Eric John Francis James, Baron James of Rusholme (13 April 1909 – 16 May 1992) was a prominent British educator.
He was educated at York Place Secondary School, Brighton, Taunton's School, Southampton and Queen's College, Oxford. He taught science at Winchester College from 1933 to 1945, and was High Master of The Manchester Grammar School from 1945 to 1962. He then became the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, serving from 1962 to 1973.
He had well-known and controversial views on the importance of meritocracy and took very seriously "the University's obligation to be a cultural and educational force in the region". His three cardinal principles for the University of York were:
James College was named after Lord James of Rusholme, the first Vice-Chancellor of University (1963-1972). Lord James had three principles for the development of the fledgling University: that is should be a collegiate University, that it should aim to limit the range of subjects taught, and that much of the teaching should be conducted in tutorial and seminars.
In his first Annual Report, Lord James wrote "A University consists not primarily of buildings, but of men and women, both staff and students" and the collegiate character of York continues to ensure that the University makes outstanding intellectual, sporting and cultural contributions, both on the campus and in the wider community. Opening of the College
One of the more modern Colleges, James College was built in response to the increased student admissions and work began on the first phase in November 1989. The College was formally opened by Lady James on 5 October 1992. Phase 2 of the college was opened in October 1993, consisting of further blocks of accommodation with en-suite facilities.
In subsequent years there has been further expansion and some upgrading of existing blocks. The present day
The College now consists of 12 Blocks and is home to 500 students each year. All rooms now have high-speed internet connections. The College has its own Junior Common Room building, and also utilises shared space within Wentworth and Goodricke Colleges. Oliver James, son of Lord James, takes an active interest in the College and continues to support its activities.
In total the College has over 1500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Resident and non-resident students play a vital part in the life of the College. Expansion
A further chapter in the development of James College began with the relocation of Goodricke College to Heslington East in summer 2009. James College has expanded with the addition of N Block. It also space in the centrel nucleus - Common Room, Staff Room and JCRC Office. These central rooms and walkthrough were refurbished during summer 2010.
James was created a life peer as Baron James of Rusholme, of Fallowfield in the County Palatine of Lancashire, in 1959. He was married to Cordelia Wintour, paternal aunt of the fashion magazine editor Anna Wintour and the British journalist Patrick Wintour.
He was the father of Professor Oliver James, a leading British hepatologist and pro-vice chancellor of the Newcastle University.
His great, great nephew Joshua Allen is currently studying at the University of York. Controversially he is a member of Alcuin College.
| Academic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by New position |
Vice-Chancellor, University of York 1962–1973 |
Succeeded by Morris Carstairs |