Counselor Ralph James to retire

Ralph James has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of students at Ventura College for over 37 years and counting, at least up to Dec. 14 when he retired. 

James' primary focus as a counselor is helping students get into the school and into the various medical related programs at Ventura College.

He counsels nursing students, first emergency responders, nurses' aides and others. 

He is well-qualified to help steer the path of students from various backgrounds into the proper course of action for their personal career oriented paths in health medical related fields.  Many of his students are now working in hospitals and medical facilities throughout the Ventura area.

James attended and graduated from Ventura College. He went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in Urban Sociology from the University of California Santa Barbara and his Master's degree in counseling and guidance from University of California Santa Barbara. 

Lucky for Ventura College students that James suffered a foot injury, which kept him from attending John Hopkins University on a full scholarship to study medicine and while on the mend he met his wife at Ventura College. 

His best friend suggested to think about counseling since he was already doing it.  He did and eventually decided to make counseling his future and career.

Since that time, he has made a difference in many students' and even co-workers' lives. Even though he did not become a doctor, he has helped guide many students to successful medical careers.

"I help counsel young and older people in all areas of health medical related professions," said James. "Many of whom now have become doctors, dentists and pharmacists; because they send me cards to let me know of their graduation from med school or I meet them in the community.  So, I still touch medicine through them. "

Co-worker Marcum Corrosoc, another academic counselor at Ventura College, has worked with James for 23 years. She remembers how he even made a difference in her life as a new counselor, and how he touches the lives of so many students every day. 

"Ralph has made a huge difference in my life.  He has been a mentor.  Ralph has an unconditional positive belief in people," said Corrosoc. "He projected a positive energy and belief in the personal ability of students to achieve academically.  Ralph has stimulated the true love of people regardless of age, race, ethnicity, background, gender and appearance; he has helped everyone."

Mark Erickson, a Ventura College nursing student in the Registered Nursing Program, recalls James intervening in his life at Ventura College.

"Mr. James has been my counselor for two years.  I started college and I wanted to be a nurse.  I was taking random classes.  I did not know what I was doing.  Someone suggested him to me.  I met with him and he helped me get all my ducks lined up in a row," said Erickson. "He helped me to take all the right classes I needed to get into the nursing program.  He made a difference in my life by helping me to get to my goals a lot sooner."

Remembering his early days, James spoke about his beginning with counseling.

"When I first started counseling in the nursing program, I was the only counselor for four programs which included registered nursing, licensed vocational nursing, respiratory therapy, and psychiatrist  technology," said James. "That was a daunting and laborious task to say the least, when you have that many programs to handle. "

The nursing department has greatly benefitted from James' knowledge and willingness to help.

Assistant Director of the School of Nursing, Claudia Peter, added her words about James.

"I have worked with Ralph for 15 years.  He was on my hiring committee. He comes to the faculty meetings to improve communications and support of the student through the nursing program.  He is very well known by the students. He gets to know the students personally by their names, knows their individual stories and helps them to get into the nursing program and be successful," said Peter. "The students have asked him to coordinate the day of penning ceremonies and be the master of ceremonies, which he obliges by wearing his tuxedo by request. Our organization has been helped by Ralph because he helps us to get the most qualified students that will be successful in the nursing program. From policy information, implementation of nursing policy, Ralph is a guide for the student with much care. It is not a job to Ralph; he is truly concerned with their success. He is caring, intelligent and has been known to pray for faculty and students."

Komal Mananngi, an international student from India at Ventura College, is on the waiting list for the Nursing Program and James has been her counselor for  three and a half years.

"Mr. James knows what he is doing. He has the right information.  He waived my math; I did not have to do English and psychology.  He always gives you the paperwork you need if you ask him and within the time you need it," said Mananngi. "I am an international student and Mr. James was able to access or read my transcripts and let me know exactly what classes I needed to take and how I needed to go about getting into the nursing program. It means a lot to me, because when I came over here to the United States, I did not know how to get into the nursing program and he has guided me all the way."

International students rely on accurate class information and schedules, as classes are very expensive for them to take in the United States Colleges and Universities.

James is known, in part, for his reputation to fight for people.

 "I am a fighter for the underdog and a fighter for people's goals, dreams and aspirations. I try to get to know them and find out what is going on in their life, because when a student comes to college, they bring their entire life," said James. "Sometimes problems occur with their transportation or their family and I work to address those issues with the student.  We are in the people business, people that we serve are our most valuable product and they are to be treated with respect, kindness and dignity and because of the diversity we have, that diversity should always be celebrated."