News

Wilder School faculty honored with Inaugural NIRA for distinguished contributions

From left to right: David Webber, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness; RaJade Berry-James, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs; Susan Gooden, Ph.D., Dean of the Wilder School; and Michael Rao, Ph.D., President of Virginia Commonwealth University, gather to celebrate the inaugural National/International Recognition Awards (NIRA).

The Wilder School is proud to announce that two of our esteemed faculty members, Drs. RaJade Berry-James and David Webber, have been honored with Virginia Commonwealth University's first-ever National/International Recognition Awards (NIRA). This prestigious award is a testament to their outstanding contributions to public service and defense-related research, highlighting their impact both nationally and internationally.

A Closer Look at Our Awardees

RaJade Berry-James, Ph.D., renowned for her dedication to public administration, has made significant strides in national and international service. Her influential roles include serving as a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, chairing the Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance, and leading as president of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Additionally, Dr. Berry-James actively contributes to the Partnership for Public Service Research Advisory Council and the ASPA H. George Frederickson Center for Social Equity Advisory Committee. Her commitment to advancing public service education is unparalleled.

David Webber, Ph.D., from the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program, has been recognized for his groundbreaking research in defense-related public policy. His roles as a co-primary investigator on projects funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, a consultant on significant defense department grants, and a presenter at the John McCain Institute's Prevention Practitioners Fall Symposium underscore his contributions to national security. Dr. Webber's rigorous review work for prestigious journals and the National Institute of Justice further cements his status as a key figure in shaping our approach to homeland security.

A Word From Our Dean

"In recognizing Drs. Berry-James and Webber with the NIRA, we highlight the exceptional caliber of our faculty and their contributions to critical fields of study. Their achievements reflect the Wilder School's commitment to excellence and innovation in addressing complex public and international challenges," said Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., Dean of the Wilder School. "We are incredibly proud of their work, which not only elevates our institution but also sets a global benchmark for research and public service."

Join Us in Celebration

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Drs. Berry-James and Webber for their remarkable achievements. Their dedication and impact are inspirations to us all, embodying the spirit of the Wilder School's mission to foster leadership, research, and service that transcends boundaries and transforms societies.