5 minutes with UofSC’s Rushondra James, assistant dean for student services

Rushondra J. James is the assistant dean for student services at the University of South Carolina. This week, we talk to her about her work and the challenges that are ahead for schools in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

This interview has been edited.

Q. For the people that don’t know you, tell us a little about yourself.

A. I’m a true Carolina Girl. I was born and raised in Orangeburg and lived there until I graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. After graduation, I attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. I graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and minor in Sociology. I moved back to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina and earned a Master of Social Work degree. I’ve worked as a case manager for transitional housing here in Columbia and I’ve also done some teaching as an adjunct at both UofSC and Midlands Technical College.

Q. I understand you’re active in the community. What organizations are you a part of?

A. I serve on two boards: The American Association of University Administrators (AAUA) and Limitless Purpose, an organization whose goal is to help children succeed despite any disability or disadvantage. These boards represent two causes I am passionate about, higher education and children/adults with special needs. I am a younger sister to a brother who has Down Syndrome.

Q. What challenges are on the horizon for student and staff in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic?

A. I believe COVID-19 creates a plethora of challenges for colleges and universities across the nation. As a true believer in the residual experiences that college provides (where a lot of learning and development take place outside of the classroom), universities will now have to be especially intentional about building community with students and re-evaluating the learning process. In the “traditional” college environment, community happens naturally. In addition, we will have to embrace technology more than we previously have.

Q. With most of us working from home, taking time for ourselves has been a top priority for many people. What are some of the ways you practice self care?

A. As a result of working remotely because of COVID-19, I now walk daily for at least one hour and I make sure I have a stopping point for my workday. I’ve also began to try new recipes — I’ve been cooking more. Daily prayer and meditation are also a plus.

Preach Jacobs, special to GoColumbia

This story was originally published June 21, 2020 at 9:42 PM with the headline "5 minutes with UofSC’s Rushondra James, assistant dean for student services."