VALERIE D. JAMES BECOMES SENIOR ASSISTANT DEAN OF ACADEMIC AND STUDENT SERVICES AT PENN STATE DICKINSON LAW
February 2025 — Valerie D. James joined Penn State Dickinson Law in January as the senior assistant dean of academic and student services, leading student services programming and resources to students for the unified Penn State Dickinson Law locations in Carlisle and University Park.
She began that whirlwind month by being installed as the 2025-2026 chair of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Pre-Law Education and Admission to Law School (PLEALS) Section and joining a panel with Dickinson Law Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway at the 2025 AALS Annual Meeting. Her January continued with a cross-country move from California to Central PA amid a snowstorm, and she wrapped up the month by meeting students, staff, and faculty at Penn State Dickinson Law locations in Carlisle and University Park.
James feels energized by the experiences. After two and one-half years as senior assistant dean of admissions, financial aid, and diversity initiatives at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, James is eager to engage with the crucial institutional antiracism work being done under Conway’s leadership.
“With my family background, I feel it is so important for me to have the opportunity to assist with the antiracism work at Penn State Dickinson Law and the Antiracist Development Institute (ADI),” said James. “I come from the South. My husband and I are from Arkansas, and my parents are from Memphis. We are tied uniquely to the historic struggle for civil rights and access.”
James’s parents witnessed and later instilled in her the values associated with the movement for civil rights. “They were both big proponents of equity. Their lessons and example gave me the desire to do what was right and stand up for others,” said James. “I have the chance to do that here, where Dean Conway has developed an expert approach to institutional antiracism. Joining Penn State Dickinson Law represents one of the most amazing opportunities I have ever been offered.”
“Valerie is an exceptional leader who demonstrates remarkable commitment and dedication to everything she undertakes. She cares about our students’ success and will do everything she can to support them. We are lucky to have her at Penn State Dickinson Law,” said Conway.
Following a path into higher education
James worked as a paralegal for years before deciding to attend law school. She graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law in 2008. She also received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Following a year as an attorney at the firm where she had worked as a senior paralegal, James was invited to apply for the assistant dean for student affairs position at her alma mater. She had never considered entering higher education before.
“At first, I thought, ‘You have got to be kidding me — there are many people more qualified for this position than me.’ But I also loved my law school. I was a student leader there and did a lot to help the institution, including advocating for my colleagues and peers. I felt it could be a great fit, so I put my name in the hat and was hired. The rest is history,” said James.
She had found her niche. After two years, James became Arkansas’s assistant dean for admissions and scholarship, then spent almost seven years as the inaugural assistant dean of admissions and scholarships at the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law, joining the institution at its inception.
“I was employee No. 4 at the law school. We had to help build up the program, including hiring staff and faculty. The job was all-encompassing. I learned and grew so much during my time in Dallas,” said James.
After returning to Arkansas as chief operating officer of KIPP Delta Public Schools, she moved to California, first serving as assistant dean of student affairs at University of California, Davis, Graduate School of Management and then taking the McGeorge job in 2022.
“At McGeorge, I focused on diversity and antiracism and was part of the conversation about advancing access and equity in the law. We held programming that brought attention to students of color and underrepresented groups, making sure they knew they were capable and should consider a career in the law. It was an amazing opportunity for me to work with such a dedicated group of colleagues, students, alumni, and engaged community in Sacramento,” said James.
A perfect fit for a new position
During her time at McGeorge, she began working with the ADI, which is in coalition with law schools across the country. When the Penn State Dickinson Law opening arose, James felt moved to apply. “I knew Penn State Dickinson Law was a place where I could help make the tremendous impact I want to make. I was completely blown away when I was selected for the position,” said James.
She looks forward to maintaining an impactful presence at both Penn State Dickinson Law locations and working closely with Conway. “Dean Conway is a force,” said James. “She owns her space and helps all of us to be better and be disruptors for positive change.”
James lives with her husband, Jason, in Bellefonte. Their blended family includes four adult children, two of whom live in Texas, one in Arkansas, and another in Missouri. In her free time outside work, James enjoys attending paint-and-sip events with friends and traveling with her husband.