Ricky James ’04 is the Dean of the Chapel at Millsaps College. He sat down with us to share his story and what made him return to Millsaps.
Where are you from originally?
I am from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and attended Hattiesburg High School.
Where did you attend college?
I graduated from Millsaps with a B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies in 2004. After Millsaps, I went to Duke University for my master’s degree in divinity and Emory University for a doctorate in biblical interpretation and proclamation.
Why did you choose to attend Millsaps?
The moment I stepped on campus, Millsaps felt like home. I loved the community, leadership opportunities and commitment to serving the world around us.
Are there any courses or professors that stand out to you?
One of my favorite courses was Heritage because it challenged us to see the interconnectedness of the world throughout history. One of my heritage professors, Dr. Patrick Hopkins, eventually became my advisor. His lectures were always engaging and a lot of fun!
What was your career before returning to Millsaps?
Before returning to Millsaps, I was a local church pastor for 16 years. I am also a chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
What brought you back to work at Millsaps?
I came back to Millsaps for the opportunity to give back to a community that had given so much to me! As a student, I never imagined I’d work at the college, so I jumped at the chance to serve our amazing students, faculty and staff.
What do you love about your position at Millsaps?
I love watching our amazing students grow as servant leaders.
How did Millsaps prepare you for your career?
Millsaps taught me how to write in ways that brought clarity to my ideas and invited others into dialogue. When I was a prospective student, the admissions tagline was, “Millsaps teaches you how to think, not what to think.” That philosophy has served me well in my career. Not everyone will agree with you, but learning how to articulate your beliefs with kindness amid a divisive marketplace of ideas is a skill worth every tuition dollar I paid!
What do you do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I enjoy running and preparing for half-marathons. I love traveling with my family, including my wife, Megan James ’04, who is the vice president of the office of student life and dean of students at Millsaps! I’m also an officer in the Navy Reserve, so I spend a lot of my time there, as well.