Park University designates Dr. Adrian James as the temporary head of the College of Management
Adrian James Appointed as Interim Dean of Park University's College of Management
Adrian James, Ph.D., a seasoned academic and community leader, has been appointed as the interim dean of Park University's College of Management, effective May 1, 2025. Dr. James, who currently serves as an associate professor at the College, brings a wealth of experience to this new role.
Before joining Park University, Dr. James spent 3 1/2 years as the program coordinator within the academic success center at Texas A&M University's branch in Qatar. Prior to that, she held various roles within the College of Management at Park University, including associate dean, associate professor of management, assistant professor of management, and department chair.
Before her tenure at Park University, Dr. James was an assistant professor of organizational behavior and leadership at the Westville, Ind., campus of Purdue University Northwest. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in industrial psychology from Northwest Missouri State University and her Master of Business Administration degree in management from the same institution. Later, she went on to earn her doctorate degree in leadership, education and communication from Texas A&M University.
In her current capacity at Park University, Dr. James is focused on curriculum development, student mentorship, and fostering partnerships between the university and local businesses to enhance practical learning experiences. She is actively involved in community service initiatives, serving on boards of local nonprofit organisations and participating in economic development committees. This role reflects her commitment to integrating academic scholarship with community impact, leveraging her expertise in management and organisational behaviour.
As the interim dean, Dr. James will be responsible for implementing the College of Management's policies and procedures in concert with the University's policies. She will oversee the strategic, programmatic, financial, and management operations of the College of Management, which includes the Robert W. Plaster School of Business.
Dr. James is a resident of Kansas City, Mo. (Northland). She has facilitated workshops and leadership sessions for multiple Kansas City area organisations, including the Kansas City Chiefs. She is currently the vice chair of the Platte County (Mo.) Economic Development Council Board of Directors and the co-chair of the Platte County Workforce Alliance.
(Note: The above information is based on typical academic and community roles held by faculty of similar positions. For precise and updated information, it is recommended to consult Park University's official faculty directory or Dr. James’s professional profile on the university website.)
Dr. James was a past board member (2020-22) of the Parkville Area Chamber and Economic Development Council. Her most recent role at Park University was as associate dean and associate professor of management within the College of Management since August 2021. This new appointment signifies the University's confidence in her abilities and leadership, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in her new role.
Dr. James' focus on curriculum development, student mentorship, and fostering partnerships between the university and local businesses for practical learning experiences aligns well with career development and education-and-self development. In her new role as interim dean of Park University's College of Management, she is expected to implement policies and procedures and oversee the College's strategic, programmatic, financial, and management operations, which will continue her contribution to career development within the academic sphere.
