Park University Appoints Dr. Adrian James Interim Dean of the College of Management

May 1, 2025 — Adrian James, Ph.D., has been appointed as the interim dean of Park University’s College of Management, effective today.

As the interim dean of the College of Management, James will be the chief administrative, fiscal and academic officer of the College. She will be responsible for implementing the College of Management’s policies and procedures in concert with the University’s policies, as well as the strategic, programmatic, financial and management operations that support the mission of the College and its role within the University. The College of Management includes the Robert W. Plaster School of Business.

James, a resident of Kansas City, Mo. (Northland), has been with Park since August 2018, most recently as associate dean and associate professor of management within the College of Management since August 2021. She previously held roles as assistant professor of management and as a department chair.

Prior to joining Park University, James was an assistant professor of organizational behavior and leadership at the Westville, Ind., campus of Purdue University Northwest. She also spent 3½ years as the program coordinator within the academic success center at Texas A&M University’s branch in Qatar.

James earned her doctorate degree in leadership, education and communication from Texas A&M, and both her Master of Business Administration degree in management and her Bachelor of Science degree in industrial psychology from Northwest Missouri State University.

James is an engaged Northland resident. In addition to serving as vice chair of the Platte County (Mo.) Economic Development Council Board of Directors, she is also co-chair of the Platte County Workforce Alliance, which unites influential leaders from area businesses and educational institutions. James is also a past board member (2020-22) of the Parkville Area Chamber and Economic Development Council. She has also facilitated workshops and leadership sessions for multiple Kansas City area organizations, including the Kansas City Chiefs.