Dr. Ruth Akumbu is an adjunct professor in Bushnell University’s School of Business, Leadership, and Technology. She brings a rich and diverse background in nonprofit leadership, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), cultural capacity-building, and media, with over 21 years of experience. A leader in nonprofit, education, and entertainment sectors, Dr. Akumbu is dedicated to strengthening organizations through cultural integration, particularly in marginalized communities. Her professional experience includes educational and community development in Cameroon, where she created opportunities for those with fewer resources. She holds a PhD in Global Leadership and Change from Pepperdine University, and her doctoral research, which focused on Indigenous culture, led to the creation of two cultural integration models that augment DEIB practices with a focus on cultural relevance.
In addition to her nonprofit and DEIB background, Dr. Akumbu has 15-plus years of media and film production experience in the US, Cameroon, and Kenya. Her work in these areas has provided a foundation for cross-cultural storytelling. She co-founded “Africa Leads: The Forum for the Future of Education in Africa,” and she advises organizations on leadership and DEIB initiatives. She is also an experienced storyteller herself: she hosts the podcast, “Jambo! Dr. Akumbu,” which explores culturally relevant conversations intersecting education, entertainment, and business.
After years of experience in nonprofit leadership and cultural work, Dr. Akumbu’s path to Bushnell began serendipitously. A conversation with a friend during an academic defense led to an introduction to a Bushnell faculty member. She was drawn to the opportunity to join a university that aligned with her expertise and passion and to a role that would allow her to contribute to the academic and cultural development of students.
We sat down with Dr. Akumbu to hear more about her journey, teaching philosophy, and how her global experiences and faith shape her work at Bushnell. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell’s YouTube channel. Below, Dr. Akumbu shares her insights on the power of education, the importance of intercultural connections, and her advice for aspiring educators and students looking to make the most of their time at Bushnell.
A Participatory Teaching Philosophy
As Dr. Akumbu discusses her journey, she describes her teaching philosophy as a partnership with her students, deeply rooted in social learning theories.
“My goal is to create a classroom environment that is as participatory and inclusive as possible,” she explains. “I want students to engage not just with the material but with each other, drawing from their own diverse experiences to enrich their learning.” Her background as a Cameroonian native and her educational journey across two continents give her a unique perspective. Dr. Akumbu integrates cultural contexts into her teaching, helping students develop not only academically but also as global citizens.
Faith and Respect in Education
Building on her participatory teaching approach, Dr. Akumbu also shares how faith plays a pivotal role in her classroom, though she approaches it with an inclusive lens. While encouraging students to explore their beliefs in the context of a Christian university, she emphasizes respect for diverse perspectives. “Faith gives me room to respect other people’s faiths,” Dr. Akumbu says. “It’s about creating a space where students feel safe to explore their own beliefs without imposition.”
Inspiring Global Perspectives
To help her students develop a global perspective, one of Dr. Akumbu’s courses is Global Leadership and Inclusion, where she combines her life’s work into a singular experience. She aims to help students see problems and solutions through diverse cultural lenses. “By the time students leave my classroom, I hope they can view the world from multiple perspectives, not just their own.”
Advice for Bushnell Students
After encouraging students to see the world with a respect for diverse cultures, Dr. Akumbu emphasizes the importance of building intercultural connections at Bushnell. She encourages them to step outside their comfort zones and build relationships with peers from different backgrounds.
“The college community at Bushnell is a perfect place to explore other cultures and perspectives in a safe and supportive environment,” she notes. “Don’t miss the opportunity to grow your global awareness.”
A Life of Service
In addition to her work in the classroom, Dr. Akumbu’s commitment to service extends beyond campus through her nonprofit work. She leads Plant a Seed Africa, which has operated for over 20 years, focusing on projects such as building wells, hosting sports events, and offering STEM education in Cameroon. Her work embodies her belief in purposeful service. “Service is central to everything I do, whether it’s in the classroom or in the community,” she shares. “I strive to ensure that what I do meets real needs and equips others to serve in their own spheres of influence.”
Dr. Akumbu’s dedication to fostering global perspectives and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging shines through in her role at Bushnell, where she mentors students in both their academic and personal growth. Her unique approach blends cultural capacity-building with a commitment to service, offering students invaluable insights into leadership and global citizenship. To learn more about Bushnell’s Business, Leadership, and Technology programs, visit Bushnell’s School of Business, Leadership, and Technology.