When M.S. in Nonprofit Management (NOPM) Program Director Dr. Basil A. Smikle steps into the MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) studios as a political analyst, he doesn't just share his expertise with a national audience. He brings his NOPM students along, turning his media appearances into opportunities to give them an inside look at one of the biggest media companies in America.
Dr. Smikle has brought NOPM students with him to the MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the studio, preparation, and taping.
These studio visits offered the students a unique insight into how policy analysis, strategic communication, and real-time decision-making converge in one of the nation's most influential media spaces. Students witness firsthand how complex social issues are communicated to the public, how experts navigate high-pressure environments, and how thought leadership contributes to meaningful public discourse.
In the spring of 2025, Dr. Smikle joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s artistic director, Robert Garland, and executive director, Anna Glass, for an insightful conversation about the organization’s roots, nonprofit operations, and the evolution of the ballet world.
Students in the NOPM program benefit from the robust professional connections they cultivate during their time at SPS. Last year, several students attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) LEAD Conference and the Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance (YANA) Social Impact Conference, both co-sponsored by the NOPM program. Students also accompanied Dr. Smikle to The Bronx Defenders' annual gala, where he was honored with the 2025 Ally in Pursuit of Justice Award for his longstanding commitment to advancing equity and justice through political education, public service, and civic leadership.
Under Dr. Smikle’s leadership, the program has hosted large public events, including its first Nonprofit Management Winter Symposium, At the Crossroads: Nonprofits Shaping Health Policy in Times of Structural Challenge. The event, co-hosted by Columbia Community Service (CCS), featured eight experienced industry leaders and two current NOPM students, fostering dynamic discussion and offering diverse perspectives on the evolving role of nonprofits in shaping health policy.
Dr. Smikle with the 2025 Nonprofit Management Winter Symposium speakers.
As director of the NOPM program, Dr. Smikle is committed to preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders through opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. This unparalleled learning experience for students is one that could only be offered by a university in New York City and a faculty member as accomplished as Dr. Smikle.
These experiences don't just expose students to the mechanics of media and political analysis. They inspire them to see themselves as future leaders capable of shaping public dialogue and driving social impact.
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.
Learn more about the program here. The program is available part-time, full-time, on-campus, and online.
