Dr. James Fitzpatrick (Jim) is an Assistant Professor at National Louis University (NLU) in Chicago, Illinois. He has been with NLU since 2014. In his role in the Educational Leadership Department he works with aspiring principals, superintendents, central office directors and higher education candidates.
Jim attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, from 1971-75 earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. Like in high school, he competed on the St. Ambrose cross-country and track teams. It was there that he met his future wife, Therese, who is also a graduate of St. Ambrose University and a Professional Educator of World Languages.
Jim began his teaching career in the fall of 1975 at Newman Catholic High School in Mason City, Iowa. He was there from 1975-1980. During that time, he taught Social Studies and his cross-country teams were a state power, winning the State championship in the fall of 1979. He coached several Drake relay qualifiers and track champions during those years.
In 1980, Jim earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa. He went on to serve in two Iowa principalships; in Lost Nation (as 7-12 principal) from 1980 to 1982, and West Liberty High school from 1982-1986.
In the fall of 1986, Jim was appointed principal of Beloit Memorial High School, in Beloit, Wisconsin, a position he would hold through 1997. Jim was an influential player in the passage of a $26.5-million-dollar referendum to renovate Beloit Memorial High School. He also played a key role in the planning and design of the four hundred and sixty thousand square foot facility. During his years in Beloit, Jim also became known as a national leader in the area of 4-block scheduling and was a much sought after consultant in this area of school reform.
In May of 1999, Jim earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Development. That same spring, Jim was appointed Superintendent of the School District of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. He served that community for fourteen years until his retirement in June of 2013. During his tenure, he led the district in the establishment and revising of Strategic Planning, the opening of Luther Elementary school, four-year old kindergarten and many other curriculum and fiscal initiatives. Under Jim’s leadership the district passed several operational referendums during one of the most difficult political and economic periods Wisconsin has ever experienced. His leadership assured the district would be on sound fiscal footing in future years.
Through his frequent columns and newsletters Jim has been an activist in advocating for improved school funding and support of public education. He has also published articles in national and state educational journals related to school and district leadership.
Jim has been a sought after guest presenter and consultant in school districts and universities nationally. His presentation topics have included building strong administrative teams, promoting positive school culture, and four-block scheduling. He has also accepted several public speaking invitations as a motivation speaker for recognition programs and graduations.
Jim enjoys teaching at NLU. His goal is to build confidence in his students and provide mentorship. His quest is to give back to his students as his mentors did for him when he began his educational administration studies back in 1977.
Jim and his wife Therese live in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. They have two children, Megan who is married and lives and works in Chicago with her husband BJ, and Michael who, after serving in the United States Army, now lives and works in Madison, Wisconsin. Jim and Therese also have two grandson’s, Jimmy and Paddy, who their dad is projecting as future draft choices of the Chicago White Sox!