James Tatum, long time president of the board of trustees of Crowder College is shown with his image in bronze presented to him recently at a staff picnic. The bust was created by Raymond Gibby, owner of Nobility Bronze, Pea Ridge, AR. In the background may be seen the Tatum Bell Tower.
James Tatum has a passion for education and Crowder College. In the presence of Crowder staff, family and friends he was recognized by his fellow board members for his many years of service to Crowder College and his dedication to servant leadership. A bronze bust of Tatum was unveiled at the ceremony and will be on permanent display in the lobby of the Arnold Farber Building, located on Crowder's main campus in Neosho.
Tatum’s interest in education started long before Crowder College was even a dream. Moving back to Anderson, MO after serving in the Army during the Korean War, Tatum served eight years on the McDonald County School Board. Now, in his 46th year with Crowder College, he is the longest serving community college trustee in the nation.
A true advocate for lifelong learning, servant leadership, and the community college movement in general., Tatum in his desire to learn more about trusteeship attended the second national meeting of the Council of Community College Boards
(CCCB) in New Orleans in 1971. After CCCB became the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) in 1972, he served as its chair from 1979-1980. He was the 1979 recipient of the M. Dale Ensign Trustees award presented by ACCT and also spent many years as consultant for community colleges across the country, facilitating over 150 retreats and leading nearly 100 presidential searches. His ACCT membership still is current.
Tatum's passion for education is infectious. “He is the reason we are servant leaders at Crowder College,” stated Andy Wood, Tatum's successor as board president. Tatum transferred the gavel in December 2008. Go Back | 
