Branden James '26

Branden James ‘26 is the definition of an exemplary UNCW student. The heart, dedication and intentionality he brings to every pursuit is what sets him apart.  James majors in exercise science with a concentration in allied health and a minor in psychology. His passion for the health field is deeply personal, rooted in the influence and inspiration of his mother and grandmother. 

“My grandmother is a nurse practitioner and formerly served as the head of the operating room at Sentara Albemarle Hospital, while my mother works as a pharmacy inventory planner and a pharmacy technician,” said James.  “Growing up and witnessing the impact they had on others in the medical field inspired me to want to help people in a similar way.”

James grew up as a four-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, cross-country and track and field. His experience as an athlete further confirmed his ardor for working in healthcare. Initially, James believed this would manifest through physical therapy and athletic training but has found his path is more geared toward health administration.  

“After shadowing professionals throughout high school and college, I realized those paths were not the best fit for me. Over time, I became more interested in health administration, especially as many individuals recognized my strong leadership qualities and described me as a natural leader," said James, who serves as a Student Government Association at-large senator and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. 

One experience that cemented his decision to pursue a concentration in allied health was when he studied abroad. James participated in the exercise science program’s short-term, faculty-led abroad program, Explore Your Unknown: South Africa, where his perception of global health broadened.  

“It was my first time traveling outside the country, and it positively transformed my perspective on life,” said James. “The program deepened my understanding of global health, as I was able to connect my academic foundation in exercise science to real-world public health systems and barriers to healthcare access while in South Africa.” 

At UNCW, James is a member of seven on-campus organizations and has consistently been on the dean’s list. He is the recipient of several scholarships including the 1898 Teal Transformational Scholarship, TEAL Grant, Seahawk Grant, Next NC Scholarship, Bess Tillett/P.P. Gregory Scholarship and the UNCW SEEDS Scholarship in Health Sciences. He also works as an operation supervisor at the Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center. 

Currently, James is nominated for two Cornerstone Awards: the Distinguished Engagement and Pat Leonard Senior Medallion Awards. Cornerstone Awards are elected by faculty and given to students with high academic and extracurricular success at commencement.

“After graduation, my goals are to apply to the Master of Health Care Administration program at UNCW while also pursuing a career in medical device sales, with a potential specialization in sports medicine medical devices,” said James.  

As he looks toward graduate school and a career in medicine, James carries with him not only an impressive resume, but a sense of purpose.  

 “Healthcare allows me to continue leading by example while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives — not just in the healthcare field, but also on campus with my involvement,” said James. “Choosing health care is not just a career decision for me; it reflects the values I have carried out since childhood.”