Dr. Besi Muhonja has extensive experience in board service and higher education leadership. She is Associate Vice President for Research and Scholarship and Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at James Madison. She is also JMU’s research data steward and representative to the APLU Commission on International Initiatives. Previously, she served as Associate Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship, Associate Vice Provost for Scholarship and Research Development, and Associate Vice Provost for Scholarship and Inclusive Excellence. She was co-founder and inaugural Director of AAAD Studies Center. She has earned various fellowships, including Carnegie-ADFP, AAUW International Fellowship, and APLU-COR Research Leadership Fellowship, as well as several grants. She has authored or co-edited five peer-reviewed academic books, with a sixth under contract, published 27 peer-reviewed articles and chapters, and delivered over 70 presentations. A multiple award-winning leader/scholar for excellence in leadership, research, teaching, and service, she is committed to leadership grounded in ubuntu.