Telvin James has been hired by University of the Ozarks as the new director of student engagement in the Office of Student Life. Born and raised in Texarkana, Texas, James most recently served as assistant director of student engagement and leadership and as an adjunct instructor at University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) from 2022 to 2026. James earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce and his bachelor’s degree in integrated studies from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark. “I was impressed by the people at Ozarks and the welcoming campus from the very first hour I arrived,” James said. At ULL, James served on the University Staff Council and taught UNIV 100-Mastering the First Year, a freshman seminar class that focused on student success, academic skills and campus engagement.