Alumni Awards

Ms. Blessing Boma Douglas, MPA '20, is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur known for her expertise in Nonprofit Management, Community Development, Consulting Mental Health Advocacy and Business Development. She efficiently oversees subsidiary brands under Boma Group of Companies, demonstrating a result oriented approach and an ability to navigate challenging market conditions. Her entrepreneurial prowess has garnered accolades and recognition on four continents, reflecting her global impact and influence. These accolades serve as a testament to her commitment to excellence and innovation.  

Her dedication to continuous learning and professional development is evident in her impressive array of certifications across her multiple areas of expertise. These certifications signify her unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of industry standards and practices. Her commitment to empowering the most vulnerable in communities is evident through her work at Boma Prize for Africa Foundation (501c3), the Douglas Kintsukuroi Foundation for Mental Health in Nigeria, and her book publication “Of Love and Bruises” which sheds light on the African Culture of Abuse.   

The book encourages parents and guardians to break the cycle of abuse and be present intentional parents. When Blessing is not in the field working or developing projects, she’s leaving her footprints across continents, advocating for women and children, networking, making magic in the Kitchen, spending time with her daughter Atarah and creating beautiful memories. 

Dr. Kyle Farmbry, BA '92, MPA '94, PhD '99, began serving as the 10th President of Guilford College on January 1, 2022.  Previously, he served as a professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University-Newark. From August 2013 to July 2019, he served as Dean of the Graduate School at Rutgers University-Newark. Prior to joining the faculty of Rutgers, Farmbry taught at The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Diego State University, and Grand Valley State University.   

In 2017-2018, Dr. Farmbry served as an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow. In this role, he worked with the Vice-Chancellor (President) of the University of Pretoria in South Africa and examined university-based innovation and the implementation of the University of Pretoria - Mamelodi Campus’ anchor institution strategy. In 2016 he served as a Fulbright Fellow examining European Union immigration policies -- with an emphasis on the challenges and management of the North African refugee movement and integration in the nation of Malta. In February of 2009, Dr. Farmbry was selected as one of thirty-five people from around the world to serve as a Fulbright New Century Scholar. In this role, he was engaged in research examining factors of youth entrepreneurial and civic engagement in South Africa.    

In May of 2016, Dr. Farmbry launched the United States-South African Higher Education Network, an effort aimed at building enhanced collaboration between higher education institutions in South Africa and the United States. In November of 2017, he served as one of the founding members of the University Alliance for Refugees and at Risk Migrants, an effort which aims to engage universities and their communities in local and international advocacy efforts on behalf of refugees and at-risk migrants.    

Dr. Farmbry’s research and programmatic work has been supported by the Open Society Foundations, the South African Department of Higher Education and Training, the United States Fulbright Commission, and the United States Embassy in South Africa. He is currently working on a project entitled Building a Pipeline for Executive-Level Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategies, which is funded by the IBM Center for the Business of Government.   

In February of 2009, Dr. Farmbry’s book, "Administration and the Other: Explorations of Diversity and Marginalization in the Political Administrative State," was published by Rowman and Littlefield. In August 2012, his book, "Crisis, Disaster, and Risk: Institutional Response and Emergence," was published by M.E. Sharpe. His book, "The War on Poverty: A Retrospective," was published by Rowman and Littlefield in July 2014. His book, "Migration and Xenophobia: A Three Country Exploration," examining issues of migration and xenophobia in the United States, Europe, and Southern Africa, was published by Rowman and Littlefield in May 2019.   

Dr. Farmbry has served on the Board of Trustees of the George Washington University. In early November 2021, he was inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. In October 2024, he was elected to serve as a Trustee of the College Board. Dr. Farmbry received his BA, MPA, and Ph.D. degrees from the George Washington University. He completed his J.D. degree at the Rutgers University School of Law.