The Clinton School of Public Service is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Meagan M. Jordan as its new Associate Dean. A Little Rock native, Jordan brings with her an extensive background in public service education, strategic leadership, and a commitment to advancing academic excellence.
Jordan joins the Clinton School from Old Dominion University, where she served as an Associate Professor in the School of Public Service.
With more than 25 years of experience in academia, Jordan has a proven track record of enhancing educational programs and fostering an environment conducive to both faculty research and student success.
As Graduate Program Director, she was instrumental in the transformation of Old Dominion’s Ph.D. program in Public Administration and Policy, leading the shift from a traditional face-to-face model to a hybrid, synchronous online format. Under her leadership, program applications increased significantly, enrollment doubled, and the quality of student applicants improved.
“Meagan’s wealth of experience and dedication to public service leadership make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said Dean Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto. “Her vision aligns with our mission to support student achievement and promote innovative research in a rapidly evolving academic landscape.”
Prior to Old Dominion, Jordan spent 13 years at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she held a faculty position in the Institute of Government. During her time at UALR, she made significant contributions to the Master of Public Administration program and was a key figure in the planning and curriculum development for the Clinton School during its formative years.
Her leadership at UALR included spearheading revisions to the Capstone process for MPA students, resulting in increased graduation rates and improved student outcomes.
Jordan’s academic interests focus on local government budgeting, state and local revenue policy, public fiscal transparency, and more recently, budget equity. She has published extensively, with more than two dozen peer-reviewed articles and co-authored a book, “Teaching Public Budgeting and Finance: A Practical Guide.”
In addition to her academic achievements, Jordan has been recognized for her administrative success. During her tenure at Old Dominion University, she chaired multiple faculty search committees, led efforts in program accreditation, and played a key role in faculty mentoring, particularly in the areas of research and teaching.
Jordan has also held leadership positions with the Association for Budgeting & Financial Management (ABFM) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
“I am honored to join the Clinton School of Public Service and excited to work alongside such a talented group of faculty, staff, and students,” said Jordan. “From the School’s inception, I have been inspired by its mission, and now I am also inspired by its growth and accomplishments. I look forward to advancing the ongoing efforts to ensure academic excellence and community engagement at the Clinton School.”
Jordan holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a B.A. in Economics from Austin College.
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