James Spencer
Assistant Professor of Education
Department(s)
EducationCredentials
PhD, The University of South Carolina, May 2014
Concentration: Educational Administration
Dissertation: “Data-Driven Administrator Behaviors and State Report Card Results”
Chair: Zach Kelehear EdD
EdS, The Citadel, December 2008
Concentration: Educational Administration
MEd, Charleston Southern University
Concentration: Secondary Administration, May 1999
BS, Eastern Michigan University, April 1988
Concentration: Biology & Education
About James Spencer
Dr. James A. Spencer is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Education. Prior to serving as a full-time professor, Spencer served the university as an adjunct professor since July of 2015. Spencer recently retired from the Berkeley County School District, where he taught for 10 years and then served as a principal for 19 years at five different schools in the district. He received a Bachelor of Science, Eastern Michigan University, 1988; Master of Education, Charleston Southern University, 1999; Education Specialist Degree, The Citadel, 2008; and Doctor of Philosophy, The University of South Carolina, 2014.
Spencer has two daughters, Erin and Brooke. He attends and serves at Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant. His hobbies include: reading, boating, traveling, and playing the guitar.
"I chose to work at CSU because it is a faith-based university. I love teaching and I love and live my faith every day. At CSU, I can combine my two greatest passions. I received my MEd from Charleston Southern University in 1999. Since that time, I have always wanted to teach at this special and great university; now I am. I am absolutely living my dream each and every day here at CSU!"
Awards
Jostens Renaissance National Hall of Fame (2019)
National Blue Ribbon School Principal (2012-2013)
Palmetto’s Finest School Principal (2013)
Pearson Corporation National Speaker (2013)
Berkeley County Principal of the Year (2012-2013)
South Carolina Schools to Watch Finalist (2012)
Administrator of the Year: Tri-County Counseling Association (2007)
Berkeley County Distance Learning Research Team (1996)
Distance Learning Pioneer Teacher (1997)
Berkeley High School: Teacher of the Year (1993)
Curriculum Leadership Institute Graduate: HUB for Science and Math (1994)
Woodrow Wilson Fellow Scholar: College of Charleston (1991-1993)
Recent Scholarly Work & Publications
Spencer, J (April 2013) Ashville, North Carolina “Data-Driven School Leadership”
Spencer, J (June 2013) Chicago, Illinois “SuccessMaker and Increased Student Achievement”
Spencer, J (September 2015) Chester County, South Carolina School District: “Data-Driven Decision Making”