Kevan James

Kevan James is a Postgraduate Researcher at the University of East Anglia's School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies, supervised by Professor Thomas Ruys Smith and Dr. Malcolm McLaughlin. His research focuses on the history of American Square Dance in the UK, particularly its rise and decline in East Anglia, examining influences from US military bases. He holds an MBA from the University of Brighton (2001) and an MA in American Studies from UEA.

With extensive healthcare management experience—including senior roles in nursing care, GP practice management, and private healthcare in a prison—James transitions expertise to cultural research. His project employs archival studies (e.g., British Square Dance Association archives, 'Let’s Square Dance' publications), desk-based literature reviews, and ethnographic oral histories with UK square dance participants.

James serves as the first international member of the Board of Advisors for the Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing Festival in Fort Worth, Texas, where he hosted a 2024 Q&A session. His work bridges cultural history, military impact studies, and community ethnography.

Grants and advising details are not explicitly mentioned in the text, though his research collaborations suggest institutional support. No specific labs or teams are named beyond his supervisory team.