B. James Dawson, Ed.D.,
President of Coker College

Dr. Dawson began his duties as the 15th President of Coker College on July 1, 2002.

He is a native Hoosier, the son of parents who were both educators. His early life was spent in Indiana where he attended the University of Evansville, receiving a B.A. degree in Sociology. Upon graduation he was employed by his alma mater as an admissions counselor.

During the years immediately following graduation he began work toward a M.A. degree, completing that program through a joint offering between the University of Evansville and Indiana University. In 1984, he received his doctorate in the administration of higher education from Indiana University. During his tenure at the University of Evansville, Dr. Dawson held a variety of administrative positions culminating in the Vice Presidency.

In 1988 he moved to Fort Hays State University as Vice President for Student Development. Shortly after his arrival he assumed responsibility for the functions of development, alumni relations, public relations, and governmental relations with the title of Vice President for Student and Institutional Development. From 1995 until coming to Coker, Dr. Dawson was the President of Tennessee Wesleyan College, a small liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Dr. Dawson has taught at the graduate and undergraduate level at both the University of Evansville and Fort Hays State University. Twice he has served as an Academic Dean. He was instrumental in creating an undergraduate certification program in Leadership Development at Fort Hays State University. He serves the University Senate of the United Methodist Church as a consultant on accreditation issues, fund raising, and strategic planning. He was an active participant in the development of an on-line registration and degree audit program at Fort Hays State University.

Dr. Dawson has gained national recognition for his contributions to the field of alcohol and drug abuse prevention. As a member of the Presidents Leadership Group, he joined five other College and University Presidents in a concerted effort to involve the leadership of institutions of higher education in the fight against irresponsible and illegal use of drugs and alcohol. This group, created by the Higher Education Center under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education, has now been expanded to include nearly one hundred leaders in higher education.

In addition to his involvement in this important issue,
Dr. Dawson has been active in accreditation matters serving as a peer evaluator for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He is a member of the Presidents Council for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and has served as a reader for grant proposals submitted to the NCAA "Choices" program.

Jim and his wife, Karen, are active in community and civic affairs. He was named Man of the Year in 2002 for the city of Athens, Tennessee. Both are also active members of their church. Karen was a member of the Choir and the Church Ensemble in Athens, and she also served as the church music librarian. In their leisure time, the Dawsons enjoy golfing and boating. They have two children and two grandchildren. As proud parents and grandparents they have an abiding appreciation for the importance of education for future generations of students.