Nicki Fraser
Bio
Dr. Fraser, a triple Florida International University (FIU) graduate and a long-time resident of South Florida, brings her extensive experience to her role as the Assistant Chair of the Department. She supports the Public Policy and Administration Chair, faculty, and students in this capacity. Her years of leading, coaching, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students perfectly align with FIU's 2030 strategic plan to prepare and nurture global 21st-century leaders. Her involvement as Global Learning (GL) and Collaborative International Online Learning (COIL) distinguished faculty, collaboration with FIU Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), the Frost Museum at FIU, and The Maurice Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership all contribute to the institution's strategic vision to be a top 50 public university.
As an Assistant Teaching Professor at FIU, Dr. Fraser's unwavering commitment to student mentorship is a cornerstone of her role. Whether engaging with students online or in the classroom, she focuses on guiding Pathways and 4+1 PA students (50 plus since 2019) toward their professional public sector goals. Her active role as the South Florida chapter President of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) for 13 years and as the award-winning faculty adviser to Pi Alpha Alpha, the global Public Affairs Honor Society, further demonstrates her dedication to student success. She teaches Public Policy and Administration undergraduate and graduate courses at the Modesto Madique (MMC) and I75 campuses; she consistently attends FIU CAT and FIU Online training and information seminars to provide students with the best innovative learning environment. Dr. Fraser is a Co-PI on the Volker/ NextGen 2024-26 Internship grant. The Volker/Next Gen initiative provides students with opportunities to become future public service leaders.
As part of FIU's GL and COIL Affiliate Faculty since 2019, Dr. Fraser represents the institution's diverse expertise, interests, and commitment to faculty excellence. Her dedication to developing GL courses led to the redesign and GL certification of six (6) Bachelor of Public Policy and Service (BPPS). COIL courses inspire students to broaden their cultural awareness, develop excellent interdisciplinary knowledge, and encourage them to collaborate with peers worldwide. This international collaboration, facilitated by the COIL Affiliate Faculty, is a powerful tool for understanding and solving our world's most pressing problems. Dr. Fraser's role in this initiative is inspiring and underscores the importance of global collaboration and learning.
With the support of the FIU Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) and the use of COIL pedagogical strategies, Dr. Singh Sengupta of Delhi University and Dr. Nicki Fraser of FIU examined the difference between the world as a global market as opposed to a global family Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Students created a video illustrating how the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is integrated into their community. Dr. Fraser also co-taught a COIL BPPS capstone course with Dr. Agatha Caraballo and Fudacao Getulio Vargas (FGV) professors, Drs. Tatiana Soster and Lisandro Lui in Brasilia. They led students to research, analyze, present, and collaborate on presenting the United Nations’ SDGs in Miami and Brasilia and constantly challenge themselves to learn new pedagogical skills or upskill. Since November 2022, Dr. Fraser researched AI integration pedagogies and professional tool integration for BPPS and MPA students. She attended conferences and presented the opportunities and risks of AI, specifically ChatGpt integration, in coursework. She serves on the Provost Library/Faculty AI task force, collaborating across disciplines to craft effective AI pedagogy.
As a Ferre Institute Affiliate Faculty member, Dr. Fraser plays a vital role in the Institute's success. The mission of the Ferré Institute is to advance civic engagement and leadership, resilient community infrastructure, and social justice in local, national, and global communities through academic, research, and engagement programs. Since 2021, her contributions, including providing valuable guidance on curriculum and academic affairs, reviewing student scholarship applications and portfolios, and mentoring students, have been instrumental in the Institute's mission and programs. Her involvement instills confidence in the quality and impact of the Institute's work.
Dr. Fraser’s commitment to the South Florida community is illustrated by her 13-year commitment to the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) South Florida chapter. As the current president of a 1000-plus chapter, Dr. Fraser leads a 20-member board of public servants (the majority are FIU alums) to create events and professional development for South Florida public servants.