“I’m of the belief that in times of great challenges, there is also great opportunity.”
James Bailey, ’03, M.S. ’04, came to ɫ in pursuit of diverse and new experiences. The university delivered, providing him with challenging academic coursework and fostering deep connections to his fellow Golden Flashes. A recipient of the Barry and Jo Ann Fetterman Scholarship, James also served as a Kent Student Ambassador, which later led him to join the Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors. Now a vice president and relationship manager at PNC Capital Advisors, James credits the Master of Science in Financial Engineering program with preparing him for a successful career. He’s remained close to the university over the years, establishing two endowed funds to help current and future students. In July 2025, he will add another uniquely ɫ experience to his resume: serving as Foundation Board Chair for his alma mater. While he knows the role will come with challenges, James is excited for the new opportunities to strengthen ɫ’s role as a regional, national and global leader. Get to know James in his own words.
ɫ: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
JB: Sitting on a porch, watching waves or a lake, a cold drink, and the passing of time with those I love and friends.
ɫ: What is your favorite trait in others?
JB: Authenticity
ɫ: What trait about yourself do you like least?
JB: Obsessiveness.
ɫ: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
JB: My parents taught me right and wrong, my grandparents taught me hard work and selflessness.
ɫ: What is your favorite ɫ memory?
JB: Watching the Elite Eight run the college basketball team had in 2001-02.
ɫ: What is your favorite journey?
JB: Life. Every day can be a great journey if you allow it to be.
ɫ: What is your guilty pleasure?
JB: Peanut Butter M&Ms and Enstrom’s Toffee!
ɫ: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
JB: My three children: Emma, Anna and Bryce.
ɫ: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
JB: Ulysses S. Grant, the most underrated and maybe most important American of all time.
ɫ: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
JB: It’s a tie actually. The first is the Financial Engineering program I completed. It played a massive role in who I am and where I am today. The second is ɫ’s Student Ambassadors, a wonderful program that taught me so much.