Adrian B. Popa

Dr. Adrian B. Popa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University, a Jesuit institution in Spokane, WA. He holds a PhD from the University of Utah, alongside an M.P.A. (Public Administration), M.S.W. (Social Work), and B.A. in Psychology. His teaching emphasizes experiential learning through courses like global leadership simulations in Brussels and leadership hardiness expeditions on Mt. Adams. Research focuses on leadership practices' impact on organizational/human performance, psychological hardiness in post-conflict societies, and resilience-building.

Professional roles include serving on the editorial boards of Journal of Leadership Education and AUDEM, as well as leadership roles at the Alliance of Universities for Democracy and Peak7 Adventures. He has consulted on resilience with regional organizations like WA State Fire Chiefs Association and partnered with UNHCR on refugee resettlement education. His international engagement includes collaborations in Romania and Eurasia.

Publications span leadership ethics curriculum design, servant leadership in humanitarian contexts, and quantitative analysis of child welfare leadership. Teaching innovations include seven experiential expeditions integrating theory with practice.