“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker
Dr. DeQuindre “DQ” Spencer, D.B.A., SPHR, is a dynamic and accomplished HR professional. With over 20 years of progressive experience in human resources, talent acquisition, organizational development, and strategic leadership, he brings a wealth of practical and academic expertise to the classroom and beyond. Whether guiding students through the complexities of compensation and labor relations, consulting with nonprofits on strategic HR practices, or contributing to scholarly discourse on workforce development, Dr. Spencer exemplifies excellence, innovation, and impact in every facet of his work.
In his role as assistant professor, Dr. Spencer teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Principles of Management, Human Resource Management, Organizational Development and Change, Strategic HRM, Leadership, Human Behavior in Organizations, and Agribusiness in the Modern Economy. His teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, inclusive leadership, and the integration of real-world HR practices into academic instruction. He is known for developing engaging lesson plans, interactive activities, and curriculum that prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce.
Dr. Spencer is also a prolific scholar and presenter. His research focuses on generational workforce dynamics, equity in agribusiness, and organizational culture. He has co-authored refereed articles such as “Fostering Future Agribusiness Professionals: Developing the Skills of Generation Z” and “Millennials, the Last Standing Heroes of the Workforce: A Comprehensive Literature Review on Synching Millennials' Values With Organizational Culture to Boost Retention Rates.” His work has been featured in journals such as the Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice and the American Journal of Management. He has presented at national and international conferences, including the Academy of Business Research and the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, with topics ranging from AI-driven customer service to global food insecurity.
Dr. Spencer earned his Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) with a concentration in human resource management from Colorado Technical University. He also holds a Master of Science in human resource management from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Science in management with a minor in human resource management from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a credential that reflects his mastery of strategic HR practices and leadership capabilities.
Dr. Spencer teaches Principles of Employee Compensation for CCAPS.