UM student Amber James is one of 12 students in the country selected by the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences to participate in their National Leadership Academy.
This academy serves as a training ground for FCS professionals to later assume future leadership positions within the AAFCS and its affiliates.
James will begin her training with the academy in June prior to the AAFCS’ Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. She will continue working with AAFCS for a year by collaborating with the organization’s state affiliate on a special project that will provide outreach to FCS professionals who are non-members.
The FCS senior said she tried to convey her deeply felt passion for the field in her application. “I didn’t want to just become a member. I wanted to be a leader in the organization,” James explained.
James came to UM in the spring of 2016 after earning a degree in psychology from the University of South Alabama in Mobile.
Despite the challenges coupled with being an older student and new parent, James has exceled not only in her studies, but as a Student Alumni Ambassador, a Falcon Scholar and a member of multiple honor societies.
After graduating in May, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in couples and family counseling at UM.
“She goes above and beyond to reach excellence in all that she does,” said James’ advisor Donna Bell, assistant FCS professor. “Amber’s ability to learn new things comes from her self-determination and motivation to achieve her personal best.”