Meet James Fields

Former School Administrator

Former Teacher

Campus Minister 

Pastor

Parent

James is a native of Detroit, Michigan. His passion for the next generation stems from his own personal loss; the loss of his father, at a young age. His father's untimely death had created a zeal to persevere despite the pressures around him. A seed was planted in him to pursue excellence in academics, self care and service to others.

Growing up in the inner-city of Detroit, James' did not have the advantages that a successful public school education offers. Instead, his family sacrificed to make a way for him to attend the University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy. It was during these formative yet crucial years, where his love for education, service, and desire for racial equality grew.

James’ continued his education into college and earned his Bachelor of Science as well as his Masters in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.  He left his mark on the CMU community by creating a cultural diversity program called Through the Eyes of Jo. This program is now implemented and used during orientation for all 3,400 incoming freshman at CMU. While obtaining his MPA he worked as an intern to the Governor of Michigan, Governor Jennifer Mulhern Granholm. Although James turned down a promising position with the Governor to attend Seminary his love for public service did not diminish. After his graduating from CMU he was recognized by the University as an Outstanding Young Alumni.

Soon James married and moved to Louisville, KY and earned his Master's of Divinity in Pastoral Studies. While pursuing his M.Div he was offered the position as the Martin Luther King Jr. Fellow and worked tirelessly for increased representation and engagement for people of color at the seminary. His most valuable experience during this season of life came while serving the local church. He was ordained under Rev. Bingham, a dynamic Pastor and racial reconciler. James served on staff and was personally mentored by Rev. Bingham during the merger between their historically black church and a historically white congregation. This experience was instrumental in shaping James’ view of race relations and bridge building between people groups.

Prior to arriving in Princeton, his experience and dedication to quality education lead him to the position of Dean of Students at a K-12 private school in Rockville, Maryland. For three years he had oversight in administration, vision casting, implementing initiatives that oversaw student wellbeing. James, like many educators, went beyond what was required of him by coaching basketball and taught several classes including statistics.

James currently serves with Christian Union as the Ministry Director of Undergraduate Studies at Princeton University. Prior to this role as Director he served on staff and worked with students from many different cultures and faiths backgrounds. He oversaw a group that celebrates African, African American and Caribbean cultures. Under his leadership, the vision to create a space that invited  others to join in this celebration was successful while remaining authentic to the needs of those whom they were supporting and celebrating.

James is married to his college sweetheart, Katherine, who is also affectionately known as Katie. After eleven (11) years of marriage, they have three children—two of whom are attending Princeton Public Schools. Katie, who is an experienced health professional, has dedicated this season of life to her art, their community, and the care of their children. She has served on the PTO at Johnson Park for four years in the role of VP of Student Support Services.

As a resident of Princeton for almost five years, James is passionate about building bridges through relationships. You can find James playing with his children at a local playground, playing basketball at the YMCA or reading at the public library.


Contact James Fields at fields4boe@gmail.com