Making a difference in the lives of his students is at the heart of everything James McCoy does at Chattanooga State Community College. 

Recently named ChattState’s Dean of Mathematics & Sciences, McCoy’s tenure at the College began in 2013, when he joined as a professor of mathematics. 

In the following years, McCoy went on to serve as department head in 2023 before assuming the role of interim dean in 2025. Despite the added responsibilities of department and division leadership, McCoy continued to teach. 

“I like to keep one foot in the classroom," he said. "It grounds me and helps keep me connected to the faculty and students.” 

Prior to deanship, McCoy said he was tasked with recruiting new faculty to a department with many faculty members nearing retirement, as well as introducing a corequisite learning model to support students who needed assistance in college-level math courses. 

Unlocking Opportunity at ChattState 

Moving forward, McCoy said his focus will remain on improving student lives and furthering the college's commitment to the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. 

“The biggest difference for me as a dean is the opportunity to have a wider impact,” he said. “I’m not just looking at a departmental level. Now, I am looking much more strategically at how we move the College forward.” 

Creating Transfer Pathways  

A former community college student, McCoy said he intends to continue developing the college’s transfer pathways, making it easier for students who start at ChattState to transfer to four-year universities. 

In addition, McCoy’s work will include identifying opportunities for students who might choose not to complete a degree. His goal is to ensure every student can earn a credential or essential job skill to increase their marketability and earning potential. 

“Higher education gives back to the community. We’re not just providing a service to the student—we’re building the future for the whole Chattanooga area,” he said. “I feel like we’re making Chattanooga better, and we’re touching individual lives.”