Dr. Denise W. James, PhD., MDiv., QMHP
Director, Student Academic Support Services, Freshman Faculty Advisor
Dr. Denise W. James serves as the Director of Student Academic Support Services in the Hampton University School of Nursing, as well as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Religion. A student affairs and mental health professional with more than 20 years of experience at Hampton University, she is a dedicated advocate for student development, academic achievement, and holistic student success.
Throughout her career, Dr. James has held leadership positions in the University's Student Success Center, School of Pharmacy, and HU-CARE program. Her expertise includes academic advising, student affairs administration, college student development, career readiness, counseling education, leadership, and program development. She has contributed to numerous institutional initiatives, accreditation efforts, and committees focused on student success and academic excellence.
Her research interests include student advocacy, mental health, resilience, retention, persistence, and academic achievement among African American college students. Her doctoral research explored resilience among African American male graduate students in counseling.
Dr. James is also an ordained clergywoman, mentor, community advocate, and founder of Soaring Eagle Empowerment Services, LLC. Her professional and community endeavors reflect her commitment to empowering individuals through education, personal growth, leadership, and service.
Her educational credentials include a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from Virginia Commonwealth University, M.A. in Counseling from Hampton University, MDiv. from Liberty University Theological Seminary, PhD in Counseling Education & Supervision from Hampton University, and a graduate certificate in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University.