Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. is a prominent leader and expert in political and nonprofit work. For 20 years, Smikle has occupied a range of roles that have contributed to his success.
As executive director of the New York State Democratic Party in 2015, Smikle led fundraising campaigns, supported candidates for political office, and developed grassroots programs, among other initiatives, leading to a transformation of state legislatures. While Smikle was deputy state director for then Senator Hillary Clinton, she described him as a “key advisor and tremendous public servant.”
In his work in the nonprofit field, Smikle advises organizations on successful marketing, branding, and communications strategies. Smikle is also an analyst on MSNBC and shares his knowledge of electoral politics, governance, and public policy through several other media outlets.
Smikle has been part of the Columbia community for decades. He earned a master’s degree in public policy from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in 1996 and has been a lecturer at SIPA and Teachers College since 2006. Continuing his commitment to education at Columbia, Smikle became the director of the School of Professional Studies M.S. in Nonprofit Management program in July 2024.
“My hope is to see the program produce more scholarly articles and other content so that our faculty and students become a larger part of the national and international dialogue, covering a range of issues,” states Smikle.
Raised by Jamaican parents, Smikle recalls being influenced by his family’s political involvement and civil rights advocacy, as well as by his mother’s and grandmother’s calls for education and perseverance. In addition to these factors, social issues also directly impacted his community and led to his interest in education policy.
“I grew up during the crack epidemic and white flight in the Bronx, and while my schools stood out as destinations to escape the street, many of my friends were killed or imprisoned because of the violence,” Smikle recalls.
As his neighborhood underwent profound change, Smikle got involved at his high school and within his community, spreading awareness about issues of race and education. Through this work and seeing Black figures in the media imploring the party to be more responsive to underprivileged communities and people of color, Smikle developed an understanding of the connection between political power and social evolution.
Smikle’s academic journey further shaped his passion for public service. As an undergraduate at Cornell University, he developed an interest in history and the interplay between organized labor and economic security. While studying at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs and working at a community development program in Harlem, he witnessed the integration of academic pursuits and practical application. This experience became a cornerstone of his teaching philosophy, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world impact.
“I love Columbia,” says Smikle. “The faculty, staff, and students have always been a tremendous source of inspiration for me and my practice. The M.S. in Nonprofit Management program represents a through line in my own career, which is advocacy.”
In his new role as program director of Columbia’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management program, Smikle sees an opportunity to guide students through the complexities of nonprofit management. By inviting friends and colleagues to speak, offering internship and job pathways through his connections, and integrating the work of practitioners into the classroom in real time, Smikle aims to create a dynamic and enriching learning environment.
“I want to train the next generation of advocates and leaders toward maximizing their impact on the world," says Smikle. "I always center the students in my work, so I’m really excited to get to know the students within the program."
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, healthcare, the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
