Katina Ward-James, PhD
Hampton,VA
Summary
A highly successful Director and Professor with over twenty years of experience in classroom, distance, and online instruction; Extensive experience managing Learning Management Systems and implementing effective instructional technologies; Documented record of success in designing, developing, and implementing innovative and effective strategies that improve student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall organizational effectiveness; Proven track record of increasing student enrollment and retention in academic programs
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Teaching and Learning Initiatives
Hampton University
Hampton, VA
02.2026 - Current
- Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of academic technology projects
- serve as a liaison between the division of IT and academic affairs to ensure effective communication and alignment
- develop project plans and schedules; monitor progress and report outcomes to the AVP for IT
- Identify risks and issues, recommending solutions to ensure timely project completion
- collaborate with division of IT teams, academic departments, and external vendors to deliver projects successfully
- evaluate emerging technologies and provide recommendations for future initiatives
Instructor
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, USA
09.2009 - Current
- Provided instruction for assigned Information Technology (IT) courses, to include E-Security Infrastructure Management, IT Planning, Ethics in IT, Introduction to Computers;
- Conduct in-person residency, grade students' performance fairly and to the College's standards & policies;
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and academic progress;
- Served as an academic advisor by providing academic assistance and individualized attention to promote each student's success;
- Used a variety of instructional strategies to support and motivate students
Executive Director
Hampton University Online
Hampton, USA
01.2024 - 02.2026
- Lead the development and implementation of online programs and initiatives to enhance teaching excellence and promote innovative online pedagogical practices across the University;
- Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration to support effective teaching and learning strategies, cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure that instructional practices align with the University's mission and strategic goals;
- Ensure that the educational offerings remain responsive to students' evolving needs and in line with the requirements of the global marketplace;
- Collaborate with the Marketing and Admissions departments to promote online programs and increase student enrollment;
- Establish and execute robust support systems for online students to maximize retention and academic achievement
Adjunct Instructor
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, USA
01.2018 - 12.2025
- Provided instruction for assigned Information Technology (IT) courses, to include Analyzing and Visualizing Data and Operational Excellence;
- Served as faculty teaching within the program curricula for graduate courses and in-person residency;
- Provided instruction for multiple concurrent classes in accordance with university teaching practices;
- Utilized a mentor/coach approach to build productive educational relationships with students
Director, Education Services/Learning Management System Manager
Hampton University
Hampton, USA
07.2017 - 01.2024
- Managed the overall planning, development, configuration, implementation, and maintenance of Blackboard;
- Collaborate and coordinate with Schools and academic support units to ensure that learning technologies meet the varied pedagogical needs of instructors across disciplines;
- Provided insight into institutional performance and analytical dashboard applications in Blackboard to make informed decisions on LMS usage and campus progress;
- Collaborated with faculty and staff on the use of relevant instructional technology techniques and the application of educational technology tools to enhance student learning within traditional, online, and hybrid classroom environments;
- Worked closely with the Online Division to resolve student and faculty issues;
- Presented at faculty and student orientations and educational support institutes and meetings;
- Managed and provide training for campus and online faculty on Blackboard, instructional software, tools, and classroom technologies
Program Director & Assistant Professor, IT
South University
Virginia Beach, USA
07.2014 - 07.2017
- Provided oversight of classroom instruction and day-to-day program operations;
- Assisted students toward successful program completion and staffing the classroom with instructors who support the mission of the University;
- Co-responsible with the Campus Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations for the fiscal well-being of the IT program as it relates to education and helping to maintain/grow enrollment;
- Selected, trained, developed, managed, and led regular and adjunct faculty according to the guidelines provided by the Campus Dean of Academic Affairs, the Department Chair and in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University/Campus;
- Instrumental in growth of IT program including curriculum development, student registration/advisement, STEM recruitment, community relations and campus relations;
- Conduct on-site evaluations and reviews of IT faculty;
- Served as an academic advisor;
- Actively participated in programmatic and university service activities
Computer Science/Computer Information Systems Assistant Professor
Hampton University
Hampton, USA
08.2007 - 06.2014
- Provided classroom and online instruction for computer information systems, computer programming and computer literacy courses;
- Provided instruction to students on management information systems concepts; relating systems and information to organizational objectives; organizational structure and management; systems, information, and decision theory; information system applications; and system evaluation and selection;
- Served on the Information Assurance Committee that was directly responsible for achieving the Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance;
- Designed and developed assignments and assessments for computer information systems and computer literacy courses;
- Composed grants to support department goals and university vision in the computer science arena;
- Advised and consulted with students majoring in computer information systems;
- Coordinated and participated in STEM related program activities;
- Maintained online assessment management tool to track department accreditation materials
Technology Training Coordinator
Newport News Public Schools
Newport News, USA
08.2003 - 08.2007
- Served as district administrator and trainer for the staff's online learning management system;
- Served as district administrator for the student eLearning enterprise platform;
- Trained School Technology Trainers, Administrative and Support staff on new systems implemented by the district, student information system and software programs;
- Designed and developed training material that met instructional goals and objectives;
- Delivered group and individual instruction and training covering a range of technical, operational and leadership training;
- Consulted with Administrators, Support Staff, and Technology Services personnel to determine current and anticipated training needs related to the use of technology;
- Evaluated effectiveness of training and development programs and utilized relevant evaluation data to revise or recommend changes in instructional objectives and methods;
- Assisted Quality Assurance department with testing new system functionality and documenting departmental processes and procedures
Adjunct Instructor
Hampton University
Hampton, USA
05.2000 - 07.2007
- Provided online instruction for computer literacy courses to include word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database development and computer theory;
- Provided face-to-face instruction in Microsoft Office and computer theory for Pre-College program;
- Utilized Blackboard for instructional communication;
- Designed and developed assignments and assessments for computer literacy courses
Technical Training and Development Specialist
Nextel Communications, Inc.
Hampton, USA
07.2000 - 08.2003
- Provided system and software application training to new and existing employees;
- Provided customer service, quality and sales training to new and existing employees;
- Planned, developed, reviewed, implemented and delivered training to new and tenured representatives and management staff;
- Designed, developed and selected training aids, handbooks, multimedia aids, computer tutorials, demonstration models and reference works;
- Consulted and coordinated with human resources and management staff for effective and efficient implementation of training programs;
- Conducted needs analysis to gather information that will help identify the most effective training solutions
Vocational Education Teacher/Cooperative Office Education Coordinator
Newport News Public School
Newport News, USA
08.1997 - 06.2000
- Provided instruction and planned courses in subjects including Computer Information Systems, Computer Applications, Keyboarding, Business Law, Business Principles and Marketing;
- Tracked students' progress and selected activities to reinforce learning;
- Devised supplemental, individualized learning activities for students;
- Managed and coordinated student workforce development
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Information Technology
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN01-2015
Master of Science - Education, Instructional Technology
Troy State University
Atlantic Region08-2002
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Management
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA05-1997
Skills
- Project management
- E-learning development
- Curricular design
- Technical support
- Data analysis
- Teaching methodologies
Certification
- Blackboard Learn Content Management GUI Administrator Certification, Blackboard Inc., 07/01/17
- TeacherLine Online Facilitator Training Certification, Public Broadcast System (PBS), 05/01/07
- E-Learning Instructional Design Certification, American Society of Training and Development (ASTD), 02/01/05
- Instructor/Facilitator Certification: Training 101: All the Basics, Writing Skills for Trainers, Instructional Techniques for Instructors and Advanced Instructional Techniques Workshops, Langevin Learning Services, 04/01/02
Professional Memberships
- The Links Inc., Hampton, VA
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Newport News, VA
Timeline
Director, Teaching and Learning Initiatives
Hampton University
02.2026 - Current
Executive Director
Hampton University Online
01.2024 - 02.2026
Adjunct Instructor
University of the Cumberlands
01.2018 - 12.2025
Director, Education Services/Learning Management System Manager
Hampton University
07.2017 - 01.2024
Program Director & Assistant Professor, IT
South University
07.2014 - 07.2017
Instructor
Keiser University
09.2009 - Current
Computer Science/Computer Information Systems Assistant Professor
Hampton University
08.2007 - 06.2014
Technology Training Coordinator
Newport News Public Schools
08.2003 - 08.2007
Technical Training and Development Specialist
Nextel Communications, Inc.
07.2000 - 08.2003
Adjunct Instructor
Hampton University
05.2000 - 07.2007
Vocational Education Teacher/Cooperative Office Education Coordinator
Newport News Public School
08.1997 - 06.2000
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Information Technology
Capella University
Master of Science - Education, Instructional Technology
Troy State University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Management
Christopher Newport University