Donald G. James was appointed NASA's associate administrator for the Office of Education effective Sept. 8, 2014. In this position, James is responsible for developing and implementing NASA's education programs that strengthen student involvement and public awareness about its scientific goals and missions. In this role, he leads the agency in inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, through NASA's unique mission, workforce, facilities, research, and innovations.James chairs the Education Coordinating Committee, an agency-wide collaborative structure that maximizes NASA's ability to manage and implement its education portfolio. The ECC works to ensure the agency's education investments are focused on supporting the nation's education efforts to develop the workforce needed to achieve NASA's goals and objectives.He is the U.S. representative on the International Space Education Board, a global collaboration in space education between NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Centre National d'Études Spatiales.
The ISEB shares best practices and unites efforts to foster interest in space, science, and technology among the student community worldwide.James works with the Office of Science and Technology Policy's Committee on STEM, or Co-STEM, to continue coordinating and leveraging NASA's education programs, opportunities, and offerings with other federal agencies. This increased collaboration is intended to lead to maximum impact and, as it is implemented, will lead to strategies for closer and more effective coordination among agencies with STEM investments.Prior to his appointment, James was the director of the Strategic Communications and Education Directorate at NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. In this capacity, he oversaw the operations of all communications, education, and public outreach functions for the center and supported initiatives to engage various internal and external audiences.James began his NASA career in 1982 as a Presidential Management Intern at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. During more than 30 years at the agency, he has served in numerous capacities, including public affairs, human capital management, and strategic communications. From 2002-2003, he was the senior advisor and executive officer for the NASA Education Enterprise at NASA Headquarters.
James received an undergraduate degree in international relations from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and a Master of Arts degree in economic development and public administration from the American University in Washington. James received a three-year fellowship from the National Science Foundation for his graduate studies. He has participated in numerous executive development education programs at Cambridge University in England and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.The son of a former U.S. diplomat, James lived and traveled extensively in Africa, Europe, and Thailand. He also is the son of a former teacher, which has instilled in him a strong passion for the value of education.
