Dr. Alphonso Ogbuehi’s journey through academia is marked by a deep commitment to excellence, international engagement, and student success. With a career spanning more than two decades in higher education and nonprofit leadership, he has emerged as a recognized expert in marketing and global business. As a Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Ogbuehi has lectured and conducted research across more than 25 countries, shaping a generation of globally aware professionals.

His work is grounded in a belief that education should not only inform but empower. Whether designing academic programs or leading institutional initiatives, Dr. Ogbuehi brings a strategic vision that blends analytical rigor, critical thinking, and real-world relevance.

Strategic Vision at Johnson C. Smith University

Since being appointed Dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies (CBPS) at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in January 2023, Dr. Ogbuehi has introduced several impactful initiatives. In addition to serving as Professor of Marketing, he provides academic leadership to the College’s diverse departments, which include Business Administration and Public Leadership, Health and Human Services, and the School of Social Work.

One of his first moves was forming the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, which brings together 21 accomplished executives from Charlotte and beyond to help shape the College’s strategic direction. He also launched the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series with support from Barings, LLC, creating a platform for students to engage directly with industry leaders. Under his leadership, the establishment of the JP Morgan Chase Technology and Finance Lab in Seabrook Hall has enhanced the hands-on learning environment for students in key business disciplines.

Dr. Ogbuehi’s leadership style emphasizes both academic integrity and practical experience. He believes students should graduate with not only a solid theoretical foundation but also the skills to lead in today’s fast-moving global marketplace. The creation of the eHub, a student-focused entrepreneurial resource center backed by PNC, is a testament to this commitment. The center provides critical tools and mentoring for students to launch their own ventures.

Upholding the Legacy of HBCUs

As a leader within a historically Black university, Dr. Ogbuehi takes pride in preserving the values and cultural legacy of HBCUs. He is focused on ensuring that JCSU continues to honor its history while expanding its global reach. His leadership underscores the importance of providing students with opportunities that go beyond traditional learning environments, preparing them to compete and succeed on an international stage.

A Legacy of Transformation

Johnson C. Smith University has been a cornerstone of academic achievement since its founding in 1867. Originally established to educate newly emancipated African Americans, the university was renamed in 1923 after a significant endowment from Jane Berry Smith. Since then, JCSU has evolved into a forward-thinking institution with a strong emphasis on student growth, technological integration, and community impact.

Through initiatives like the IBM Laptop Program and continued support from foundations like the Duke Endowment, JCSU has maintained its commitment to innovation. The university’s academic culture is built on empowering students with the tools, confidence, and perspective needed to become global citizens.

Expanding Academic Opportunities

Dr. Ogbuehi has placed strong emphasis on the College’s wide array of academic offerings. The Department of Business Administration provides a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with specializations in Finance, Accounting, Marketing, International Business, Retail Management, and Management. Each program is designed to provide students with focused, career-relevant training in their chosen field.

For those drawn to health-related fields, the Department of Health and Human Performance offers degrees in Public Health and Sport Management. These programs equip students to make a difference in rapidly evolving industries.

The Department of Social Work continues to be a vital part of the College’s mission, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for advanced practice and leadership roles in a variety of settings.

To accommodate different learning needs, the College provides flexible formats including in-person, hybrid, and fully online instruction. Dr. Ogbuehi believes that allowing students to choose the learning path that best fits their lifestyle contributes significantly to their academic success.

Prior Leadership at Stockton University

Before joining JCSU, Dr. Ogbuehi served as Dean of the School of Business and Professor of Marketing at Stockton University in New Jersey. There, he played a pivotal role in shaping academic strategy, leading a successful AACSB reaccreditation process and developing the school’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan. He established several key programs, including the Dean’s Advisory Board, Alumni Awards, and the Distinguished Guest Speaker Series.

Dr. Ogbuehi was instrumental in relocating the MBA program to Atlantic City and introducing a Healthcare Administration & Leadership concentration. He also led community-focused initiatives such as a Presidential Task Force on Atlantic City business development and created a summer entrepreneurship academy for underrepresented students. His contributions also include launching five new MBA concentrations and establishing the International Journal of Hospitality, Gaming, and Tourism.

Leadership at Clayton State and Beyond

Earlier in his career, Dr. Ogbuehi served as Dean and Professor of Marketing and International Business at Clayton State University in Atlanta. There, he restructured the Advisory Board and developed partnerships with corporations such as Coca-Cola, UPS, Delta Airlines, and Home Depot. He led successful reaccreditation efforts and introduced mentoring programs connecting upperclassmen with new students.

He was recognized among the top education leaders in Atlanta and served on the board of United Way of Metro Atlanta. Before that, he held leadership roles at Park University, where he was the founding Dean of the School of Business, and Saint Joseph’s University, where he led the Department of Marketing and directed the M.S. in International Marketing program.

A Global Perspective in Education

Dr. Ogbuehi’s academic influence extends far beyond the United States. He has taught and conducted research at leading universities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. His global outlook enriches his approach to leadership and curriculum development, bringing diverse perspectives into the classroom.

He earned both his bachelor’s and MBA degrees from the University of Kentucky, and completed his Ph.D. in Business Administration at the University of Memphis. A Fulbright Scholar and lifelong advocate for education, he shares his passion for service with his wife Irene, a dedicated social worker. Together, they are parents to three children.

Investing in Excellence

Dr. Ogbuehi is especially proud of the faculty at JCSU’s College of Business and Professional Studies. With 90 percent holding terminal degrees, the faculty bring a high level of academic and professional experience to the classroom. Their use of experiential teaching methods, such as case studies and project-based learning, prepares students for real-world challenges.

He also encourages faculty engagement with local businesses and nonprofits, offering students valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge in real community settings. Dr. Ogbuehi believes that this fusion of academic insight and practical exposure is essential to preparing students for long-term success.

Shaping the Future of Business Education

Dr. Alphonso Ogbuehi continues to lead with a vision grounded in innovation, access, and global relevance. His leadership at Johnson C. Smith University represents a model for how institutions can adapt to meet the needs of a changing world while preserving their foundational values. Through strategic planning, inclusive leadership, and a focus on student empowerment, he is helping shape the next generation of business and community leaders.