To describe James Alexander Jr. as a self-motivated achiever doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of this remarkable young man who is taking part in the dual degree program offered by Vanderbilt Law School and the Vanderbilt Divinity School.
“I used to preach at the coffee table when I was two years old,” Alexander says. “When I was seven I decided I wanted to be an attorney. I was around a lot of poverty growing up and just decided that I didn’t want to live like that.”
Alexander, who also has a passion for writing, earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Howard University. When he started looking for a graduate program that would allow him to pursue law and divinity degrees, Vanderbilt was the obvious choice.
“When I visited the campus, it was so amazing,” he says. “The people were so warm, and I just felt at home immediately.”
Alexander’s determination to achieve his goals was rewarded in the form of several scholarships. He initially received scholarship support from both the Divinity and Law schools, and the awards and accolades have continued. He was named a Cal Turner Fellow and worked with the Children’s Defense Fund. His Branstetter Fellowship resulted in work with the U.S. Attorney’s office. He is also a Harry Phillips American Inn of Court Fellow, the ecumenical chair for the United Methodist Student’s Association and a member of the Black Law Students Association.
“The generosity of others means more than words can express—the donations that have been given and the opportunities they’ve opened up,” he says. “I certainly would never have had enough money to pay for a great institution like Vanderbilt. It’s just a phenomenal thing that people are willing to give of themselves so that other people can have another opportunity.”
Even though he’s still a student, Alexander is already giving back.
“I donate because I’m just so grateful for the donations that Vanderbilt has given me,” he says. “I’m excited to give back—I’m happy to do it, and I will continue to do so.”