PCC Student-Veteran Named to All-USA Community College Academic Team
April 23, 2012
Tucson, AZ – Pima Community College student Adam James, a veteran of four combat deployments as an elite U.S. Air Force Pararescueman, today was named one of only 20 nationwide winners in the 2012 All-USA Community College Academic Team scholarship competition.
James received a $2,500 scholarship and a medallion this morning in Orlando, Fla. at a ceremony during the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Presidents Breakfast at the American Association of Community Colleges Convention.
James was selected from more than 1,700 students who competed for a place on the team, which is presented by USA TODAY and Phi Theta Kappa, the international scholastic honorary society for students attending two-year colleges. James’ photo appeared in an announcement of the winners in today’s edition of USA TODAY.
Last month, James was named a 2012 Coca-Cola New Century Scholar for earning the top rating in Arizona in the scholarship competition. Students were judged on the academic rigor of their studies, leadership, and campus and community involvement by staff of PTK and business and education leaders from across the nation.
James, 27, was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., and grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, training as a Pararescueman, providing emergency medical care and support to members of the U.S. Special Forces, such as Navy SEALs and Army Rangers. James was deployed twice to Iraq, and once each to Afghanistan and the Philippines.
After his discharge, James joined several comrades-in-arms who relocated to Tucson because it is one of the few places in the U.S. with an Air Force Reserve Pararescue unit. “It is a brotherhood,” James said.
James attends PCC’s East Campus. He has a 4.0 GPA and is pursuing an Associate of Science degree. James intends to transfer to the University of Arizona to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology. James hopes to pursue a career in medicine.
James works in a neurobiology laboratory at the UA Department of Neuroscience. His work includes investigating the relationship between genetic defects in mitochondrial proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
“I am a big advocate of community colleges,” James said. “I’m eager to take what I learned at Pima and show that Pima produces good students. I am what I am now because of the Pima professors who have mentored me along the way.”
CONTACT:
C.J. Karamargin
Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations
(520) 206-4850
ckaramargin@pima.edu