CofC Faces to Know: Anthony James

Name: Anthony James ’12 (M.A.T.)

Hometown: Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, but raised in Summerville, South Carolina

Education: B.A. in psychology, Winthrop University; M.Ed. in divergent learning, Columbia College; M.A.T. in early childhood education, College of Charleston; Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction, University of South Carolina

Job title: Director of Minority Education and Outreach

How long have you worked at the College? I started on July 23, 2018.

What are your job responsibilities? My primary responsibility is to oversee the Call Me MISTER program and advise the students in the program. Also, I work to increase the diversity at the College and within the Department of Teacher Education. Often, I connect with prospective students in middle and high school to share the benefits of our great institution.

What do you like most about your job? I love the relationships that I have with my MISTERs. We have a special bond that goes beyond my work responsibilities. We are a family. Also, I enjoy working with Rénard Harris, associate vice president of the Office of Institutional Diversity and the College’s chief diversity officer. I always admired him when I was a student. It has been a dream come true to converse with him on a daily basis about a number of things.

What question do you get asked most in your job and what’s your typical answer? Question: How can I get the MISTERs involved with my group or school? Typically I’m very thoughtful about my response. I receive at least 15 requests per week, but I’m cautious about volunteering my MISTERs’ time. I consistently emphasize that my MISTERs are students before anything else. Also, I want them to enjoy the social aspect of their collegiate experience.

What’s your favorite location on campus and why? The library. First, the building is absolutely gorgeous. As a student, I spent many hours there doing homework and research. It was the one place on campus that I could block all distractions. Also, I love the addition of Starbucks.

Finish this sentence: “The College should…” Continue to make strides to diversify the student and faculty populations.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy boxing and lifting weights. I love playing football and basketball in various leagues across the city. When I’m home, I play Madden NFL and NBA 2k on my PlayStation 4.

What personal and professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Recently I earned my doctoral degree from the University of South Carolina. I’m proud because I was the first person in my family to go to college. I enjoyed seeing the pride and joy in my family’s eyes. My grandmother, my parents and children were all there to celebrate with me.

Name a creative work (book, movie, performance, etc.) you enjoyed recently? I enjoyed the book and movie, The Hate U Give!

What was your favorite TV show growing up? A Different World, Cosby Show, Family Matters and anything sports related.

What’s next on your bucket list? I want to fly to San Diego, California, and drive up I-5 to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I want to spend time in all of the major cities (especially Seattle) on my route.

What is something your campus colleagues would be surprised to know about you? I was a student here about seven years ago. It was a huge transition going from a former student to a member of the faculty and staff. It still feels weird when my former professors insist that I call them by their first names. ?

What was your first job? My first job was at the Coca Cola plant in North Charleston. It was the most challenging job I ever had. However, it taught me the value of hard work. I knew from that experience that I did not want a physically demanding job.

What’s your favorite Lowcountry restaurant? Right now, it is Gillie’s Soul Food on James Island and Voodoo in West Ashley.

Describe your perfect day: My perfect day would include spending time with my children. Then I would enjoy putting on my Beats headphones and hiking in Jones Gap State Park. I feel at peace when I’m surrounded by nature.

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