David James began at Hope in 1982–84 with a two-year position teaching writing and literature in the English Department. He left to teach English and French at Holland High School for three years. He came back to Hope in 1987 and has been here ever since.

He has taught writing and literature half-time in English and worked half-time in the Academic Success Center, where he has directed the writing center, tutored study skills and counseled students on academic probation. More recently, he has become the coordinator of academic coaching while continuing tutoring and counseling. Throughout his time at Hope, he has been the academic advisor for many students.

AREAS OF expertise

David specializes in composition, beginning and advanced world literature, and creative writing, especially poetry. Other fields of expertise include helping students with study skills, academic coaching and peace studies.

EDUCATION

• MFA, creative writing/poetry, Pacific University, 2013
• M.A., English with concentration in composition, University of Iowa, 1980
• B.A., English, French, and secondary education, Hope College, 1976

HONORS and AWARDS 

• M.A. with distinction, University of Iowa
• Phi Beta Kappa, English and French Honors, and departmental awards in English and education (Hope College)

published works

Poetry Collections

• Why War (2014)
• Since Everything Is All I've Got (2011)
• Psychological Clock (2007)
• Lost Enough (2007)
• A Little Instability without Birds (2006)

Find more of David's work online.

outside of hope

He and his wife have six grown children and two grandchildren (so far) and spend a fair amount of time visiting them, from L.A. to PA. In his spare time, David enjoys reading and writing poems, road and gravel cycling, hauling his T@B camper to various sites and working on his old house.