November 13, 2003

Staff profile: James Britt

Title: Assistant director of African American Student Affairs.

photo by Mary Hanlon

What is the department’s mission? We’re here to provide support to African American and black students on campus. We encourage them to make the most of their time at Northwestern and have as full and integrative an experience as possible. The department advises student groups, offers tutoring in several subjects and furnishes a computer lab and setting where students can meet and socialize.

And its history? Black students protested at the Bursar’s Office in 1968, leading the University to increase the number of black applicants considered for admission and also to establish a home base for student academic, cultural and political activities.

What do you do? I’m one of two assistant directors. My colleague, Everne Saxton, advises academic groups, while I deal more with our cultural groups like For Members Only. I also serve as liaison to other campus departments.

What is special about the work you do? I work with students everyday and enjoy it so much because they’re not jaded. They’re optimistic and full of energy. They’re trying to figure out who they are. I enjoy helping to facilitate the growth process. I have friends in other, more lucrative, fields but the personal connections make it all worthwhile.

What have you done on the road to Northwestern? I worked as coordinator of student development at California Polytechnic State University for three years. At Virginia Commonwealth University, I received a master’s degree in counseling education.

How did you become interested in working with students? I actually never intended on being in student affairs. I was looking for a way to pay for graduate school and became a graduate residence hall director. I kind of felt like a teacher, providing a life education. I think everyone needs that at some point.

— Stephen Anzaldi