Renowned motivational speaker and author James Amps III will be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony during the Spring Semester orientation for new and transfer students on UVI's St. Croix campus on Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Author of the successful book "Speaking To Excel," Amps is one of the original Titans who played high school football for Coach Herman Boone who was portrayed by Denzel Washington in the movie "Remember the Titans." After a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, Amps founded the A.M.P.S. (Advanced Minds Pursuing Success) Entrepreneurship/Leadership Institute. He has carried a message of action to more than 550 worldwide corporate and professional audiences. Amps also works with college students and adults, sharing ways they can develop the innovative strategies needed for success in the unpredictable world of the 21st century. He specializes in showing individuals how to move out of their comfort zones, and to be accountable and creative using their talents, skills and abilities.
Miriam Osborne Elliott, UVI's Associate Campus Administrator for Student Affairs on St. Croix, said Amps' leadership institute includes a strong focus on youth development. "We're fortunate to have someone of Mr. Amps' breadth of experience as our keynote speaker. We're looking forward to the impact he will have on our students," she said.
Amps' presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Great Hall of the North West Wing on UVI's St. Croix campus.