Meet Our Staff

Courses Taught:

• Technical and Report Writing
• Writing for the Social Sciences
• Honors Seminar: “The Humanities”
• Humanities 305: The Heritage Core
• English Composition I
• English Composition II

Education and Degrees:

• Master’s Degree: Master of Arts — Major: English Literature — Location: Central Washington University, Ellensburg — Date: 1980
• Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Arts with Honors — Major: Major: English Literature; Minor: Political Science — Location: University of Puget Sound — Date: 1966

Professional Experience:

• Position: Juvenile Court Administrator
  Start Date: 1/1/1985 End Date: 1/1/1989
  Company: Kittitatas County Superior Court
• Position: Instructor of English Composition
  Start Date: 9/1/1980 End Date: 12/1/1984
  Company: Central Washington University
• Position: Caseworker III, Department of Social and Health Services
  Start Date: 12/1/1967

Other:

Mary C. James came to Heritage University in September 1989.  As Director of the Academic Skills Center, Co-facilitator of the Center for Intercultural Learning and Teaching, and a faculty member in the English and Humanities Programs from 1989 to the present, Professor James has been highly involved with every aspect of student and faculty interaction at Heritage for thirty-five years.  In 1998 Professor James was honored as Heritage Person of the Year for the inclusive, intercultural atmosphere provided by the Academic Skills Center for all Heritage students. In 2007 she was honored as Heritage Professor of the Year for exemplary teaching and dedication to students.

In 2004, along with Dr. Peter Frederick, Professor James co-founded the Heritage University Center for Intercultural Learning and Teaching (CILT).   In July of 2011, Professor James was assigned .5 FTE responsibilities as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. From 2014 – 2019 James coordinated the Heritage University Honors program. In July 2019, Professor James assumed responsibilities as Special Assistant to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs for Academic Logistics & Evaluation. In Spring 2023, Special Assistant James was assigned as the Provost/VPAA liaison to the Academic Skills Center and the Donald K. North Library.

Special Interests:

History of Washington State Women’s Movement

Research Interests:

Mentorship and Facilitating Success

Publications and Professional Affiliations:

• Publication: “Indigenous Methodology in Practice: Starting a Community-Based Research Center on the Yakama Reservation
  Title: Sociologists without Borders
• Publication: “‘Heritage Rocks’: Principles and Practices of Effective Intercultural Teaching and Learning.”
  Title: To Improve the Academy, 25
• Publication: “Looking Within to See the World.”
  Title: Diversity Digest 8(3)
• Organization: The Pacific Sociological Association 
• Organization: Professional and Organizational Development Network (POD)
• Organization: The National Council of Teachers of English