James H. Johnson, Jr.

James H. Johnson, Jr. is an Adjunct Professor of Public Policy and William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina. He directs the Urban Investment Strategies Center at the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise. His research focuses on community and economic development, demographic shifts in the U.S. workforce, urban poverty, interethnic minority conflict, and business demography. He has authored/co-authored over 100 scholarly articles, three monographs, and co-edited four journal issues.

Education:

• Ph.D., Michigan State University
• M.S., University of Wisconsin at Madison
• B.S., North Carolina Central University

Research Interests: Dr. Johnson explores growing socioeconomic inequality, entrepreneurial approaches to poverty alleviation, job creation, and the economic impacts of demographic changes. His work includes studies on the economic contributions of African American and Hispanic populations in North Carolina, post-9/11 metropolitan economies, and offshore job shifts' effects on U.S. competitiveness. He is also investigating inter-ethnic minority conflicts in advanced industrial societies.

Awards: He holds the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professorship and was featured in Fast Company's 'Hopes and Dreams' profile.

Advising & Grants: While no advisees are listed, his research has been supported by organizations like the Russell Sage Foundation. His current projects address urban investment strategies and workforce diversity challenges.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center, a hub for applied research on urban economic development and public policy solutions.