RAPHAEL AFONJA, Ph.D., PMP

Visionary higher education leader with 15+ years of experience advancing institutional effectiveness, student access, and community engagement. Extensive record in overseeing multimillion-dollar operations, building high-performing teams, and cultivating partnerships with public agencies, employers, and community organizations. Experienced in shared governance, labor relations, and workforce development. Committed to innovative, student-centered leadership that empowers learners, faculty members, and strengthens communities. Skilled in curriculum development, inclusive excellence, predictive analytics, and stakeholder accountability. My recognition for exceptional communication and public advocacy instills confidence in my ability to represent your institution. I have consistently advanced the mission and values of educational institutions.

• Secured over $1 M in new funding to expand student programs and workforce pathways, significantly boosting access and opportunity.
• Achieved a remarkable 40% enrollment growth and a significant 15% improvement in student retention through data-driven outreach and holistic support.
• Managed budgets of up to $260M, leading operational improvements that yielded $15M in cost savings and a substantial 35% greater project efficiency.
• Forged strategic partnerships with employers and public agencies to drive workforce pipelines, job placement, and regional impact.
• Successfully led multiple accreditation and compliance cycles, ensuring accountability and institutional integrity.
• Served as public spokesperson and fundraiser, building trust and visibility across campus and community.

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Leading Teams: Developing as a Leader
• Certificate of Fellowship in Humanitarian Leadership
• Generative AI

Academic Master Planning Committee (AMPC) – Kingsborough Community College - CUNY, NY

Institution Effectiveness Committee (IEC) – SOWELA Technical Community College, LA

College and Programmatic Accreditation Committee (CPAC) – SOWELA Technical Community College, LA

Chancellor’s Salary Task Force (STF) – SOWELA Technical Community College, LA

Chamber SWLA Education and Workforce Committee – City of Lake Charles, LA

Quality Enhancement Plan Executive Committee – SOWELA Technical Community College, LA

Oyo State Tenders Board – Oyo State Government, Nigeria

Oyo State Executive Council – Oyo State Government, Nigeria

Oyo State Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership – Oyo State Government, Nigeria

• American Council on Education
• American Association of Colleges and Universities
• American Association of Community Colleges
• Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society Award

Doctoral Fellowship Award, City of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Intercollegiate Academic Funding Award, University of North Dakota

Doctoral Student Travel Support Awards, University of North Dakota School of Graduate Studies

Research Development and Compliance (RD&C) Award, North Dakota EPSCoR Program

Doctoral Travel Award, Long Island University C.W. Post

Bridge to Doctorate Fellow, New York City Alliance for Minority Participating in Science

Teaching Scholar Fellow, City University of New York, College of Staten Island