Nonprofit Center Director Receives 2011 Rousseau Justice Award
Laura Otten with School of Business Dean Paul Brazina
In mid 19th century France, Brother Scubillion Rousseau dedicated his
life to educating those marginalized by society. Known as the
“catechist of slaves,” Rousseau believed every person was worthy of a
quality education and developed curriculum suited to students’ needs
and abilities.
Laura Otten, Ph.D., Director of The Nonprofit Center, has been awarded the La Salle University Rousseau Award, a humanitarian award recognizing the promotion of social justice.
Laura really has two careers, both of which demonstrate the same commitment to justice: In addition to directing The Nonprofit Center, which for 30 years, has been working to strengthen the management, governance and operation of nonprofit organization in the Delaware Valley to enable them to fulfill their missions, she is also an Associate Professor in LaSalle’s Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice. In her academic role, she served as Director of the Criminal Justice Program, as well as of LaSalle's Women's Studies Program and Project on Justice and Society.
Her 1993 book, Women’s Rights and the Law, examined women's struggle for social, economic, political, and civic equality, using key Supreme Court decisions as the basis for chronicling the changing position of women in American society. It addresses such fundamental social justice issues as: Does the Constitution really protect women? Despite gains in status and legal protection, has the position of women in society really improved? What is the ultimate status of women as defined by U.S. law? Do the decisions of the Supreme Court reflect a consistency in the Court's thinking regarding women and their rightful place in society? When addressing issues related to women's rights, have the Justices of the Court engaged in social activism or simple judicial interpretation? Throughout, Dr. Otten argues that women's struggle for self-determination and equality is also that of men's.
These questions alone would qualify her for “challenging societal structures, public attitudes, and/or policies that cause people to be excluded, impoverished or disempowered and demonstrating respect for the dignity of all people but particularly those who suffer from poverty and injustice.” But her life’s work is an embodiment of these lofty principles.
She has been associated with The Nonprofit Center as a consultant and instructor and director of evaluation and research since 1985 and has served as director since 2001. While she has established herself as a national expert in virtually every aspect of nonprofit operations, fielding inquiries and giving media interviews around the country, her greatest recognition is likely in the area of nonprofit governance. Given the unmatched significance of an effective board of directors to an organization’s ability to survive and thrive, her role as a thought leader in this area is unparalleled.
Her belief in the importance of best practices in board governance has led her to create numerous programs to make it possible for virtually any nonprofit to afford this essential professional development program. While she often works with effective organizations that recognize the role of continuing professional development for its board, it is not unusual for her to be called in to try to rescue floundering agencies. It is at these times that strength of character is blended with wisdom and experience, to help organizations recognize whether they can be viable and to explore various ways that their services might be adapted to continue to serve their constituents.
Dr. Otten has led The Nonprofit Center in developing innovative and expanded programs to meet changing community needs, raising quality standards, and fostering the development of applied research on nonprofit management issues. Her daily work with a wide range of agencies includes strategic planning, leadership development, resource development and impact evaluation. She makes herself available to our clients on evenings, and weekends, to accommodate the schedules of the volunteers who comprise nonprofit boards.
She pioneered the local creation of CLEAR Circles, peer learning circles for nonprofit executive directors to provide them with a forum for sharing ideas and problem-solving. Based on its success, she has expanding them to include emerging leaders, as a means of proactively addressing the looming leadership gap confronting nonprofits.
A prolific writer in a variety of media, she maintains a weekly blog, “Nonprofit University Blog,” read in two dozen counties, that shines a light on timely issues, often calling the nonprofit sector to task on its failings. She is a frequent contributor to the local media via guest commentaries and interviews, never shying away from controversial issues that deserve exposure in order to address deficiencies that will improve the sector and those it serves.
Dr. Otten received her Ph.D. in Sociology and her M.A. in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania and her B.A. in Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
As The Nonprofit Center at La Salle University’s School of Business celebrates its 30th year in service to the nonprofit community, it is fitting that she receive this recognition from a university that has, as a core value, the goal of preparing its students for informed service and progressive leadership in their communities. The Award was presented as part of La Salle's annual charter week activities.
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