James “JP” Pennix

Virginia Tech

Director of Recruitment

James “JP” Pennix is an experienced higher education leader with over 25 years of experience in admissions and enrollment. He currently serves as the Director of Recruitment at Virginia Tech Undergraduate Admissions, where he is dedicated to fostering student success with a particular focus on rural recruitment and empowering young men to excel academically.

Born in Madison Heights, Virginia, JP is the youngest of eight children raised by his late mother, Anna Roberta Pennix, and co-raised by his late grandmother, Lizzie B. Pennix. As the first in his family to attend and graduate from a four-year college, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Statistics from Roanoke College and a Master of Social Work from Radford University. JP is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at Walden University (ABD), driven by his deep commitment to the transformative power of education. JP’s professional journey includes roles at institutions such as Radford University, Roanoke College, and briefly at Elizabeth City State University, where he has consistently advocated for student success and access to higher education. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to helping students navigate their academic paths and achieve their goals.

A committed community leader, JP is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., serving as Chair of the Achievement Week Committee, Editor/Reporter for the Tau Omicron Chapter, and as a mentor in the QUE School Mentoring Program. His service-oriented mindset extends to his church, where he is a Deacon, Chair of the Disciple Men’s Fellowship Committee, and Secretary for the District 3 Executive Board of the Christian Church of Virginia at Loudoun Avenue Christian Church in Roanoke, VA. JP’s personal guiding principle is reflected in his testimony: “I am blessed to be a blessing.”