James J. Fisher is a Program Associate at C&S, where he works with faculty on how to better have productive conversations with students and improve civic engagement in the classroom. He also manages operations for the Faculty Institute program, works on curriculum development and facilitation of Faculty Institute sessions, and serves as lead on communications with past and present program participants. Through this work, he helps co-create educational environments where students can navigate differences, engage constructively, and participate effectively in civic life.
Prior to joining C&S, James was a Researcher with the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, where he worked on listening and dialogue practices, frameworks, and case studies, as well as with faculty and staff on how to better engage with students in the classroom and beyond. He also taught courses in the Civic Studies program, cross-listed with the Childhood Studies and Human Development, History, and Music departments. James has facilitated dialogues and worked with nonprofits and governments in the U.S. and West Africa on education, music, and politics.
James is a published author in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes on listening, dialogue, democratic governance, and West African history. He has contributed to public scholarship outlets including the London School of Economics (LSE) USA Public Policy blog, NPR’s All Things Considered, and the Wilson Center’s Africa Up Close and Africa: Year in Review. He has also been an invited guest lecturer and presenter at universities and academic conferences across the United States. James earned a Ph.D. and MA in History from Ohio University and a BA in Black World Studies and History from Miami University.
In his free time, James enjoys reading, listening to music, particularly hip-hop and Afrobeats, spending time with his family, and kayaking. He describes himself as curious, thoughtful, and quick to make a joke, and as an avid listener of music and voracious reader who loves good conversation and good coffee and is always looking to learn something new. James also takes part in community events, particularly when he gets to interact with and listen to people from around his neighborhood and city.
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