J. Steven Rhodes

J. Steven Rhodes serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding at California State University Dominguez Hills, with additional Visiting Professor appointments at Loyola Marymount University and UCLA. He concurrently holds a Governor position on the California Community College Board, appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

His educational foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (Industrial Relations concentration) from Loyola University Los Angeles
• Master of Business Administration (Marketing emphasis) from Pepperdine University

Rhodes' academic focus centers on negotiation theory, conflict resolution frameworks, and international peacebuilding strategies. His expertise derives directly from high-stakes diplomatic service as U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, where he successfully negotiated critical bilateral agreements including the Overseas Private Investment Corporation treaty and Peace Corps establishment. This practical experience informs his analysis of public policy implementation and cross-cultural negotiation dynamics.

As an Adjunct Professor, Rhodes concentrates on course instruction rather than primary student advising, bringing real-world diplomatic and policy implementation scenarios into the classroom. His professional background in structuring $1+ billion municipal bond issues and international business development provides unique context for understanding resource allocation in conflict resolution settings. Current research interests likely extend to contemporary applications of diplomatic negotiation models in emerging geopolitical contexts.