By CONNOR GRAY, Assistant Editor
When Dr. James Bell saw two Northwestern faculty members struggling to move shelves up a staircase, he did what he loves to do: stop and help.
That’s just one of the instances when Bell, Northwestern’s dean of faculty and associate vice president for academics at Northwestern, has tried to help others, his family, friends and coworkers say.
Bell has had a long career as an educator and administrator. And those who know him best say that career is best defined by his passion for serving others.
“All my adult life, I have been an educator,” Bell said. “I think what we do is important. Where we do it is important.”
Bell was born in Pecos, Texas, and spent much of his early life in the Texas Panhandle. As a child, he was inspired by his parents, both of whom were educators.
In school, Bell was active as a student athlete, playing basketball and running in track and field. He was also a member of the Future Business Leaders of American organization, and he served as a class officer.
“I liked being involved in the decision making process even back then,” he said.
Bell’s parents weren’t the only educators who inspired him. He credits Joan Curtis, a math teacher, and John Goss, an English teacher, with helping him settle on a career path.
By the time he was a freshman, he knew he wanted to be an educator.
After high school, Bell attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology. He obtained a master’s degree in English at Texas Women’s University, and he earned his doctoral degree in English at Texas Tech.
Bell worked for 11 years as a high school teacher. He taught English and psychology, and he coached basketball. He taught at the College of the Ozarks in Missouri for 11 years as an English professor, and he came to Northwestern in 2010.
BECOMING A RANGER
Bell became the chair of English department at Northwestern. He left the field for two years and returned to Northwestern in 2015 to become the dean of arts and sciences. He then became the dean of faculty.
As the dean of faculty, Bell works with the leaders of the school’s various departments to outline their objectives. He also advises students.
Angelia Case, the school’s academic projects assistant and media specialist, has worked directly with Bell since 2015.
“We work together more like a team,” Case said. “We make sure department heads have all the information they need at meetings, hiring people, and all the crazy stuff that comes up daily.”
She said working with Bell is a wonderful experience.
“Most people enjoy when their boss is gone,” Case said. “I like it better when we’re both here.”
Dr. Eric Schmaltz, the chair of the university’s social science department, said Bell is a positive influence at the university.
“He’s very positive, very professional, very easy to work with,” Schmaltz said. “As we academics are kind of a different lot, it’s like having to herd cats sometimes.”
Dr. Bo Hannaford, the university’s executive vice president, said he holds Bell in high regard because of his work ethic.
“He’s an outstanding person,” Hannaford said. “He’s got the right combination in terms of dealing with students and faculty. He wants what’s best for the faculty, and he’s got a great demeanor. He is a decisive leader, and he is somebody I can be open and honest with.”
FAMILY LIFE
Bell and his wife, Kerri, have been married for more than 30 years. They started dating after they graduated high school, tying the knot after Bell got his master’s degree.
“I admire his helping spirit,” Kerri said. “It’s part of his personality that he really likes to help people.
“He truly wants to help people, whether it be helping advisees with getting a degree plan or faculty.”
Kerri said Bell is an excellent communicator and a great listener. His only weakness, she jokes, is his massive sock collection.
“He has so many pairs of them that no single person should have as many as he does,” she said with a laugh.
The Bells have two twin sons, Chris and Ty. Chris is a youth pastor in Florida and is a professional harp player. Ty is an Oklahoma City paramedic.
When Bell isn’t teaching, he can be found kayaking at the Great Salt Plains State Park, fishing and spending time with his family.
