>
Erika James

Erika H. James, PhD

Dean; Reliance Professor of Management and Private Enterprise; Professor of Management, The Wharton School

About Erika

Erika H. James became the dean of the Wharton School on July 1, 2020. Trained as an organizational psychologist, Dean James is a leading expert on crisis leadership, workplace diversity, and management strategy.

Prior to her appointment at Wharton, Dean James was the John H. Harland Dean at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School from 2014 to 2020. An award-winning educator, accomplished consultant, and researcher, she is the first woman and first person of color to be appointed dean in Wharton’s 139-year history. As such, she has paved the way for women in leadership both in education and corporate America. Dean James has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking executive education programs, including the Women’s Leadership program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School.

Known internationally, Dean James was named as one of the “Top 10 Women of Power in Education” by Black Enterprise and as one of the “Power 100” by Ebony. She has been quoted as an expert thought leader by the Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, CNN.com, and numerous other media outlets.

In addition to her academic responsibilities, Dean James is a board member of SurveyMonkey, a California-based market research and customer-experience company; the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC); and several organizations that align with her passion for education and advancing women in business. Additionally, she serves as an advisory board member to Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management and as an executive board member to the Indian School of Business. She also serves on the board of Save the Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children through better education, health care, and economic opportunities.

Dean James holds a PhD and master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Michigan, as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pomona College of the Claremont Colleges in California.

Read full faculty bio on Wharton website


Executive Education Programs Taught

Advanced Management Program

Wharton’s flagship leadership program is a transformational and immersive program for senior executives who are at the peak of their careers. This intellectually rigorous and highly experiential program will define you as a leader and strengthen your strategic prowess. Upon completion, you will be granted highly sought-after Wharton alumni status.

Women on Boards: Building Exceptional Leaders

Explore how to navigate the politics and culture of the boardroom and discover how to make your voice heard in this program that will give you a strong foundation for serving in your first director role.

Women’s Executive Leadership: Business Strategies for Success

Gain invaluable insight into the sophisticated business and leadership concepts that will help you propel your career forward while actively maintaining a work-life balance. Advance and inspire with clarity, confidence, and conviction.