Dr. Elsie Harper-Anderson, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Ph.D. program at Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. Research conducted by Harper-Anderson explores the effects of macroeconomic transformation on regional economies and urban labor markets, with a particular emphasis on social equity and sustainability. Current work centers on promoting equity within entrepreneurial ecosystems and examining their role in fostering inclusive economies. Additional research interests include strengthening the relationship between workforce development and economic development.
Harper-Anderson serves as Chair of the Governing Board of the Urban Affairs Association and is a member of the Committee on Diversity for the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning. The most recent publication is a co-edited book with Susan Gooden and Jay Albanese titled Racial Equity, COVID-19 and Public Policy: The Triple Pandemic.
Before entering academia, Harper-Anderson gained experience evaluating economic development, workforce development, and housing programs for local, state, and federal agencies, and also worked as a practitioner administering federal housing and economic development programs. Harper-Anderson holds a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.S. in Public Management and Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, and a B.S. in Political Science from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.