James Raper

Background

About James Raper

I am an experienced leader, student affairs administrator, mental health professional, clinical supervisor, and faculty member. As Emory University's Associate Vice President for Health, Wellbeing, Access, and Prevention, I am responsible for the development, implementation, and assessment of strategic approaches for the health and wellbeing of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. I also provide oversight and coordination of a team of offices which include the Center for Student Wellbeing, Counseling & Psychological Services, Office of Respect, and Student Health Services. I serve on the Executive Leadership Team of the Senior Vice President for Campus Life and assist with the overall leadership of the Division of Campus Life. I have previously served as Assistant Vice President for Health & Wellbeing at Wake Forest University with a portfolio including: Health & Wellbeing Finance and Operations; Campus Recreation; Office of the Chaplain; Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success; Safe Office; Student Health Service; University Counseling Center; Office of Wellbeing; and Wellbeing Assessment. Prior to this role I served for 17 years in the Wake Forest University Counseling Center, including 5 years as its Director and University Chief Mental Health Officer. I am also credited for the creation of the Wake Forest University CARE and Threat Assessment Teams, and served as its co-chair for five years. I have extensive experience and expertise in in both upstream prevention and downstream intervention and crisis response, including health and well-being strategy, student affairs administration, clinical service delivery models, strategic crisis response, and behavioral intervention and threat management. I have been invited to consult and present nationally and internationally on a variety of these topics. I have previously served in a variety of faculty roles in Departments of Counseling at both Wake Forest University and Syracuse University. Course content has primarily focused on basic and advanced clinical interviewing, suicide assessment and intervention, trauma, and a variety of specialty topics in clinical settings (addictions, sexual health, shame, stigma, and psychodynamic psychotherapy). I have provided guest lectures and training to mental health professionals and to the community on various clinical and mental health topics locally, nationally, and internationally and have co-authored a book chapter on crisis and suicide assessment/intervention and burnout.