Jennifer Marcy

Dr. Jennifer Marcy is the Director of the Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise M.A. & Certificate Programs in the Department of Religious Studies. Dr. Marcy is a scholar-practitioner who brings extensive nonprofit and higher education experience to the classroom, combining professional insight with a commitment to mentoring and preparing students to lead with purpose. She brings two decades of expertise in grant writing, program design, and budget development, with a strong track record securing competitive funding from major federal agencies and private foundations. Dr. Marcy has developed and led complex, multimillion-dollar global programs in economic development, food policy, agricultural developoment, and higher education capacity strengthening generating over $150 million in external funding. Her international portfolio spans Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, where she has managed large-scale research and capacity strengthening initiatives and partnered with diverse stakeholders including nonprofits, higher education institutions, and research organizations. A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Marcy is passionate about preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders and takes pride in supporting students as they pursue meaningful, impact-driven careers. Dr. Marcy holds a Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University.