CCSU President Emeritus F. Don James Honored in Campus Ceremony

On October 16, 2003, CCSU President Emeritus F. Don James, under whose leadership (1968-87) Central grew from college to university stature, was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of the many positive programs begun during his administration. A link to a photo-gallery of images from the ceremony is posted below.

A native of Oklahoma, Dr. James became the president of Central Connecticut State College in July 1968, serving for 19 years before retiring in June 1987.  Formerly Acting President and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, Dr. James began his academic career in the classroom at Miami University in Ohio.  A scholar of biblical literature, he holds the doctorate from Boston University and was a Rotary Foundation Fellow at the University of Zürich in Switzerland.

Dr. James led Central through a period of tremendous growth.  Under his administration, Central achieved its all-time highest student enrollments, experienced unprecedented growth in campus facilities, and underwent a complete reorganization of academic administration.  His “Modes of Thought” general education curriculum received national recognition by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.  He instituted Central’s first international initiatives, which led to the designation of Central as a Center of Excellence in International Education.  In 1995, the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut State University named it newest residence hall in his honor.

On March 1, 1983, 134 years after its founding, the College which welcomed Dr. James as its ninth president was elevated to University status, in large part due to his vision and leadership.

Dr. James is married to the former Gerti Hauser and has two sons, Kevin and Kurt.  He and Mrs. James live in Brookline, Massachusetts and in Zürich, Switzerland.

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