Jim Schmotter, President Emeritus of Western Connecticut State University since 2015, has served a lifelong, distinguished career in higher education leadership.

“I’ve been blessed with opportunities to help institutions and individuals reach their potential, including establishing new international programs at Cornell, creating a new School of Visual and Performing Arts at Western Connecticut, and leading a community through the tragedy of the 2012 Sandy Hook shootings. I learned many years ago at Muskingum that truly effective leadership is a team, not an individual, endeavor.”

Jim led Western Connecticut State University as President from 2004-2015 and served as a Professor and Business School Dean from 1976 through 2004 at Binghamton University, Cornell University, Lehigh University, and Western Michigan University. He earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in History and his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in History from Northwestern University.

He and his wife Daphne Jameson reside in Naples, Florida, where he serves as President of the Naples Council on World Affairs, President of Dunes of Naples II Condominium Association, and Lead Corporate Director of Ethan Allen Interiors. He enjoys playing tennis, fiction writing, following collegiate athletics, and volunteering with organizations that help young people achieve their dreams