Kara L Lawrence

Dr. Kara Lawrence is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public and International Affairs. She teaches undergraduate nonprofit classes, as well as human resources and public management, in the MPA programs. Her research interests focus on nonprofit and public accountability to beneficiaries and citizens. She is interested in how organizations acquire, assess, and integrate feedback from different stakeholders. Her work has been published in the Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Nonprofit Policy Forum, the International Journal of Public Administration, Public Administration, and other outlets. She received her doctorate from NC State University and her MPA from Southern Illinois University. Her practical experience comes from working in a museum archive, public policy institute, and various NGOs and nonprofits.

Education

Ph.D. in Public Administration, NC State University
M.P.A., Southern Illinois University
M.A. in TESOL, Southern Illinois University
B.A. in Psychology from Murray State University

Specialization in Teaching

Dr. Kara Lawrence specializes in student-centered learning and develops her classes to be practical and applicable to the nonprofit and public sectors. She uses case studies, praxis assignments, partnerships with local public and nonprofit organizations, and workshops to facilitate learning, community engagement, and real-life skills.

Professional Service

Dr. Kara Lawrence is a member of various professional associations, including ARNOVA, ISTR, ISIRC, and ERNOP. She has served as a Chair of book selection committees for ARNOVA and as a moderator and volunteer work for various conferences and associations.

Community Engagement

Dr. Kara Lawrence has served a board member for a number of years in veteran-based Afghan evac NGO. She also co-founded Shinemission, a local NGO operating in rural India, providing after-school education and resources to young girls. She is also actively engaged in community -based work through various religious and nonprofit avenues.