Director of Student Involvement Courtney James, shown in 2019 wearing one of the DePaul Ugly Sweaters she helped make into a campus tradition, will take leadership of the National Association for Campus Activities' board of directors in 2024. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Courtney James, DePaul's director of student involvement, has been named chair-elect of the National Association for Campus Activities' board of directors, positioning her to take leadership of the organization in 2024.
James has long been involved with the association, including as a regional and national convention chair and, since 2021, a board member. Last year NACA's Mid America Region honored her commitment by presenting her with its Janet Carl Smith Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her wealth of NACA experiences, says current board chair Kendrick Durham, "along with her thoughtful inquiry and commitment to excellence, will help her further position the association as an industry-leading, mission-driven organization."
"NACA's vision to 'create college communities where everyone belongs' is one that I am fully committed to," James says, "and I look forward to leading the association as we collectively build and champion the case for campus activities."
James came to DePaul in 2015 and now supervises student organizations, campus activities, fraternity and sorority life and esports.
"Courtney is a natural leader who has earned the respect of many," says Vice President for Student Affairs Eugene L. Zdziarski II, PhD. "Her work is recognized across the university for fostering a vibrant campus life in which students develop a sense of belonging and are able thrive both academically and personally. We are excited that Courtney's leadership and experience has been recognized by her professional peers in NACA."
James was chosen in 2022 as one of the
125 Faces of DePaul in recognition of the many campus annual events she helped start. She holds a bachelor's degree from Augustana College and a master's from Western Illinois University, and she is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from DePaul.
Scott Butterworth is an editor of Newsline.