Dr. Tara Kolar Bryan is an associate professor at the Howard Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Prior to this, she was an associate professor and MPA director at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. During the 2021-2022 academic year, she served as a Fulbright Scholar at the Centre for Nonprofit Research at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia. Dr. Bryan received her PhD in Public Affairs from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in public service administration from the Bush School at Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from St. Mary’s University.

Dr. Bryan’s research is focused on the strategic management and leadership of nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Her research centers around issues of capacity, accountability, learning, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. Her research is published in multiple public and nonprofit academic journals, including Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Perspectives on Public Management & Governance, Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership, and Governance, and the Nonprofit Policy Forum.

Before earning her doctorate, Dr. Bryan gained valuable experience as a fundraiser and grant writer in both local government and nonprofit organizations. Her time in these roles cultivated a drive to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and practical application. Dr. Bryan is a strong advocate for community-engaged teaching and research methodologies that address real-world needs in the public and nonprofit sectors. Her approach emphasizes practical applications that resonate with public service professionals working on the front lines. Dr. Bryan has also served as a consultant to nonprofit and public agencies on strategic planning, program evaluation, and board governance, allowing her to maintain a strong connection between theory and practice.