Education

B.A., Broadcast Journalism, Howard University
M.S.W., Master of Social Work, University of South Carolina
Ph.D., Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies, University of South Carolina

Service

2022-2023 President, University of South Carolina Staff Senate
2021-2022 - Vice President, University of South Carolina Staff Senate Executive Committee
2017-2021 - Advisor, University of South Carolina Chapter of National Association of Black Journalists
2019 Staff Inductee, Chi Sigma Alpha Student Affairs Honor Society
2018-2019 Emerging Leaders Program, University of South Carolina
Advising Directorate, University of South Carolina

Personal

Rushondra James is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. She is the assistant dean for student services in the College of Information and Communications.

James graduated magna cum laude from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in sociology. She earned a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of South Carolina.    

A member of several university-wide initiatives, James was an inaugural Faculty Fellow with the South Carolina Collaborative on Race and Reconciliation housed in the Office of Diversity. Through this initiative, she and nine other faculty/staff members facilitate dialogue and foster discussions centered around race. Additionally, she is a part of the 2018-2019 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program and advisor for the University of South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.

James’ research interests include the equity and access of higher education for underrepresented students and the career trajectories of women of color in higher education.

One of her life’s purposes is to improve the lives of youth and women.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.   She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.