Dr. James Muyskens

During his eleven-and-a-half years as Queens College’s president, James Muyskens—who stepped down last December—revitalized every aspect of this institution. Among his many achievements, he launched programs in bioinformatics, business administration, Chinese, graphic design, and neuroscience; he recruited hundred of new faculty members; and he oversaw the $30 million expansion of Remsen Hall, giving QC state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories.

In fall 2009, Muyskens welcomed students to the college’s first residence hall, now known as the Summit Apartments, which won certification for its ecologically sensitive construction and operation. Other notable efforts to color the campus green include the addition of New York City-funded rain gardens that absorb stormwater, reducing runoff.

Muyskens’ background prepared him for academic and administrative challenges. A graduate of Central College in Iowa, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a PhD in philosophy from the University of Michigan. He wrote two books, The Sufficiency of Hope and Moral Problems in Nursing: A Philosophical Investigation, as well as numerous articles concerning the philosophy of religion and ethics.

Beginning his career at Hunter College, Muyskens rose to full professor of philosophy and department chair. He also served Hunter as associate provost and acting provost. Next, he spent seven years as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kansas. Prior to his appointment at Queens, he was senior vice chancellor for academic affairs for the 34-campus University System of Georgia.