MyWestern
Academic Calendar
Bookstore
University Catalog
Athletic & Recreational Venues
MyWestern
Academic Help
Library
Health & Wellness
Campus Map
Events
Jim Hardin
Assistant Professor of Educational Administration and Leadership
Contact Information
Academic Divisions
Education DepartmentEducation
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (PhD) 2010 Capella University, Minneapolis, MinnesotaMaster of Arts in Educational Leadership 2008 George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Master of Arts in English Education 1993 University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Education 1989 University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska
Biography
How did you discover Western?
I proudly taught at Crested Butte Community School (CBCS) from 1997 to 2004.
What are some of the highlights of your career?
Following 7 years at CBCS, my family moved overseas to work in international schools. I’ve been privileged to serve in teaching and leadership roles at some wonderful schools, including 6 years at the International School of Aberdeen (Scotland), 7 years at Dubai American Academy in the UAE, and 8 years at the American School in Japan.
What excites you most about your field?
What most excites me about my field is the opportunity to fundamentally reimagine what education can and should be in a rapidly transforming world. We are living in a moment of profound convergence—where developments in human development science, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the complexity of global challenges are all pressing against the limits of traditional schooling. What excites me is not the chance to tweak the existing system, but to contribute to its reinvention. I’ve come to believe that a human-centered approach to education—grounded in purpose, belonging, and adaptability—is no longer just a noble aspiration; it’s a necessity. The future demands learners who are not only knowledgeable but also self-aware, ethically grounded, and able to navigate ambiguity. What fuels my passion is helping schools become ecosystems where students are known, valued, and cared for—and where learning is not just about mastering content, but about discovering identity, agency, and impact. I’m thrilled to be in a field where the goal is not just to prepare students for the world, but to empower them to shape it.
What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?
After spending the last 15 years living in Dubai and Tokyo—two of the world’s largest and most dynamic cities—what I treasure most about the Gunnison Valley is the extraordinary privilege of living in such natural beauty. The open skies, mountains, and quiet rhythms of this place offer a deep sense of grounding and inspiration that’s special.