Dr. James Anderson

Dr. James D. Anderson serves as the Interim Dean, Coordinator of Principalship and Superintendency, and Assistant Professor of Education at Wayland Baptist University. Holding a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a mathematics specialty, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Sul Ross State University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at El Paso, Dr. Anderson brings a robust academic and leadership background to his roles at Wayland. His commitment to educational leadership, policy, and school administration equips him to prepare future principals and superintendents with the skills essential for thriving in complex educational environments.

Dr. Anderson’s research interests are diverse and rooted in advancing educational practices and policies. His primary focus areas include school leadership for principals and superintendents, educational law and policy, and active engagement with policymakers. Additionally, he explores practitioner liability and protection, ethical dilemmas in education, and the dynamics between principals and coaches. Dr. Anderson’s work is also informed by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, Ethical Theory, and Control Theory, which he applies to public education to investigate how leaders can foster positive relationships and adapt to systemic needs within their schools.

At Wayland, Dr. Anderson teaches both graduate courses for principal and superintendent certification as well as undergraduate education courses, adapting his instruction to meet the diverse needs of his students across programs. For students pursuing Principal or Superintendent certification, Dr. Anderson is a key resource and guide. His favorite aspect of teaching is helping students connect theory with practice, watching as they develop the confidence to apply their knowledge to real-world educational settings. Seeing students grow into future leaders capable of managing classrooms, schools, and school districts, and adapting their instruction for diverse needs, is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.

Outside academia, Dr. Anderson treasures time with his family, including his two grown daughters and a son currently in college. His wife, also an educator, shares his dedication to education, having supported him since his first teaching role. Dr. Anderson’s personal interests include powerlifting, which helps him maintain focus and balance, along with reading, writing, and listening to audiobooks. He also serves as a consultant for attorneys on educational policy and law, applying his expertise in real-world legal contexts, and enjoys tracking the stock market to keep his analytical skills sharp.

For Dr. Anderson, Wayland Baptist University is unique for its integration of faith and education, providing an environment where both academic and spiritual growth are nurtured. He values the strong sense of community and shared mission among faculty, staff, and students, and finds it rewarding to mentor future leaders in a setting grounded in ethical and moral principles. Working at Wayland allows Dr. Anderson to contribute to a supportive and positive educational community, where he can help shape skilled professionals prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world.