50 for 50: James Pennix

James Pennix

Dean of Admissions

Radford University (VA)

How long have you been in your current position at Radford? How long have you been there total? 

I have been at Radford University as the Dean of Admissions since 2010. I have been in my current (joint) position as Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Management since 2012. 

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I actually worked in the Sales world for 10 years prior to higher education. I was an Assistant Basketball coach at Roanoke College while working on my Master’s degree in Social Work at Radford University. Part of my coaching duties was to help the admissions office with college fairs during the off-season of coaching. I was pretty good at the recruitment end for admissions. When I graduate with my MSW, I accepted an Assistant Director position in the Admissions office and continued to advance in the field. I have been called to serve students in understanding this college admissions process.

What's your favorite counseling memory?

There are really too many to think about, but I once had a student who was trying to choose between Roanoke College and UVA. She was dead set on attending Roanoke and majoring in Biology. The she wanted to go to UVA for medical school. She deposited and was all set until mid-April. She received the Jefferson Scholarship from UVA but felt committed to attending Roanoke. Her mom called and asked if I would talk with the student because the Jefferson Scholarship was too good to turn down. We met and talked for a while and I told her that she should do what was best for her and the family. She needed to know that I was alright with her choosing UVA. I told her that it was a great opportunity and follow her heart. She enrolled at UVA, and we are big buds on Facebook. She will graduate this year with her Biology degree.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Get involved right away in your office and the association. Do not wait for someone to give an invitation. Just show up to these conferences and jump right in helping out. Ultimately, you will be on committee and find your passion area to serve students and the organization.

If not working in college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

I would probably be a college or high school basketball coach. I enjoy the sport and have coached many young folks who have gone on to great collegiate careers.

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I am the youngest in my family (8 of 8) and the first to attend and graduate from college with a Bachelors and Master’s degree. I am also the biggest Spiderman fan over 40 years old, and I have a Spiderman full outfit.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why? 

Affordability and access is a joint issue that I am passionate about for prospective students and families. In the same conversation, I believe that PCACAC and all admission professionals must continue to educate students on the process of making college affordable, therefore more attainable. I was a first generation student from a single parent low-income household and had to figure everything out for me and my mom.

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