Olan C. James III is passionate about anything to do with students, so he is ecstatic to be working as a Student Activities Coordinator here at ACHE. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, he is well equipped for the task. A native of Fort Smith, Olan received a bachelor's in communications from the University of Memphis and holds a master's in leadership and ethics from John Brown University. He currently serves on the board of The Sack Lunch Program and was a member of the City of Fort Smith’s Community Development Advisory Committee for more than 5 years.

When not at work, he can he found on the sidelines cheering for the Northside Bears, Memphis Tigers, and Memphis Grizzlies.

Education

• BA Communication - University of Memphis
• MSLE Leadership and Ethics - John Brown University

Accomplishments

• Leadership Fort Smith, Class of 2011
• Fort Smith Chamber Ambassador of the Year, 2018
• Recipient of Mayor George B. McGill’s Golden Hands Award, 2019
• Outstanding Volunteer Award, Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, 2022