Taylor brings deep, broad experience to CMC in Leadville, Buena Vista
A new campus vice president will soon head up Colorado Mountain College in Leadville and Buena Vista, a leader whose experience encompasses administrative leadership and teaching environmental and earth sciences at the college level in the West and Midwest, but also much more.
“James Taylor has spent years studying biology and wilderness in Yellowstone National Park,” said Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, president of Colorado Mountain College. “This, plus his experience in K-12 and higher education, certification as an emergency medical technician and personal experience in numerous technical rescues are just a few of the extraordinary qualities he brings that will enhance his ability to lead our college’s residential campus in Leadville and commuter location in Buena Vista.” The two locations allow the college to serve residents of Lake and Chaffee counties, as well as diverse residents from throughout Colorado and the U.S.
“I am excited to join Colorado Mountain College, to unify, build and expand so that as a campus, college and community we can work together to reach new heights,” Taylor said.
Taylor is currently the vice president of campus education and the executive campus director for Ameritech College in Salt Lake City, where he has also served as dean of academic affairs and an adjunct faculty member.
He has also taught for Brigham Young University, Grand Canyon University, Ashford University and DeVry University. At Montana State University he was an instructor in environmental geology, environmental science, sustainability and general earth sciences as well as an academic counselor for first-generation students. For six years, Taylor was a biologist and wilderness researcher in Yellowstone National Park.
“Our search committee was quite impressed with James’s experience, and we think he’ll be a great asset to and excellent fit for our campus and community,” said Dr. Susanna Spaulding, professor of entrepreneurship at CMC in Leadville and co-chair of the search committee. “He also received strong recommendations from faculty, staff, students and community members. We are looking forward to him joining us soon.” Taylor is expected to officially start at the campus May 12, but plans to spend a few days on-site in advance of that date getting to know students, faculty and staff before the end of the semester.
He holds a Master of Science in earth sciences from Montana State University and a Bachelor of Science in biogeography from the University of Utah, and is completing his doctorate in educational leadership and organizational development from Grand Canyon University. In addition to his college leadership and instructional credentials, Taylor has significant experience in K-12 education, having been part-owner, headmaster, chief executive, board member and science teacher for the Carden Memorial School in Salt Lake City.
His personal interests and passions include volunteering as a technical rescue team member, leading and assisting in more than 50 technical rescues in extreme conditions – including avalanche, alpine rock and ice, desert and mountain environments – involving extensive medical training and heavy equipment. His rescue team was nationally recognized multiple times as the top trained alpine rescue team. He has been a lead high-altitude alpine guide and has completed dozens of marathons and ultramarathons.