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Dr. Maria A. James is an Associate Professor (Tenured), Department Chair and Academic Program Coordinator for Child Development at South Carolina State University in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences within the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences. She is a recipient of a $300,000.00 1890 Research and Development Grant, “Reclaiming a Healthy Heritage”, a grant evaluator, and a conference/workshop/seminar presenter.

Dr. James is a 1990 graduate of Wilson High School, 1995 graduate of South Carolina State University (Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences Business/Child Development), 1996 graduate of Francis Marion University (Master of Education in Early Childhood Education), 2006 graduate of Capella University (Doctor of Philosophy in Education), and a 2009 graduate of Cambridge College (Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership/School Administration). She holds teacher licensure/certification in Family and Consumer Sciences, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Principal and Elementary Supervisor.

Dr. James is the 2016-2017 Professor of the Year for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at South Carolina State University, a 2004-2005 Darlington County Teacher of the Year for Thornwell School for the Arts, a Who’s Who Among America’s Teacher recipient and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. James currently resides in Florence SC where she was born and raised by her parents Edward James and Cathaleen Anderson James. She has one adult son, Kelsey, and two grandsons, Kameron and Karter, who are the highlights of her life. She enjoys ministering, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Scripture: ~Luke 1:37, “Nothing is Impossible with GOD!”

Areas of interest: Family and Consumer Sciences, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Higher Education Leadership and Compassionate Leadership.