Dr. James Mike was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, which is where he also began his educational journey. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology in 1976 and his master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry in 1980 from Youngstown State University. From there he earned his doctorate in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 1986. His professional background includes working as a medical technologist, an industrial chemist, a research associate, and as a faculty member and administrator in academia.

Dr. Mike moved to Pennsylvania in 2006 when he became dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Shippensburg University. During his time at Ship, he also served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs in 2019 and as acting dean of graduate studies from 2017 to 2019. Prior to coming to Ship, he was associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of chemistry at Youngstown State University. After retiring from Ship in 2020, he moved to the big island of Hawaii to become Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Hilo until May of 2022, when he chose to retire from the deanship. Soon after his decision to retire, Dr. Mike returned to the faculty, back to where his academic career began. He is currently a Professor of Chemistry at UH Hilo.