Central State Alum returns as Career Specialist, mentoring the next generation

When James Lacking walked across Central State University’s campus as a student, he never imagined he would one day return as a staff member helping students prepare for their professional futures. 

Now a career specialist in Central State’s Center for Career Exploration and Development, Lacking is navigating a new role at the institution that shaped him — one he says feels less like a job and more like a calling. Lacking said. “I get to give back and help students professionally develop into what I am now as a professional in this space.” 

A Double Alum Brings Experience Back to Campus 

A two-time Central State graduate, Lacking earned both his undergraduate degree in 2024 and his MBA in 2025, placing him among a small group of “double alumni.” He credits his time on campus — both inside and outside the classroom — for preparing him for his current role. 

As an undergraduate, Lacking was a member of the Honors College, a four-year track and field athlete and team captain, president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and served on Royal Court as Mr. Sophomore and Mr. Senior. 

“Being involved helped me grow personally, professionally and academically,” he said. “Those experiences really shaped who I am today.” 

Adjusting to Life Post Graduation 

Returning to Central State as an employee has required adjustment. Once known to peers as “Miles,” Lacking now hears “Mr. Lacking” from students he serves. 

“It’s definitely different seeing Central from the staff and faculty side,” he said. “I’ve had to embrace the professional side of things. I’m not just a student anymore — I’m a professional and a role model.” “Someone is always watching,” he said. “You never know who you’re impacting.” 

That mindset extends beyond his university role. Lacking coaches boys’ and girls’ track and field at Dunbar High School, serves as keeper of records for the Wilberforce Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and works as a photographer. 

When asked to describe his personal approach to work and life, Lacking pointed to a motto shaped by years of balancing responsibilities. 

“If you’re not first, you’re last” he said. “I like to achieve as much as I can at one time. I try to overfill my plate and just do as much as I can.”  

Supporting Student Success 

In the Center for Career Exploration and Development, Lacking assists students with resumes, internships, professional development and headshots. He encourages students to be proactive in seeking opportunities.  

The Center for Career Exploration and Development launched in the Fall of 2025 its establishment merged Career Services and the Graduate School Preparation Program into one unified hub dedicated to student growth. It holds a multitude of resources including Graduate exam preparation, work-study integration, individual advising on Graduate School selection and personal statement development.  

“Central State has the support you need,” he said. “You just have to access it and be intentional. Opportunities aren’t handed to you — you have to build relationships and use your network.” 

Looking Toward the Future 

Lacking said his own career path reflects that philosophy. He credited his connection with Lisa Dunn, Executive Director of The Center for Career Exploration and Development, for leading him to his current role.  

He also cited long-time support from Elliott Lightfoot, his former track and field coach, who recruited him to Central State. 

“If he didn’t reach out to me, I would have never come to Central State,” Lacking said. “I trusted him with my athletic and academic career, I’m glad that I made the decision to come here and create the memories that I did.”  

Looking ahead, Lacking said he hopes to see Central State recognized as one of the nation’s premier historically Black colleges and universities. 

“Central State is the largest HBCU in the Midwest,” he said. “This place can be amazing if alumni, faculty and staff continue to pour back into it.” 

He encouraged alumni involvement at all levels, noting that support does not always have to be financial. 

“Just being present matters,” Lacking said. “Showing up and having conversations with students — those things make a real difference.” 

For Lacking, returning to Central State is more than a career move — it is a continuation of the journey that began when he first arrived on campus as a student. Guided by his favorite quote from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. — “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and leisure, but where he stands in times of conflict and controversy” — Lacking sees his work as an extension of service and responsibility. Now mentoring students at the university that shaped him, he hopes his presence as an alumnus and professional will inspire others to remain connected and give back in meaningful ways.