Jacqueline Samuel

Jacqueline Samuel is the Director of the Master of Public Administration Program and an Assistant Professor at National Louis University (NLU). She holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology (2015) and an MA in Public Policy (2011) from NLU, as well as a B.A. in Communications and Theater from the University of Illinois Chicago. Her expertise spans urban management, community development, policymaking, and community psychology, with a focus on violence reduction strategies and social equity.

Her research emphasizes decolonizing community psychology practices and leveraging arts-based interventions for neighborhood revitalization. Notable projects include co-investigating a community-academic collaboration to prevent violence in Chicago and advancing the Block Club Model as a violence reduction strategy. She has received awards such as the National Louis University REACH Award and the Chicago Police Department CAPS Award for her contributions to community safety.

Samuel has facilitated workshops on adverse childhood experiences, trauma-informed education, and community engagement. She has served on numerous committees, including the Mayor’s Commission for a Safer Chicago and the Illinois ACE’s Response Collaborative. Her interdisciplinary work bridges public policy, health equity, and urban development, reflecting her commitment to transformative social change.

She teaches courses such as Urban Community Development, Gender in the Public Sector, and Leadership in Public and Non-Profit Organizations, integrating her practical experience in project management and community organizing.