Richard Greggory Johnson III

Dr. Richard Greggory Johnson III is a Tenured Full Professor of Public Administration  & Urban Affairs at University of San Francisco and serves as Director of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). His research focuses on public sector leadership, ethics, social equity, and the role of governance in advancing inclusive communities. 

Dr. Johnson is known for integrating scholarship with practice, drawing on experience in higher education administration and public service to inform his teaching and research. As IRB Director, he oversees the ethical review of research involving human subjects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the protection of participants. A committed educator and mentor, he supports students and professionals in developing leadership capacity grounded in accountability and civic responsibility. His contributions reflect a dedication to strengthening public institutions and fostering ethical decision-making in complex organizational environments. Professor Johnson III was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration Fellows in 2020 and he is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Society. 

• Social equity scholar 
• Public management 
• LGBT studies 
• African American health equity

• Social equity 
• Public policy 
• LGBT studies 
• Disability studies 
• Racial justice

• MPA Department Chair (2017 - 2024)
• IRB Director (2017 - Current)
• Pi Alpha Alpha Global President (2021 - Current)
• NASPAA Board member (2022 - 2025)
• ASPA LGBT Alliance Chair (2025 - Current)

• Golden Gate University, Doctorate in Public Administration 
• University of Arizona, MA in Human Rights Practice 
• Middlesex University, MPhil in Business 
• Georgetown University, MA Social & Public Policy
• DePaul University, MS in Public Service Management 
• Johnson C. Smith University, BA in Urban Affairs

• Associate Professor with Tenure in Educational Leadership, University of Vermont (2003 - 2011)

• ASPA LGBT Alliance Service Award, 2026
• NFBPA, Public Administration Professor of the Year, 2025
• L. Douglas Wilder School Award for Scholarship in Social Equity and Public Policy Analysis, 2012
• LGBT Scholarship and Service Award, 2008
• President, Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, USF Chapter
• Executive Editor, Black Studies & Critical Thinking Book Series, Peter Lang Publishing, 2010–present
• Treasurer, USF Policy Board, 2012–present
• Director, Public Administration programs (MPA, BPA, and MPA online), USF, 2011–12
• Program Director, Race and Culture, College of Education and Social Sciences, University of Vermont, 2006–11

• Johnson III, R. G. (2026).  The Intersection of LGBT and Disability Identities: A Comprehensive Analysis. International Journal of Disability Policy & Advocacy (pp 149 to 163).  
• Brown, S. & Johnson III, R. G. (Ed.) (2023).  Multisector Partnerships for the Public Good. Charlotte: IAP.
• Johnson III, R.G. & Myer, S. (Ed). (2022).  Lessons in social equity: A case study book. San Diego: Birkdale Publishers.  
• Johnson III, R. G., Holmes IV, O.  Aydin, E. & Ozeren, E. (2024). LGBTQ+ Individuals and Precarious Work. In Meliou, E. Vassilopoulou and Diversity and Ozbilgin, M. (Eds.) Precarious Work During Socio-Economic Upheaval.  (pp. 36 to 57).  United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.