Ann James, PhD, is a member of the Coordinator and Director Services Team at Grand River Solutions. Ann also serves as the Staff Development Manager for the team, ensuring that all members have opportunities to focus on their own growth while providing services to clients. In her role, Ann has served as a Title IX Coordinator and EEO practitioner at schools across the United States, including large and mid-sized public, private liberal arts, and religiously affiliated institutions. As Title IX Coordinator, she oversees institutional Title IX compliance, ensures a fair and equitable Title IX process, supervises and mentors Title IX staff, conducts trainings, revises policies, conducts outreach, and provides support to all parties engaging in the formal and informal Title IX grievance process. Ann is an experienced facilitator of training on Title IX compliance for those involved in the process at all levels, from employee reporting to coordinators.  

With 25 years working in higher education, Ann has experience leading offices within residence life, advocacy, student conduct, and Title IX. She has overseen high-profile investigations related to hazing and Title IX and has extensive experience resolving cases involving both students and employees. Additionally, Ann has expertise in crisis management, leading through change, and mentoring higher education professionals. She has held leadership roles in several professional associations and currently serves on the Association of Student Conduct Administrators Raymond H. Goldstone Foundation Board. 

Ann earned her BA in political science and MA in College Student Development from Appalachian State University and her PhD in College Student Personnel from the University of Louisville. Her doctoral research focused on the impact of sexual violence on first-year college students, specifically related to perception of campus climate and engagement.