Distinguished alumni

James is a professor of modern Dutch history and a distinguished university professor of community engaged learning at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. He previously served as dean of University College Utrecht, which offers an English-language undergraduate program at Utrecht University. The author of many books and articles on Dutch history, James was chairman of the committee that presented a revised version of the Canon of the Netherlands, a historical canon that includes 50 important persons, objects and events that played pivotal roles in the country's historical and cultural development. James holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a master's degree from Calvin College and Seminary, and a doctorate from the University of Iowa. He and his wife, Simone, have hosted Northwestern alumni and friends for bike tours in the Netherlands, during which James shares his historical expertise.