Virginia Union University Appoints Dr. Mark James as Acting Dean of Undergraduate Students
September 20, 2023
RICHMOND, VA --- September 20, 2023] — Virginia Union University President and CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas is excited to appoint Dr. Mark James as Acting Dean of Undergraduate Students.
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark James as the Acting Dean for Undergraduate Students at VUU. Dr. James brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success, making him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to his contributions in advancing the academic and personal development of our undergraduate students," said Dr. Lucas.
Dr. Mark James is a highly respected and accomplished professional in higher education administration. With over 25 years of experience in student success, he currently serves as the Dean of Students (Undergraduate), where he plays a pivotal role in providing guidance and support to the student community.
His professional journey within the university commenced as the Head Football Coach. Dr. James immediately succeeded by turning the program around to become a more competitive CIAA conference powerhouse in augmenting scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. James also has served as the campus Mentoring Coordinator, Assistant Dean of Students, and liaison to the Gilpin community.
Before joining Virginia Union University, Dr. James held various leadership roles in student-centered organizations. In these positions, he spearheaded initiatives to enhance student well-being, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster a strong sense of community on campus.
Dr. James earned his bachelor's degree in History and Political Science from the illustrious Virginia Union University, where he discovered his passion for research, black history, and working with students. Inspired by his positive experiences at Union, he pursued master's degrees in Educational Leadership and Reading Curriculum K-12 at Florida Atlantic University and the University of Phoenix, respectively. Driven by a commitment to student success, Dr. James continued his academic journey and obtained a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Delaware State University.
Dr. James is an active member of several professional associations, including the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the Education Law Association (ELA). He frequently presents at conferences and serves as a mentor to emerging professionals in the field. Dr. James is also an accomplished author of his first book, "Fifty Years of Silence."
Known for his approachability and dedication, Dr. James is deeply committed to fostering a campus culture that values student voices and promotes their holistic development. He believes in the transformative power of education and strives to provide every student at VUU with the support and resources they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Contact: Erika Roache
Director of Public Relations