Jenny Dunaway

Dr. Jenny Ekern Dunaway is a globally experienced academic leader, educator, and humanitarian with over 25 years of international experience spanning higher education, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors. With a Doctorate in Business focused on international development and humanitarian work, multiple Master's degrees in Social Work and Applied Management in Social Change and Development, and advanced training from the United Nations and Red Cross organizations, she brings a deeply interdisciplinary and applied lens to academia.

As a university-level educator and administrator, Dr. Ekern Dunaway is deeply committed to delivering high-quality, student-centered instruction. With a pedagogical approach grounded in real-world application, she integrates storytelling, case studies, and lessons learned from her work as a humanitarian, business owner, and scholar to enrich classroom learning. She is known for creating engaging, inclusive learning environments where students are encouraged to think critically, apply theory to practice, and develop actionable solutions to complex global challenges.

In teaching a broad range of subjects—including Sociology, Psychology, Project Management, International Business, Business Ethics, Diversity, and Multiculturalism—she emphasizes active student feedback, using it to guide continuous improvement in course design and delivery. Her courses are informed by global best practices and are intentionally designed to be dynamic, relevant, and responsive to student needs.

As a former University Department Chair overseeing seven undergraduate and graduate programs, Dr. Ekern Dunaway led curriculum development, program management and expansion, and faculty mentorship. In her current roles as Sociology Faculty Associate and as a Quality Project Manager for Knowledge Enterprise at Arizona State University, her focus is on improving institutional systems by streamlining knowledge platforms, leading analytics and reporting for knowledge exchange, and supporting research and innovation initiatives. 

A passionate advocate for educational reform, she is particularly interested in improving K–12 public school operations and curricula. Drawing on best practices from high-performing education systems in Denmark and Finland, she supports the integration of evidence-based strategies that emphasize student well-being, holistic learning, real-life skills, equity, and operational efficiency.

Beyond academia, Dr. Ekern Dunaway has launched various businesses, including My Mentor, Secret Passageway Homes, Blowback Clothing, and Modern General Contracting—and is a published author. These experiences have further refined her ability to lead cross-sector initiatives, manage complex projects, and mentor students pursuing diverse career pathways.

With expertise in curriculum design, instructional delivery, educational systems reform, data analytics, and international collaboration, Dr. Ekern Dunaway is committed to shaping meaningful educational experiences that empower students, enhance institutions, and advance global education.