Edmund J. James

Who was Edmund J. James?

Edmund Janes James was an American academic, president of the University of Illinois from 1904 to 1920, and the primary founder of, first president of, and first editor for the American Academy of Political and Social Science.

James was born in Illinois, and attended both Northwestern University and Harvard, before receiving his doctorate in political economy from the University of Halle in 1877. Upon his return to the United States he received an appointment as a high school principal. In 1883, James was appointed at the University of Pennsylvania as professor of public finance and administration. It was there that he became the director of the Wharton School of Finance and Economy. While in Philadelphia, James organized the American Academy of Political and Social Science to foster research to help solve important social problems. In 1893, James left Philadelphia to accept a professorship in public administration and directorship of the university's extension program at the University of Chicago.