WALTERBORO, SC, September 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. James Bernard Washington has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Since 2021, Dr. Washington has served as the Regional Admissions Coordinator for the University of South Carolina (USC) Palmetto College. In this role, he is the primary contact for the college's online bachelor's degree completion program, guiding students through recruitment, application, transfer, enrollment, and registration processes. His work supports students of all ages, particularly adult learners and those returning to complete their degrees, with a focus on increasing access and success across the state.

Dr. Washington plays a key role in preparing reports and briefings for executive-level meetings and has built strong collaborative relationships across all four-year USC campuses. He provides strategic leadership to grow program enrollment through outreach and community engagement. Dr. Washington also facilitates University 101 freshman orientation courses providing opportunities for student acclimation, self-confidence, diversity and a sense of belonging.

In 2022, Dr. Washington was inducted into the University of South Carolina Palmetto College's Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society as an honorary faculty and staff member, in recognition of his academic support for nontraditional students. His influence goes far beyond administrative duties - he is known for fostering positive behavioral change, student empowerment, and academic persistence.

Career Highlights in Higher Education

Prior to his current position, Dr. Washington held leadership roles in community colleges across North Carolina. At one institution, as Director of Admissions and Recruitment, he led efforts that resulted in record-breaking enrollment and was honored with the Innovator Award in 2011.
At another institution, he facilitated the incorporation of a new model for student advisement, scheduling and registration process for more efficiency and student empowerment.

Dr. Washington also co-founded a successful minority male mentoring program focused on college completion and student transfer. This initiative included engaging guest speakers such as judges, business leaders, professors, and public officials, as well as off-campus college tours and participation in minority male student conferences. Faculty and administrators noted the program's positive impact on student engagement, attendance, Faculty-student relationships and retention.

He also helped increase student diversity enrollment as Director of the Evening and Weekend program at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in North Carolina.

Corporate and Military Influence

Dr. Washington's professional background includes experience at a Fortune 500 company, where he designed and implemented a comprehensive safety system and training program, significantly reducing plant injuries. He facilitated training workshops for more than 850 employees across all levels of the organization.

His ability to apply military and corporate strategies to educational environments is a hallmark of his career. He consistently seeks innovative process improvements rooted in his diverse professional experiences.

Educational Background and Personal Legacy

Dr. Washington holds a Doctor of Education from North Carolina State University, a Master of Science from Chapman University, and a Bachelor of Science in Counselor Education from South Carolina State University. His academic journey has shaped his philosophy of fostering self-efficacy, student engagement, and behavioral change to support graduation and long-term success.

Deeply influenced by his parents, early teachers, mentors, military, and corporate experiences, Dr. Washington remains passionate about building opportunities for others. One of his proudest accomplishments is seeing his children, siblings, nieces, and nephews earn college degrees (some earned advanced degrees) - a legacy that brought pride to his parents and continues to inspire his work.

Looking ahead, Dr. Washington aims to deepen his involvement in student mentoring and coaching programs. He is committed to promoting a sense of belonging, academic preparedness, and cultural awareness among students while advocating for strong faculty-student relationships and the use of campus resources.

Community Involvement and Volunteerism

Dr. Washington's community contributions include:
• "CALL ME MISTER" Program Activities (2022 -2023)
• Volunteer, Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce Ambassador (2021-2023)
• Guest Presenter, "Economic Mobility - Moving on and Going On," Midlands Fatherhood Coalition (2023)
• Panelist, Black Alumni Association Leadership Symposium: Recruitment, Retention, Graduation, and Alumni Career Pathways (2023)
• Speaker, I.C.A.N. (I can succeed - College Access Network) Mentorship Program: "Importance of Self-Efficacy Among Students of Color" (2022)
• Virtual Presentation, Sumter School District: "The Power of the Other" by Dr. Henry Cloud (2022)
• Workshop Facilitator, Minority Male Initiatives for Success Conference: "Recognizing Diversity in Mentoring Programs" (2018)
• Keynote Speaker, Hollister Middle School Graduation, Hollister, NC (2011)
• Workshop Facilitator, "Ten Commandments of Effective Communication" for faculty/staff (2010)
• Volunteer Mentor, Moores Chapel AME Zion Vacation Bible Study (2018)
• Youth Sports Coach: Intramural Basketball and Little League Baseball (1994–1997)
• Mentoring Organizations: BOTSO (Brothers Organized to Serve Others), P.R.I.D.E. (Preparing Men for Intellectual, Academic, and Educational Success), and 1st Tee of the Triad (2008-2016)
• He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the local town's Rotary Club.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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