Dr. Anthony James Jr. serves as Special Assistant in the Office of the President and serves as DEI advisor. Prior to this role, he served as Interim Vice-President of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, leading inclusive and collaborative projects to engage university staff, students, and the community in humanitarian efforts towards social justice and healing. Dr. James, along with colleagues Dr. Vicka Bell-Robinson and Dr. Rodney Coates, was awarded The Spirit of Western College Award for advancing equality, equity, and social justice as co-chair on Miami's DEI Task Force.

He is an associate professor in the department of family science and social work, director of the family science program at Miami University. His scholarly work uses an interdisciplinary approach to understanding social interactions and human development, with expertise in positive youth development, religion and spirituality, diverse family systems, family processes, and program evaluation. Dr. James is the Editor-in-Chief of Marriage & Family Review (MFR).