St. Thomas University (STU) has announced Tamara James as Chief of Staff to President David A. Armstrong, J.D., effective immediately. Ms. James will be responsible for a wide variety of administrative and executive duties, special projects, and initiatives involving the Office of the President and its priorities. Former Chief of Staff, Jameka Windham, will continue as Vice President for Enrollment, concentrating her talents on advancing STU’s positive enrollment trend over the last four years.
Tamara James comes to St. Thomas University after two successful terms as Mayor of Dania Beach, in Broward County, Florida. Ms. James served as Dania Beach’s youngest Mayor and successfully implemented anti-discrimination policies, beach renewal strategies, job creation initiatives, and promoted homeownership through the establishment of affordable housing programs.
Her considerable leadership skills were honed not only in government service but also as a professional basketball player with the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. Her basketball career flourished internationally, affording Ms. James the opportunity to learn and interact with a great variety of cultures, languages, and people.
“I have been truly blessed to have had all the opportunities and accomplishments with basketball,” commented James. “But what means most to me is using all that I have gained to give back to our future generations. I have learned that teamwork, leadership, dedication, perseverance, and hard work are the keys to continued success in athletics, government, and life.”
As Chief of Staff, Ms. James will also serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
“We are looking forward to working with Tamara, as we know she will bring her tireless energy and deep leadership experience to her new role,” said STU President David A. Armstrong, J.D. “We thank Vice President Jameka Windham for doing a wonderful job as Chief of Staff and setting the bar for excellence, a bar we have no doubt Tamara will strive to take even higher.”
Tamara James is a graduate of the University of Miami, where she holds the title of most points scored over a career for UM basketball, men or women. In 2010, James was inducted into UM’s Hall of Fame, and her jersey was retired.
