Seidman faculty member celebrates 45 years of service

January 27, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 10)
Article by Michele Coffill

Jim Sanford in dark suit jacket and white shirt, with glasses

James Sanford, professor of management, celebrates 45 years of service.

James Sanford, professor of management in the Seidman College of Business, began working at Grand Valley 45 years ago when he was asked to serve as director of the new master's degree program in taxation.

Sanford moved to West Michigan after teaching at Walsh College in Detroit. Before that role, he worked as a CPA for the firm now known as Ernst and Young. In 1980, he was the 17th faculty member hired to teach at Grand Valley's business school.

"It's so interesting to me that when I started at Grand Valley, there were 5,000 students," he said. "Now we have surpassed Western and Central Michigan universities in enrollment."

Sanford earned a bachelor's degree in taxation and a law degree from Indiana University. He often encourages students to enroll in Grand Valley's "3+3" agreement with Michigan State University, in which students in certain disciplines can earn a GVSU bachelor's degree and an MSU law degree in six, rather than seven, years.

"Law school provides such a great and versatile education, and practicing law is not the only career," he said.

Sanford was named Seidman's associate dean in the 1990s when the school was undergoing accreditation. He said he learned he enjoyed being in the classroom more than the dean's office.

"I really enjoy the challenge of being in the classroom. It reminds me of being a farmer, you never know where the seeds will be planted," he said.

Over the years, many GVSU graduates have connected with Sanford to express their appreciation for his classes and mentorship. He said he enjoys connecting students with Seidman's outreach centers and helping them expand their entrepreneurial mindset.

"I teach classes about how business can be a force for good, which lends itself to entrepreneurial thinking. I introduce students to resources like the Small Business Development Center and remind them of events like the pitch competitions, tying all the resources that are available to them together," he said.