DR. George Klay Kieh, Jr.
Dean, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs
Phone: 713-313-7827
Email: George.Kieh@tsu.edu
Departments: Office of the Dean
Dr. George Klay Kieh, Jr. was appointed as the Dean of the School of Public Affairs as of June 13, 2019.
Since 2009, Dr. Kieh has served in both administrative and academic roles at the University of West Georgia, most recently as the interim chair of the Department of Criminology (2018-19) and as a full professor of political science (2009-19). He also served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2009-10. Previously, Dr. Kieh held administrative positions at Morehouse College (chair of the Department of Political Science, 2002-05), Grand Valley State University (dean of international affairs, 2001-03), and several other institutions, including Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Memphis.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Liberia, followed by a master’s degree and a doctorate of philosophy in political science from Northwestern University.
“We are excited about these new academic leaders,” said TSU Provost Dr. Kendall Harris. “Our search process was thorough and inclusive, and I’d like to thank all of the faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and community members who contributed by serving on the various committees and providing input into the selection process.”
Anthony M. Rodriguez, Ph.D.
IT/GIS Manager
Phone: 713-313-6848
Email: rodriguezam@tsu.edu
Areas of Specialization: Urban forestry, survey development, technology and policy change, survey analysis, zoning, land use, neighborhood planning, economic development, sustainability, public participation, coastal development, historic district planning, wetland assessment, urban parks planning.
Dr. Rodriguez has served in the public sector for over 15 years. Prior to the attainment of his Ph.D., he held the post as the president of a for-profit corporation with a clear social purpose agenda, KCEL Corporation. His work has allowed him to provide teaching services to children in at-risk public schools, economic development training to teenagers in youth build programs, sought and won grants for a variety of public purposes, and served as the planner in charge for the development of more than three inner-city neighborhoods within the City of Galveston.
While serving as the Assistant Director for Planning & Transportation, Anthony was able to see the approval of the Beach Access Plan for the City of Galveston. The eventual ordinance took into consideration the rights of all Texans for an open and public beach. The plan was used as a blueprint in many communities along the Texas Coast.
Anthony employs a unique style in all his work that fosters focusing on the purposes, meeting and exceeding potential, while utilizing practices that endear positive change and able to withstand all negative perceptions due to the open approach to public service. Dr. Rodriguez is a public servant that understands what it means to be a servant of the public. Dr. Rodriguez’s research into the institutional sectors and how they relate in respect to urban forestry and sustainability, in general, is currently in press and should be available by the end of the Spring Semester 2013.