Umez
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Ph.D. University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. Major: Political
Science, Minor: Statistics. August 1990.
MS. University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. Major: Public
Administration (Supporting Areas: Comparative Politics and American
Government), Tool: Statistics. December 1986.
BS. Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, Oklahoma. Honor
Graduate, Major: Economics. May 1984.
BS. Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, Oklahoma. Honor
Graduate, Major: Political Science. May 1984.
AREAS OF INTERESTS/SPECIALIZATION
American Government: Political Parties and Elections, Political
Institutions, Interest Group Politics, Public Opinion and Mass
Media; African Politics; Public Administration; Methodology:
Statistics, Time-series Analysis, Cross-sectional Time-series
Analysis, Nonparametric Statistics; Comparative Politics: Political
Development, Modernization and Political Violence/Revolution,
Comparative Methods, Area Politics-Africa
COURSES TAUGHT/QUALIFIED TO TEACH
American Government; Wealth and Power in America; African Politics;
Public Administration; Public Policy; American Governmental
Institutions-Congress, Presidency; Comparative Politics; Scope and
Methods in Political Science; Quantitative Research Methods in
Political Science; Survey Research Method and Public Opinion
TEACHING AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Professor, Department of Government, Lee College, Baytown Texas,
77522. June 1994 to present. Courses: American Government and
Politics; Texas Government and Politics
Adjunct Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences,
University of Phoenix, Houston Campus, Texas. Presently teaching
Wealth and Power in America
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Southern
University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813. January 1992 to May 1994.
Courses: Public Administration, American Government, Housing and
Community Development, U.S. Political Parties, African Politics,
Research Seminar in Political Science, Advanced Seminar in Political
Science
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Paul Quinn
College, Dallas, Texas. January 1991 to December 1991. Courses:
Urban Politics, Public Administration, Scopes and Methods in
Political Science, American Government, Political Parties,
Comparative Politics, Texas Politics, Social Studies in Elementary
Education
Adjunct Instructor, Department of Social Sciences, Tarrant County
College, NW Campus, Fort Worth, Texas. July 1991 to August 1991.
Course: American Government
Adjunct Instructor, Department of Political Science, Collin County
College, Spring Creek Campus, Plano, TX January 1991 to July 1991.
Course: US Govt.
Instructor, Department of Social Sciences, Kilgore College, Kilgore,
Texas. September 1990 to December 1990. Course: American Govt.
Teaching Fellow, Department of Political Science, University of
North Texas, Denton, Texas, Summer I 1989 to Summer II 1990.
Courses: American Govt. and Texas Politics
Teaching Assistant, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, Spring
1985 to Spring 1989. Courses: American Govt. and Texas Politics
Research Assistant, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, Summer
1986. Research focus: Military and Politics in Third World
High School Teacher, Chukwurah High School, Onitsha, Anambra State,
Nigeria. Taught Government (Class III) and Biology (Class V), 1978.
Bank Clerk, First Bank Nigerian, LTD, Head Office, 37 Marina, Lagos,
Nigeria. January 1979 - May, 1981.
SELECTED FIELD COURSEWORK
American Political Parties and Electoral Behavior Public Opinion and
Political Participation; Public Administration; Revolution and
Political Violence; Comparative Foreign Policy Decision-Making;
Proseminar in American Government; Seminar in Political Science
Scope and Methods; Proseminar in Comparative Government; Seminars in
Area Studies (Middle East, Africa); Seminar in Area Studies (Latin
America); Proseminar in International Relations
SELECTED METHODS COURSEWORK
Time-Series Models and Forecasting; Nonparametric Statistics;
Applied Regression/Data Analysis; Quantitative Research Methods;
Multivariate Statistical Analysis; Sampling and Survey Research
BOOK REVIEWS
Reviewed (2007)
The Challenge of Democracy, 9th Edition (by Janda, K., Berry, J. and
Goldman, J., NY: Houghton Mifflin, 2008
Reviewed (2003) American Government (by D. Grier Stephenson,
Jr., et. al, Franklin and Marshall College and Pennsylvania State
University, publisher: North West Publishing, LLC).
Reviewed (1998) The American Democracy, 3rd edition (by
Thomas E. Patterson, Harvard University, publisher: The McGraw-Hill
Co. Inc, 1997).
Reviewed (1998) We The People, 3rd edition (by Thomas E.
Patterson, Harvard University, publisher: The McGraw-Hill Co. Inc,
1997).
Reviewed (1997) Essentials of Texas Politics, 6th edition (by
Richard Kramer, et al., University of Texas at Austin, publisher:
West Publishing Co., 1995).
PUBLICATIONS – BOOKS
Bedford N. Umez, Your Excellency, PageFree Publishing,
Inc., Otsego, MI (January, 2005).
Bedford N. Umez, MisEducated to Feel Inferior, PageFree
Publishing, Inc., Otsego, MI (July, 2005).
Bedford N. Umez, "Educated" to Feel Inferior, Morris
Publishing, Kearney, NE (November, 2003).
Bedford N. Umez, Nigeria: Real Problems, Real Solutions,"
Morris Publishing, Kearney, NE (February, 2000).
Bedford N. Umez, The Tragedy of a Value System in Nigeria:
Theories and Solutions. Publisher: International Scholars
Publications, San Francisco-London-Bethesda, MD (March, 1999).
PUBLICATIONS - ARTICLES and PRESENTATIONS
"Economic and Political Empowerment of Nigerians: Harnessing our
Collective Resources." Presented at the 12th Annual Convention of
the World Igbo Congress, Boston, Massachusetts, August 31-September
3, 2006.
"Reason: The Altimate Casualty in Nigeria," The International
Guardian, Houston Punch, African Abroad, November, 2001.
"Liberating African Mind," The International Guardian, February,
2001; Houston Punch, February, 2001.
"Collective Ignorance and Internal Contradictions in Africa," The
African Quest, January, 1999; African Herald, April, 1999;
Houston Punch, April, 1999; The US-African Voice, May, 1999.
"It Took The US Over 200 Years:" A Comment," The African Quest,
January, 1999; African Herald, December, 1998; Houston Punch,
December, 1998; African Herald, October, 1998.
"Brain Drain and Problems of Development in Nigeria," Kwenu, Fall,
1998; African Herald, October, 1998; African Quest October, 1998;
The US-African Voice, November, 1998; The African Observer,
February, 1999.
"Is Democracy the Engine of Economic Growth?"
International Journal of Nigerian Studies and Development,
(March, 1999). [Presented at the Tenth Annual Conference of The
Council of Nigerian People and Organizations (CONPO), In Atlanta,
Georgia, September 17-20, 1998.]
"One-man Presidential Race in Nigeria: A Comment," Houston Punch,
African Herald, June, 1998.
"Nigeria at the Cross-Road: The Way Forward," Houston Punch,
July 1998.
"Disarming the Old Culture," African Herald, November, 1997.
"The Tragedy in Zaire: A Lesson for Africa," (December, 1996) in
Houston Punch; African Herald; African News Weekly; US-Africa
Voice (January, 1997).
"Murder By Other Means: A Message to Nigerian Leaders (December,
1996) in The Nigerian & Africa; The US-Africa Voice; Houston
Punch; African Herald; African News Weekly.
"Celebrating the Nigerian Independence Day?" Houston Punch,
(Oct., 1996); African News Weekly (Oct., 1996); Nigerian
Trumpet (London, Oct., 1996).
"I Live In a Good Neighborhood," African News Weekly (August
12-18, 1996), Houston Punch, (August, 1996).
"Socializing Nigerian Children in the United States." Presented at
the First Annual Conference of Ndigbo In North America, Los Angeles,
California, October 1995.
"Calamity of Words: A Message to Black People," African News
Weekly, (September, 1995).
"High Divorce Rate Among Nigerians in the United States," African
Herald, Vol. 6, No. 7 (July, 1995).
"Nigerians Abroad Need A Public Interest Group," Houston Punch,
Vol. 1, No. 3 (April, 1995).
"African Time in the U.S.: A Reconsideration," African News
Weekly, Vol. 6, No.1 (Jan. 20, 1995).
"A House Divided: A Message the People." Presented at the First
Annual Conference of Ndigbo in North America, Houston, Texas, August
27, 1994, published in “Igbo Times” (March, 1995).
"Economic Growth and Democracy: Additional Evidence." Presented at
the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science
Association, Chicago, Illinois, April 14-16, 1994.
"Has Social Mobilization Caused Political Instability in Africa? A
Granger-Causality Test," The Review of Black Political Economy,
Vol. 22 (Summer 1993).
"Has Social Mobilization Caused Political Instability? Evidence from
Ethiopia, Morocco and Zaire." Presented at the annual Southwestern
Political Science Association Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, March
20, 1993.
"A Comparative Analysis of the Economic Performance of the Military
and Civilian Regimes in Nigeria: A Time-Series Study." Presented at
the 25th annual meeting of African Heritage Studies Association,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 25, 1993.
Augustine Arize, and J. B. Spalding, "Impact of Foreign Monetary
Developments on Demand for Money: Regression Estimates and Forecast
Results," Journal of Economic Studies Vol. 18 (Spring 1991).
GUEST SPEAKER/PRESENTATIONS
“Assisting Motherless Babies in Nigeria," A Keynote Speaker at the
Ada Waawa Association's fundraising dinner, Queens Royal, Houston,
Texas (October 28, 2006).
Guest Speaker at the celebration of the "Black Week," California
State University, Northridge. Topic: "Real Education and
Self-Actualization," (October 20, 2006).
Guest Speaker at the celebration of the "Black History Month,"
University of Houston, Clear Lake, Texas. Topic: "Empowerment of the
Black Man," (February, 2006).
Guest Speaker at the Meeting of the Houston Property Right
Association, Houston, Texas. Topic: "Democracy and Economic
Development: The Case of Property Right." (January, 2006).
Guest Speaker at the Black Heritage Society, George Brown Convention
Hall, Houston, Texas, in celebration of the 23rd Annual Birthday of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Topic: "The Ideals of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., Mr. Nelson Mandela, and Creationism," (January 15, 2001).
Guest Speaker at the celebration of the "Black History Month,"
Organized by the Agape Praise Center, Dayton, Texas. Topic:
"Reaching Your Dreams," (February, 1999).
Guest Speaker at the Kiawanas Club, Baytown Texas, in celebration of
the American Independence. Topic: "What is the Real Meaning of the
4th of July," (July, 1999).
Guest Speaker at the "Senior Gala to honor Students and black
educators," at Lee College. Topic: "Knowledge is Power," (April 15,
1997).
Presented lecture, "Dynamics of American Political Parties" at the
1993 Taft Seminar for Teachers, Southern University, Baton Rouge,
July 1993.
Presented lecture entitled "Party-in-the-Electorate" at the 1992
Taft Seminar for Teachers, Southern University, Baton Rouge, July 8,
1992.
Presented lecture entitled "Political Violence: Causes and
Solutions," at the Public Briefing on Central America Conference
sponsored by BEYOND WAR, University of North Texas, Denton, April 4,
1990.
SPEECHES, PANEL DISCUSSIONS, TV POLITICAL ANALYST
Recent Speeches
"My Mother and My Life"
"You Were Born Great"
"Affirmative Action and the Race to American Dream"
"We Must Learn from those Innocent Kids"
"Making this Decade Your Decade"
"Why Do Men Rebel? Ending the Cycle of Violence"
"Black Race and the Use of "black" to Describe Tainted"
"Socializing our Children in the Diaspora"
Moderated the "Nigeria's Transition to Democracy," a Town Hall
Meeting, featuring the Chairmen of Nigeria's Political Parties
(January 9, 1997), Houston, Texas.
Chaired a panel on "The Political Economy of Democratic Transition"
at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science
Association, Chicago, Illinois, April 14-16, 1994.
Political Analyst, Houston Media Source -- A public access cable
television.
UMEZ SCHOLARSHIP AWARD (SERVICE TO MY COMMUNITY)
1. Award to Ms Cecelia Ogechi Orjiakor. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for a BS Degree in Nigeria. Awarded November,
2006.
2. Award to Mr. Ogugou Livinus Udeh, Jr. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for a BS Degree in Nigeria. Awarded May, 2004.
3. Award to Ms. Chinenye Ilo. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for a BS degree in Nigeria. Awarded December,
2004.
4. Award to Ms. Evelyn Chizoba Ekeh. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for Master's Degree in Nigeria. Awarded
December, 2004.
5. Award to Mr. Anthony Nwokedi. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for a BS degree in Nigeria. Awarded December,
2003.
6. Award to Mr. Emeka Udeh. This scholarship covers the recipient's
tuition for a BS Degree in Nigeria. Awarded May, 2002.
7. Award to Mr. Benson Okonkwo. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for Master's Degree in Nigeria. Awarded
December, 2003.
8. Award to Mr. Augustine Uwaemenam. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for a BS degree in Nigeria. Awarded December,
2002.
9. Award to Mr. Emeka Okoli. This scholarship covers the recipient's
tuition for BS degree in Nigeria. Awarded December, 2002.
10. Award to Mr. Chukwuma Ilo. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for a BS degree in Nigeria. Awarded December,
2002.
11. Award to Mr. Jonas Mbah, Jr. This scholarship covers the
recipient's tuition for a BS degree in Nigeria. Awarded December,
2000.
12. UMEZ's Annual Scholarship Award to the most deserving, brilliant
student in my community from High School to University (started in
1998).
Graduates Assisted by Umez Scholarship
1. Mr. Emeka Udeh, B.Sc, Graduate, Abia State University, 2006.
2. Mr. Augustine Uwaemenam, B.SC, Graduate, Enugu State University,
2006.
3. Mr. Oguguo Udeh, Jr., B.SC, Graduate, Imo State University, 2006.
4. Mr. Emeka Okoli, B.SC, Graduate, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
2005.
5. Mr. Benson Okonkwo, B.Sc, Graduate, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
2002.
6. Ms. Uche Ilo, B.Sc. Graduate, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
2001.
7. Ms. Evelyn Ekeh, B.Sc. Graduate, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
2001.
8. Ms. Kate Ilo, B.Sc. Graduate, Enugu State University, 1999.
EDITOR
A Member of the Editorial Board, African Social Science Review (The
African Journal of Social Science, Public and International
Affairs), since 2002.
A Member of the Editorial Board, Houston Punch, Houston, Texas since
1996.
A Member of the Editorial Board, African Herald, Dallas, Texas, 1991
- 2000.
VISITING SCHOLAR
Visiting Scholar to the Inter-University Consortium for Political
and Social Research (ICPSR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Michigan (Summer 1993). Courses: Dynamic and Longitudinal Analysis
(Panel Data Analysis, Pooled-Time Series Analysis, Event History
Analysis, Time Series Tests); Categorical Data Analysis; Regression
Analysis; and Computing (with emphasis on Using SPSS-PC).
STATISTICAL COMPUTER TOOLS
SAS, MS Word, Research Design, Web Design
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Founder/Administrator, Liberating the African Mind, LAM
Member, NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People)
Member, Alpha Chi (National Honor Society)
Member, Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honor Society)
Member, Council of Nigerian People and Organizations (CONPO)
President, Oji-River People's Forum (Houston Branch)
Member, Midwest Political Science Association
Member, Texas College Teachers Association