By Aron Smith
Jackson State University Administrator Gloria Billingsly, Ph.D., interim chair, Department of Public Policy and Administration, was appointed chairperson of the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) for the 2023-2024 academic year by The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
“I’m excited I have a Ph.D. in public administration from Jackson State University, and this achievement provides me with the opportunity to place Jackson State on a national and international stage,” said Billingsley. “This offers a unique opportunity to showcase who we really are.”
COPRA is the accreditation body for master’s degree programs in public service, acknowledged by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It accredits over 200 programs in eleven countries worldwide.
With over two decades of teaching experience, Billingsley’s influence is not confined to the classroom.
Before becoming interim department chair, she was a project director for federally funded initiatives to create community partnerships and coalitions for substance abuse prevention.
“I want to first focus on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA) plan and its core of NASPAA and COPRA to develop strategies that are dedicated to making a positive impact despite having limited resources in environments that are viewed as reverse discrimination, she said.
As a COPRA and NASPAA administrator, Billingsley will help shape the strategic course of NASPAA accreditation and guide the 14-member board.
Billingsley’s experience in uniting and utilizing diverse backgrounds, disciplines, cultures, and generations goes beyond her proficiency in collaborative leadership.
A distinguished scholar with publications in various academic journals, her research topics include public management and governance, the Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Administration Quarterly, National Political Science Review, race, gender, class, and more.
“My life’s mission has always been to reflect the favor of God and serve as a testament to what can happen no matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter if you come from Mississippi. It doesn’t matter if you’re from an HBCU. He will make room for your gifts,” Billingsley said.
A native of Mississippi, Billingsley received her B.S., MBA, and Ph.D. in public administration from Jackson State University.