Daniel Stephens

Dr. Daniel Stephens is an Associate Lecturer and Coordinator of the Public Administration program at the University of Central Florida (UCF), with teaching roles across the Osceola Connect Center, UCF Downtown, and online platforms. He specializes in courses like fiscal management, human resource administration, strategic planning, and research methods. Beyond academia, he advises the Organization of Public Administration student group, organizes annual student treks to the state Capital, and holds leadership roles in professional organizations such as Central Florida ASPA and Pi Alpha Alpha. He serves on UCF’s Faculty Senate and chairs committees like MetroPlan Orlando’s Community Advisory Committee, advocating for vulnerable roadway users and historically excluded communities. Dr. Stephens holds a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from UCF (2018).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, 2018

Research Interests: Dr. Stephens focuses on roadway user behavior, active commuters, micromobility devices, and the impact of mass media on pedestrian self-efficacy. His work intersects urban planning, public policy, and community development, with practical applications through roles like MetroPlan Orlando’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chair and executive leadership in the Congress for the New Urbanism summit.

Leadership & Service:

• UCF Faculty Senate Representative for the School of Public Administration
• Chairman of MetroPlan Orlando’s Community Advisory Committee
• Founder of AutoShippers.com (international freight forwarding) and PlannerDanner Productions (Open Educational Resources)

Grants & Projects: Organized a state-wide summit for the Congress for the New Urbanism (2023) and leads capacity-building initiatives through UCF’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Management.