Dr. Donovan Branche

BIO: Dr. Donovan Branche teaches business and nonprofit classes in the Palmer College of Professional Studies at Mary Baldwin University. She earned a B.A. in Health Care Administration from Mary Baldwin University. She later earned a Master of Public Administration and Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership Studies with a focus on Nonprofit and Community Leadership from James Madison University. Dr. Branche holds a LEAD (Leading, Educating and Developing) certificate from the UVA Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Dr. Branche has held several leadership positions in local government including the District of Columbia, City of Harrisonburg and City of Charlottesville. She has consulted with several nonprofits including: Ryan White AIDS consortium, International Rescue Committee, Quality Community Council, Charlottesville City of Promise, Shenandoah LGBTQ+ Center and the Renaissance School.

Research Interests:

• Women in leadership
• Minority (ethnic and gender) leadership in dominant society
• Organizational behavior
• Organizational Culture
• Leading in turbulent times
• Mentoring/Advising relationships