Donnette Noble
Degrees:
Ph.D. in Human Science with a specialization in Leadership – University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL)
MA in Management with an emphasis in Leadership – Doane University, Lincoln, NE
BA (dual major) in Public Administration and Organizational Communication – Doane University, Lincoln, NE
Courses Taught at FHSU:
LDRS 300: Introduction to Leadership Concepts
LDRS 310: Field Work in Leadership Studies
LDRS 640: Principles of Civic Leadership
LDRS 670: Leadership and Personal Development
LDRS 810: Qualitative Reserach Methods
Biography:
Dr. Noble was tenured faculty at Roosevelt University in Chicago before being named the Voss Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Director of Civic Learning and Engagement at FHSU in 2019. She served in that capacity for six years before choosing to step down and return to a traditional faculty appointment in 2025. Awarded tenure at FHSU 2024, she holds the rank of Professor in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Dr. Noble is also affiliated faculty at Creighton University (Omaha, NE) in its Interdisciplinary Leadership Ed.D. program and is a past President (2016-17)of the Association of Leadership Educators (ALE). She served on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal of Leadership Education (JOLE) from 2020 - 2026 and was a member of the National Advisory Committee for the Carnegie Foundation's Leadership for Public Purpose (LPP) elective classification from 2024 - 2027. FHSU was awarded the LPP classification under Dr. Noble's directorship in 2024. She also led the university's work in applying for the Carnegie Foundation's Community Engagement elective classification which was awarded in 2026.
Her master's thesis, a mixed methodological study, examined human resource managers' perceptions of the impact of domestic violence on the workplace. Her doctoral dissertation, a qualitative study, addressed Black leadership as informed by Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Her current research interests include social justice, social responsibility, civic learning, and democratic engagement.
Her best advice? Life is short – embrace every moment. Practice gratitude. Have fun. Laugh (a lot!). Be kind. Spread joy.