Julius N. Shanks is currently the Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Lee County Schools, where he is responsible for Student Enrollment, Management, Alternative Schools, Safety and At-Risk programs for the school district. Shanks received his undergraduate degree from Tuskegee University, and a Master’s in Special Education from Alabama State University. He also earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Auburn University.

Shanks began his educational career as a high school teacher. He also served as a high school principal and assistant principal. His research focuses on Public School Choice as perceived by Alabama public school principals. Shanks is currently an Adjunct professor at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. He is married with three sons.