James R Craig

James R Craig is Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Studies and Strategic Initiatives and Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. As Director of the Veterans Studies Program, he oversees academic initiatives for military-affiliated students. He brings 25 years of military experience including combat deployment as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, with service in Light, Airborne, and Stryker Infantry units.

Education:

• Master of Military Arts and Science (MMAS) from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (2006)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University (2002-2003)
• BS in Mechanical Engineering from United States Military Academy at West Point (1989-1993)

Research Focus: Craig investigates military-veteran transitions through interdisciplinary lenses including sociology, public policy, and education. His work examines military culture, veteran support systems, civil-military relations, and combat literature's therapeutic role. He develops cultural competency frameworks for veteran-inclusive education and analyzes policy impacts on veteran healthcare and higher education access.

Publication Trends: Recent works (2017-2018) concentrate on veteran policy analysis, institutional support structures, and psychological adaptation. Publications critique healthcare privatization, outline student-veteran success strategies, evaluate university veteran programs, and explore post-combat personal growth narratives.

Awards:

• Bronze Star Medal for combat service
• Six-time recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal

Military Credentials: Senior Parachutist, Jumpmaster, and Ranger qualified with extensive command experience including Pentagon strategic planning roles and professorship at UC Berkeley.