Dr. Nancy Gordon

Areas of Expertise

• Leadership (theory and practice), organizational behavior, whole system strategic change and transition planning, cross-cultural awareness, intra and interpersonal communication skills, policy alignment with equitable procedures and processes

Education

• B.A. in international relations and sociology, Elmira College (1967)
• M.A. in international relations, American University (1969)
• Ed.D. in administration, planning and social policy, Harvard University (1990)

What's My Why?

I believe in the power of education as a force for change and transformation. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with students and witnessing their growth and development. Through my education and professional experiences, I use an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, learning and research. This approach is founded upon my belief that we need to reframe leadership studies and to train leaders who can skillfully meet today’s challenges throughout all sectors, disciplines, arenas and professions.

Professional Experience

In 2024, I completed my service as chair of the Department of Counselor Education and Expressive Arts. For the past decade, I focused upon leading my department and teaching graduate students. I joined the Department of Business and Economics in fall 2024 and am deeply involved in Salve's Leading with Mercy program, now in its fourth year. My research, professional focus and passion center around understanding how to lead organizations, groups and people toward more inclusive and effective practices and policies that match values, vision, mission, purpose and strategies. Previously, my husband and I co-owned a small proprietorship that assisted people, groups and organizations to function more effectively and fully.

Media Coverage

Amir Ghannad. The Transformative Leader Podcast (TTLP 054, 2019). "The Study and Practice of Holistic Leadership" - An Interview with Nancy Gordon. The Ghannad Group.

Bruce Langford. The Mindfulness Mode Podcast. (458, 9/1/2-19). "Planetary Change Through Leadership" - Dr. Nancy Gordon.

Selected Publications

O’Toole, Laura L., Gordon, Nancy E., and Jessica L. Walsh. From mission to praxis in neighborhood work: lessons learned from a three-year faculty/community development initiative. In Handbook on Participatory Action Research and Community Development. (2022, Ch.10:180-198). Stoeker, Randy and Falcon, Adrienne (editors). Edward Elgar Publishing.

Gordon, N. (2013). Women and Leadership: An Integrative Focus on Equality. Journal of Interdisciplinary Feminist Thought (Vol.7, I).