Jarvis Christian University President Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt has named Dr. Kishia C. James as the Interim Vice President of Student Services. Dr. James has been serving as the university’s director of counseling since 2022.
With more than 23 years of providing transformational leadership, counseling and public service to students, families, school communities and district offices, Dr. James expanded her career five years ago by becoming a Certified Community Reslilience Model (CRM) teacher to teach and train other school counselors, psychologists, social workers, teachers, school administrators and local communities on the benefits of implementing biologically based wellness and self-care skills to help individuals rebalance their nervous system during stressful or traumatic life events. More recently, she has taken charge to transform and create a sense of awareness on the mental health needs of college campuses. Dr. James brings a wealth of experience where she has coordinated and implemented multiple mental health outreach opportunities for students, faculty, and staff through collaborative partnerships with community organizations and state agencies. She is an avid educator, servant leader, seasoned presenter, and published author with a passion to provide equitable supports to K-12 and higher education settings.
Dr. James earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, her Master of Arts in School Counseling from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. She has been National Board Certified in School Counseling with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards since 2009. She has taught and provided counseling services to schools and school districts and provided administration to schools and school districts throughout her career. She earned a second master’s degree, a Master of School Administraion, from North Carolina Central University before earning her Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership at Fayettevile State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Recognized nationally for her exceptional leadership that inspires, empowers, and advocates tirelessly for the dreams of the underserved, she was awarded the Dream Keepers Award at the Women Leaders @ HBCUs Conference 2024 at Virginia State University. Dr. James always keeps student needs a top priority which has kept her grounded in student supports. She will be responsible for policy development, administration, supervision of staff, budget development and oversight, program planning and implementation as well as providing vision and strategic direction to departments and programs within the Student Affairs division.
Jarvis provides a culturally rich environment where students are empowered to achieve their career goals through an inclusive and diverse academic experience that prepares them for a life of significance. Whether a student is a recent high school graduate or a working adult seeking career advancement, Jarvis Christian University develops all of its students intellectually, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
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Media Contact Janet Ragland (903) 241-5109, jragland@jarvis.edu
