Youngstown, Ohio used to be home, but opportunity knocked and Dr. James Mike answered. The former chemistry professor and associate dean of arts and sciences at Youngstown State University has taken on the challenge of leading the largest college at the university.

“We have an outstanding faculty here in the College of Arts and Sciences at Shippensburg, and quite frankly, we need to tell the world about the great things that they accomplish with our students. I firmly believe the future of the college lies in the shared vision of the faculty, chairs, and dean that articulates well within the larger vision of the university. I also think it is important to communicate more effectively to prospective students, parents, and guidance counselors the variety of quality majors available that are the stepping-off point for successful lifetime career achievements.

What is your favorite national park?

My favorite is a national monument – Ellis Island. We visited there for the first time only a few years ago. It is a profound glimpse into a different time. It makes me appreciate the fact I was born in America. The pictures and displays are very moving and, although I don’t yet have absolute proof, I suspect my paternal grandparents came to America via Ellis Island.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

It’s been a long road getting to age 52 and hopefully a long road before the trip ends, but along the way, I’ve come to like myself and am not sure I would change very much. I know that sounds vain, but I constantly try to evaluate myself and how I fit with those around me, so I really try to make small changes constantly. I also realized very early on that my physical appearance is what it is, so I’ve come to terms with that aspect too (no toupees or hair transplants for me). If I could change something, it would be to roll back the biological clock about 30 years.

What celebrities do people think you look like?

I’ve had people tell me I really don’t resemble anyone, but it would be nice to resemble someone famous – after all, when the movie of my life gets made, someone has to play me. Some have said if I had hair, I would resemble either Tom Selleck (must be the mustache and I wish I were that tall) or Kevin Kline. If I had hair…

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Some of the best advice was from my father and mother – both were very wise and neither of them graduated from high school. My father’s advice came after I had just gotten my first job (minimum wage in those days was $1.35/hr.). His advice was: “Remember you don’t work for the bill collector; you work for yourself and your family. Always pay yourself first, even if it is not a lot. Life is short and work is hard and you need something to keep you getting up every morning.”

My mother’s advice was: “Don’t be stingy with your affection or with your treasures. Give freely of your time and money, especially to those who are in need. It will make life better for you and your family and will help make the world a better place.”

Good advice and so far, they’ve been right.

How do you occupy your free time?

We enjoy traveling to places we’ve never been before. There are always new adventures to be had and I’m not afraid to take a few chances. Other times I enjoy riding my motorcycle, reading, and sports.
A genie appears, what would your three wishes be?

The obvious answer is more wishes, but then, genies are smarter than that and I think it breaks the genie code of ethics to grant more wishes. Limited to three:

• Financial stability for my family and me.
• Elimination of the major diseases of the world.
• Elimination of poverty.

Favorite book. movie, television show?

I like to read, so have many favorites, but picking just one it is Robert Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land. I read it as a teenager and it was probably one of the first books that made me think and appreciate (grok) the viewpoints of others. I really enjoy going to the movies (and DVDs), so this one is even harder. I like to laugh and enjoy making others laugh, so my favorite genre is comedy. I have to go with Mel Brooks here – I think Young Frankenstein qualifies. It’s great fun to watch if you’ve seen the original Frankenstein movies.I don’t watch a lot of television, but for some reason, I find My Name is Earl to be immensely entertaining.

What is the one talent you wished you possessed?

I would like to be able to work with metal, probably as a sculptor, but I’d not rule out blacksmithing. Working with metals has always fascinated me.

You are having special guests for dinner, name who and what would you serve.

I’d invite Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein. Both played pivotal roles in changing the world-view of the universe. Einstein was the end of an era and Bohr was the beginning of an era and they could never quite agree on how the world worked. It would be fascinating to listen to them debate classical vs. quantum mechanics. I’d probably serve buffalo wings and lager.

Name something most people don’t know about you.

I’m actually rather shy. My wife disagrees. I tell her she’s confusing self-confidence with being outgoing. She says I’m just quiet and thoughtful, but definitely not shy. Hmmm, maybe she’s right.