LSUS Moodle

Welcome to NPA 734: Nonprofit Governance and Decision Making

Abdul Samad

Adjunct Professor

Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research 

Louisiana State University in Shreveport

Greetings, my name is Abdul Samad, and I am an Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research (INAR) at Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS). I will be your instructor for this course, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to teach you. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in nonprofit leadership, no matter where you are in your academic journey.

In addition to my role as an Adjunct Professor at LSUS, I serve as the Assistant Director of MPI at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. I am committed to advancing professional development within the philanthropic sector. I craft and deliver customized training programs and courses for nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, and institutions, both locally and globally. Through these endeavors, I empower individuals and organizations to optimize their impact and effectiveness in community service.

My research focuses on the intersections of philanthropy, community collaboration, nonprofit management, and civic engagement of marginalized communities. I am the author of Nonprofit Collaborations in Diverse Communities: Challenges and Opportunities in Muslim-Led Organizations, a book that explores key dynamics within nonprofit collaborations in diverse and minority-led contexts. I am a practitioner and research scholar whose work spans multiple fields. I have actively engaged and consulted with philanthropic foundations, nonprofits, and government agencies to translate research into practice. My research work has been published by prestigious outlets such as Routledge, Edward Elgar Publishing, Voluntary Sector Review, Foundation Review Journal, Journal of Public Affairs Education, and Indiana University Press.

The focus of NPA 734 is to examine the dynamics of nonprofit governance, including the roles of boards, executive directors, and volunteers, and to develop strategies for improving governance practices. This course provides practical insights and tools for analyzing nonprofit boards, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing effective decision-making frameworks.

During this course, you will engage in critical analysis and hands-on learning. You will conduct a comprehensive review of a nonprofit board's governance practices, participate in discussions on real-world case studies, and explore best practices for policy development, strategic planning, and board member development. The capstone project involves an in-depth analysis of a nonprofit board to assess its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.

This course is delivered entirely online through Moodle, allowing you the flexibility to integrate learning into your busy schedule. The seminar is structured as an 8-week course, with weekly modules containing video lectures, readings, and assignments. You should plan to log in regularly, at least three times per week, to participate in discussions and stay on track with assignments. If I have a message to share I will post it in "Announcements". Please check back often to see if there is any new information to share. Setting aside dedicated time each week to focus on this course will help you gain the most from this experience.

I encourage you to view this course as an opportunity to develop your expertise, broaden your understanding of nonprofit governance, and make meaningful contributions to the sector. By immersing yourself in the course materials and actively participating in the learning process, you will build the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career.

I look forward to teaching this course and learning from you as we navigate the complexities and opportunities of nonprofit governance together.

Warm regards,

Abdul Samad