Dana H. Born is a distinguished leader, educator, and psychologist with extensive experience in leadership development, public policy, and military service. A retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, she served as the Dean of Faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy and is currently a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The HOW Institute for Society. She has held key academic and advisory roles at Harvard Kennedy School, focusing on moral leadership and executive education. With a strong research background in psychology and leadership, she has influenced global policy and leadership training. 🎖️📚
Profile
Education 🎓
Dana H. Born earned a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Pennsylvania State University (1994), an M.A. in Research Psychology from the University of Melbourne (1991), and an M.S. in Experimental Psychology from Trinity University (1985). She graduated with a B.S. in Behavioral Science & Leadership from the U.S. Air Force Academy (1983). Additionally, she completed leadership programs at Harvard University, the National Defense University, and Air University, enhancing her expertise in executive leadership, strategic management, and national security. 🎓📖
Experience 👨🏫
Born has a distinguished career spanning military service, academia, and leadership training. She served as Dean of Faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy (2004–2013), a lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School (2013–present), and a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The HOW Institute for Society (2024–present). She has held key roles in national security, personnel management, and policy analysis, influencing leadership training across various sectors. Her expertise extends to research, mentorship, and executive education, shaping leaders in public and private sectors. 🏛️✈️
Awards & Recognitions 🏅
Born’s accolades include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and multiple teaching excellence awards at Harvard Kennedy School. She was honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards from Penn State and Trinity University, the AFA Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award, and the Eugene M. Zuckert Award. She has been recognized as a Fellow by the American Psychological Association and Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Additionally, she was one of 20 distinguished women selected for the First Lady’s Mentoring Team. 🏅🎖️
Research Interests 🔬
Born’s research explores leadership and character development, moral and authentic leadership, and the impact of purpose and meaning on work and society. She examines the future of work and workers, emphasizing psychological well-being, ethical leadership, and identity formation in leadership roles. Her work integrates insights from psychology, public policy, and strategic management to develop frameworks for leadership excellence in diverse professional settings. 🔍📊
-
Born, D. H., Correa, M. & George, W. (2025). Authentic Leadership Across Levels: Unlocking Global
Potential. In Special Issue: The Future of Global Talent Management: Strategies, Innovations, and
Challenges for a Diverse and Dynamic Workforce. Editors: Gary Latham, Ron Piccolo, and Paula
Caliguiri. Organizational Dynamics.
- Born, D. H., & Yemiscigil, A. (Fall, 2024). Leadership Perspective: What Makes Leadership
Development Impactful? Exploring a Whole-Person Approach. Journal of Character and
Leadership Development (JCLD).
https://doi.org/10.58315/jcld.v11.304
- Born, D. H., & Caliguiri, P (Spring, 2024). Leadership Perspective: Leaders’ Psychological Bravery.
Journal of Character and Leadership Development (JCLD).
http://dx.doi.org/10.58315/jcld.v11.292
- Born, D. H. (Dec 10, 2023). Security and Migration: 75 Years, Making a Movement: The History of
Human Rights. Carr Center Human Rights for Policy. Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Faculty Research.
https://carrcenter.hks.harvard.edu/sites/hwpi.harvard.edu/files/cchr/files/making_a_movement.pdf