James Michael Mardis

As the Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer for the University of Louisville, Dr. Mardis oversees the following areas: Housing; Counseling Center; Career Development Center; Student Government Association (SGA); International Service Learning; Dean of Students Office; Student Involvement; Student Activities Center; Fraternities & Sororities; Clubs & Organizations; Student Programming Board; Student Conduct; Civic Engagement, Leadership & Service Learning; Disability Resource Center; Student Grievance Officer; Student Advocate; Parent Programs; Assessment; Development; Intramural and Recreational Sports; Student Recreation Center; Title IX and ADA Compliance; International Center; and TRIO Student Support Services.

Dr. Mardis is a three-time graduate of the University of Louisville, having earned his Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Organizational Development from the University. With 25 years of professional experience working in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Dean Mardis has served on the UofL staff and as a member of the staff senate, as well as serving as an adjunct instructor for graduate programs at Radford University and the University of Louisville. He is currently an affiliated faculty member of the University’s Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation, and Organizational Development.

Dean Mardis is passionate about creating a vibrant campus life and improving student success. Under his leadership, the University of Louisville campus has experienced record levels of student involvement with over 450 registered student organizations, while student retention rates have improved and graduation rates have risen by 15%.

Having served as the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Kentucky Director from 2009-2012, Dr. Mardis was the NASPA Excellence Award Chair for Violence Education and Prevention, Crisis Management, and Campus Security. Additionally, he served as the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) National Coordinator for Communities of Practice on Threat Assessment and Behavioral Intervention Teams for three years.

An active presenter at national conferences, webinars and regional conferences, Dr. Mardis speaks on a wide range of topics, including behavioral intervention teams, emergency response, victim advocacy, student conduct, student engagement, campus safety, pandemic preparation, new professionals, professional balance, student organizations, the power of partnerships, leadership, and international service learning. His colleagues throughout Kentucky recognized him for his leadership with the 2018 College Personnel Association of Kentucky (CPAK) Outstanding Service Award. For his dedicated service to students, the SGA recognized Dr. Mardis with an award named in his honor in 2012, the “Michael Mardis Award for Excellence.”