Mesa Community College

Dr. James C. Mabry

James C. Mabry grew up in a small village just outside Rochester, NY and went to college in Ohio on a swimming scholarship. He dropped out after five quarters: "one of the best decisions I ever made."

Over the next six years he worked, traveled by motorcycle through Europe and North Africa, and lived in Germany for four years. He returned to the U.S., moved to New York City, and earned a BA in political science from Columbia University. For three years, he taught social studies in New York City public high schools. While bicycle riding in Central Park on a Sunday morning he met a young woman whom he quickly married and to whom he is still happily married.

The Mabry’s have lived in New York City, Tokyo, London, Rhinecliff, NY, and Boca Raton, FL before moving to Arizona. During this time Mabry completed an MS degree at The London School of Economics and Political Science and a Ph.D. in U.S. History at Columbia University while raising two wonderfully different daughters.

One daughter currently works for a U.S. Senator in Washington, D.C. and is completing a Masters degree at George Washington University. The other daughter attends American University. The family enjoys books, e-books, music, movies, good food, and international travel.

Mabry taught U.S. history and economics for four years at Dutchess Community College, in Poughkeepsie, NY. He then served there as an Associate Dean for four years. In 2006 he moved to Florida to serve as an Academic Dean at Palm Beach Community College.   Download the Academic Affairs Contact List.