Dwayne T. James, he/him

Dr. Dwayne T. James, P.E. has been a co-instructor of the Civic Scholars program since 2020. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (statewide) and the Community Development Specialist in St. Louis County for MU Extension Engagement Specialist. As the Director of EDI, Dwayne works to build a culture within MU Extension that ensures that all who work, partner, volunteer with, and participate in our programs exemplify the values embodied in MU’s Inclusive Excellence Framework. As the County Engagement Specialist, Dwayne co-facilitates leadership programs such as the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF) and Youth Empowerment Program (YEP). Dwayne is a trained facilitator in Strategic Doing, teaching people how to form collaborations quickly, move them toward measurable outcomes and adjust along the way, and Navigating Difference, a cultural competency training designed using key adult education theory and practice that create a safe and welcoming environment for all learners.

Dwayne previously worked as a Structural Engineer, Quality Manager, and Inside Sales Coordinator for Jacobs Engineering Group. Dwayne served as a Council Member for the City of Ferguson from July 2006 to April 2016. Additionally, Dwayne volunteers his time and expertise to non-profits, boards, and commissions that empowers residents to improve community conditions and efforts that increases access to services. As a founding member for the Ferguson Youth Initiative, he worked to build relationships, develop partnerships, and identify opportunities to empower teenagers (13 – 19 years of age) in the North County area. He is also the Race Director for the annual Ferguson Twilight Run. Dwayne serves on the St. Louis County Human Relations Commission and on the boards for Cultural Leadership and One West Florissant Community Development Corporation. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Missouri- Rolla. Dr. James has his Doctorate in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.