James Riley begins his first year with the Norfolk State athletics department in 2024-25 as an academic coordinator. He brings a wealth of experience in student engagement, retention, and personalized support.
Riley comes to Norfolk State from Tidewater Community College, where he served as the academic advisor for three years. Managing a caseload of approximately 1,200 students, he ensured personalized support for each individual as they progressed.
As part of his duties at Tidewater, Riley offered comprehensive career coaching services to current and prospective students, utilizing career assessment tools. He connected students with campus and community resources available to encourage academic success.
Riley spent three years as an admissions counselor at Radford University prior to his time at Tidewater. In that role, he engaged with students during school visits, fostering open dialogue and encouraging their participation in programs and initiatives.
As an admissions counselor, Riley led planning during recruitment events across four designated territories, ensuring effective outreach efforts. He also made long-term process improvements in student communication by utilizing the SMS platform as integral communication.
Riley became a Virginia Certified Career Coach in 2023.
Graduating from Concord University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication, Riley is currently pursuing a Master of Education from Liberty University.
