James E. Harris is the immediate past President of the Montclair Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and First Vice President of the State Conferences of NAACP branches.  Mr. Harris has received numerous awards for his social policy work and leadership in education, including Community Service Awards as President of the Montclair NAACP; and recognition from the New Jersey Association of Black Educators, the New Jersey Black United Fund, and the New Jersey Alliance of Black Educators.  Mr. Harris is also Associate Dean of Students and University Ombudsman at Montclair State University.  He earned his B.A. in Social Studies with a New Jersey Secondary School Certification from Montclair State College, now Montclair State University.  He holds masters degrees in Personnel Service and in Public Administration.  He is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Public Administration at New York University.  Mr. Harris is also a retired Major of the New Jersey National Guard.