Al Bavon

Al Bavon Portrait
Professor of Public Administration
(501) 683-5218
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Dr. Al Bavon is a Professor of Public Administration at the Clinton School of Public Service, where he teaches core courses in Program Planning and Development, Data Analysis, and Program Evaluation.

Dr. Bavon’s research focuses on the intersection of program management, development, evaluation, and public service. He has an extensive publication record, and his research interests include international development, health, and the environment. He has completed numerous grant-funded projects and evaluations for a wide variety of initiatives, including court-based drug programs, obesity prevention, and community-based arts initiatives. He also has focused research on public service issues in his home country of Ghana and recently completed a textbook on program planning and development.

Prior to joining academia, Dr. Bavon served the State of Florida for 10 years in various capacities, including program management, policy analysis, and program evaluation. This extensive experience in performance measurement and monitoring informs both his teaching and his high-level consulting work for organizations such as the Arkansas Department of Health, and various state and local municipalities.

Dr. Bavon previously served as the Chair of the Department of Policy Studies at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and as the coordinator of the doctoral program at the University of North Texas.

He holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, both from Florida State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Ghana, Legon. His professional affiliations include the American Evaluation Association and the American Society for Public Administration, and he serves as a site visitor for the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

  • Ph.D., Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University 
  • M.S.P., Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University 
  • B.A., Geography, University of Ghana

  • Research Areas
    • Environment
    • Health
    • International Development
    • Performance Management
    • Program Development and Evaluation
    • Strategic Planning
  • Peer-reviewed Articles
    • Bavon, A. 2014. Preparing African public administrators for development management: Student learning outcomes assessment for performance improvement. Journal of Public Affairs Education 20(4): 487-498.
    • Reeves, C.; Bavon, A; Boateng, A.; Currington, W.; and O’Leary-Kelly, A. 2013. Lessons Learned From C-SPs Targeting the BOP: Business, Government, NGO, and University Experiences. Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings 1(1). DOI: 10.5465/aomafr.2012.0265. 
    • Bavon, A. 2010. Improving Evaluation Capacity in Ghana’s Public Enterprises: Issues and Challenges. African Social Science Review, 4 (1): 18-34.
    • Bavon, A. and Standerfer, C. 2010. The Effect of the 1997 Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law on Motorcycle Crash Fatalities and Injuries. Southern Medical Journal. 103(1): 7-11.
    • Bavon, A. 2006. Comments on the “Use of Constituent Focus Groups for More Effective Program Planning and Management: A Case Study of the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund.” Public Performance & Management Review, 30(1): 124-126.
    • Amankwaa, A; Bavon, A.; and Nkansah, P. 2003. “Rural-Urban Migration and its effect on infant and child mortality in Ghana.” African Population Studies, 18 (2): 1-26.
    • Amankwaa, A; Bavon, A.; and Amankwaa, L. 2002. “Gaps Between HIV/AIDS Policies and Treatment in Correctional Facilities: The Public Health Impact of Underestimating HIV Infections in Prisons.” Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 24 (2) 197-231
    • Bavon, A. 2001. “The Effect of the Tarrant County Drug Court Project on Recidivism.” Evaluation and Program Planning, 24: 13-22.
    • Bavon, A. 2000.  “Occupational Health and Safety in Ghana: An Agenda for Reform..” African Social Science Review. 1(1): 40-51.
    • Bavon, A. 1999. “The Impact of Motor Vehicle Inspection Program in Texas.” Forum of the Association for Arid Lands Studies. 15(1):10-18.
    • Bavon, A. 1999. “The Use of Impairment Rating Systems in Workers’ Compensation.” Journal of Public Management and Social Policy. 5(1): 37-51.Bavon, A. 1998. “Does Ownership Matter?: Comparing the Performance of Public and Private Enterprises in Ghana.” Journal of Developing Areas. 33(1): 53-72.
  • Book

  • Policy and Program Reports
    • Bavon, A. 2018. Arkansas Flex Program Evaluation Report.
    • Bavon, A. 2017. UA Little Rock Children International Situation Analysis Final Report.
    • Bavon, A. 2016. Arkansas Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Plan.
    • Bavon, A. 2016. Arkansas Flex Program Evaluation Report.
    • Bavon, A. 2013, Evaluation Report: McLarty Global Fellows/Vital Voices Program in Ghana.
    • Bavon, A. 2013. Evaluation Report: The City of North Little Rock Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) Physical Activity Program.
    • Bavon, A. 2012. Evaluation Report: Arkansas Drug Court Program.
    • Bavon, A. Eileen Resnik, Michael McPherson, Joseph Oppong, and Mitch Land. AFPD Professional Internship Program (The COMESA Program) Final Report Prepared for: Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 301 4th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20520, Contract No. S-LMAQM-01-H-0135. November 2002.
    • Bavon, A. Town of New Hope, Texas Comprehensive Plan. Final Report. December 2002.
    • Bavon, A. City of Cuney, Texas Comprehensive Plan. Final Report. December 2000.
    • Bavon, A. The Tarrant County DIRECT Project Evaluation: Final Report. October 23, 1999.
    • Bavon, A. City of Lake Dallas Comprehensive Plan. July 1999.

  • Capstone Proposal
  • Capstone Project
  • Program Planning and Development
  • Seminar in Program Evaluation