Park University names Dr. Adrian James as Temporary Head of the College of Management
Adrian James, Ph.D., has been appointed as the interim dean of Park University's College of Management, effective May 1, 2025 [1]. Prior to this role, James had a rich academic background and varied professional experience.
James earned her Doctorate degree in Leadership, Education, and Communication from Texas A&M University. Before joining Park University, she served as the program coordinator within the academic success center at Texas A&M University's branch in Qatar for 3.5 years.
In addition to her academic roles, James has been actively involved in community development. She served as vice chair of the Platte County (Mo.) Economic Development Council Board of Directors and co-chair of the Platte County Workforce Alliance. James has also facilitated workshops and leadership sessions for multiple Kansas City area organizations, including the Kansas City Chiefs.
Before joining Park University in August 2018, James was an assistant professor of management and a department chair at various institutions. She also has a Master of Business Administration degree in Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Psychology from Northwest Missouri State University.
Most recently, James served as associate dean and associate professor of management within the College of Management at Park University since August 2021. As the interim dean, she will be the chief administrative, fiscal, and academic officer of the College of Management, responsible for implementing the College's policies and procedures in concert with the University's policies.
The College of Management is responsible for the strategic, programmatic, financial, and management operations that support the mission of the College and its role within the University. This includes the Robert W. Plaster School of Business.
James has demonstrated her commitment to Park University, previously serving as a past board member (2020-22) of the Parkville Area Chamber and Economic Development Council. James is a resident of Kansas City, Mo. (Northland).
[1] Source: Park University News Release, dated March 15, 2023.
Dr. Adrian James, in her prior roles, has shown a dedication towards education-and-self-development and personal-growth. For instance, she served as a program coordinator focusing on academic success, and facilitated workshops and leadership sessions for various Kansas City area organizations, all part of her pursuit of personal growth.
