Bio

Dr. James Forkum has had a stellar career spanning 44 years as a teacher, professor, men's basketball coach, academic and athletic administrator, college admissions director, and speaker on adult learning theory and generational differences. He no sooner joined the staff when he was named the National Community College Athletic Director of the Year. The MCAA Program is delighted to welcome him as the National Director of Collegiate Recruitment and Retention.

Jim recently served as Santa Rosa Junior College's Dean of Instruction in Kinesiology, Athletics, and Dance, and Director of Athletics. He oversaw a large academic program offering over 230 different course offerings and supervised a teaching staff of fifteen full time teaching faculty and over 50 part-time instructors. As Dean of Instruction, Jim routinely supervised all facets of the total operation of the division including major and certificate development, curriculum development, course scheduling, and faculty/staff evaluations.

As Director of Athletics, Jim had responsibilities for 20 sport programs, (one of California's largest) as well as seven club sports. Jim administered the athletic participation of over 500 student-athletes and club participants competing in the Big 8 Conference. Jim's teams won over 35 Big 8 Conference championships, 10 Nor Cal titles and five state championships.

Dr. Forkum resides in Santa Rosa with his wife, Dr. Sherry Forkum, and has two grown children who both reside in the San Francisco area.