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Dr. James "JW" Kelley

Educator and Administrator for over 2 decades

Dr. James "JW" Kelley

Educator and Administrator for over 2 decades

Dr. James “J.W.” Kelley has served for over two decades as an educator and administrator in the community college sector. He holds an Ed.D. in the Management of Programs for Children, Youth, and Families from Nova Southeastern University, along with a Master’s in Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University, and a Bachelor’s in Bible from Johnson University. His educational journey is complemented by specialized professional development in leadership, notably with the U.S. Army and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Dr. Kelley’s career in education and administration is marked by a series of progressive leadership roles, each contributing to his rich expertise in the community college system. His journey began in the military, where he developed foundational leadership skills as a Squad Leader Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Transitioning to academia, he has since held various influential positions, including Associate Vice President for Student Services at the North Carolina Community College System Office, Vice President for Student Services at Randolph Community College, and Division Chair at Fayetteville Technical Community College. These roles have showcased his talent for strategic planning, student services innovation, and community engagement, affirming his commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering student success.

Education:

Ed.D. in Management of Programs for Children, Youth, and Families, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL (2002)
M.A. in Counseling, Cincinnati Christian University, Cincinnati, OH (1996)
B.A. in Bible, Johnson University, Knoxville, TN (1991)

Professional Development:

Various leadership courses including Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course (US Army, 1995) and Future Presidents Institute (American Association of Community Colleges, 2022)

Career Highlights:

Associate Vice President for Student Services, North Carolina Community College System Office, Raleigh, NC (2016-Present)
- Leadership in student services programs and activities for 58 community colleges.
- Advising the NC Community College System President and Senior Staff.
- Engagement in strategic collaborations and advocacy for policy changes to enhance student services.
Vice President for Student Services, Randolph Community College, Asheboro, NC (2011-2016)
- Directed student services programs, focusing on enhancing student success.
- Supervised operational planning, budget assessment, and continuous improvement.
Division Chair – Humanities and Social Sciences, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC (2009-2010)
- Oversaw the Humanities and Social Sciences Division, ensuring compliance with educational standards and supervising personnel.
Director of Admissions, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC (2003-2009)
- Managed college admissions, testing, and recruitment offices.
- Designed and implemented innovative enrollment and student services strategies.
Counselor, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC (2002-2003)
- Assisted students with educational planning and provided career counseling.

Military Service:

Squad Leader Sergeant, Quartermaster, United States Army, Fort Bragg, NC (1988-1994)
Involved in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Awards:

Fayetteville Technical Community College President’s Distinguished Staff Award (2008-09)
North Carolina Community College System Staff Member of the Year (2010)

Selected Publications/Presentations:

Various works including “Funding Strategies to Provide Sustainable Mental Health & Basic Needs Support in a Post-HEERF World” (ACCT Conference, 2023).

Areas of Expertise:

Comprehensive experience in senior-level administrative roles in community college education.
Extensive experience in community and workforce development.
Strong commitment to student success and participatory leadership style.
Expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, and legislative advocacy.

Dr. James "JW" Kelley

Educator and Administrator for over 2 decades

Dr. James "JW" Kelley

call: 828-652-6021

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