REVITALIZATION: The Business Improvement District Model, 33(3).
  • Yetunde A. OdugbesanGuest Editor, ed., Public Performance and Management Review: LEGISLATING RESULTS: Examining the Legal Foundations of PBB Systems in the States, 33(2,2).

Awards & Honors

  • 2021 Rutgers University African-American Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee, 2021.
  • Fulbright Specialist Scholar, Fulbright Program, 2021.
  • 2021, Consulate of Nigeria in New York Certificate of Excellence in Service and Leadership, 2021.
  • 2020, Global Top 100 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent in the area of Politics and Governance, MIPAD, 2020.
  • 2019, Forbes Leadership and Policy Award, 2019.
  • 2019, Farmingdale State College, Phenomenal Woman Award, 2019.
  • 2019, Brains and Banter: Politics & Equity, London School of Economics and Political Science, 2019.
  • 2018, JCI 2018 TOPY Academic Leadership Nomination, 2018.
  • 2018, Social Justice Distinguished Scholar Award, Farmingdale State College,.
  • 2017, Mayors Office City of Newark, Humanitarian Award in recognition of excellent achievement and to the development of the Nigerian Community,.
  • 2017, Farmingdale State College SGA, Appreciation of Service Award,.
  • 2016, Leader of the Year- CNBC Africa/AABLA,.
  • 2016, Uncrowned Community Builders Award,.
  • 2016, World of Difference Award, The International Alliance for Women, Washington DC,.
  • 2015, Influential African Woman Recognition, Ebony Life TV,.
  • 2015, Leading Woman Recognition-Business Day Nigeria,.
  • 2008, Governor Jon S. Corzine Academic & Research Achievement Award, 2008.
  • 2023 FSC Presidential CARES (Commendation & Recognition for Excellence in Service) Award, August 23, 2023 - August 23, 2023.
Last Modified 2/2/22