O.P. Kretzmann Award

honors alumni who have rendered outstanding service to the University as a long-time, exemplary employee.

James Kingsland ’82 JD received his law degree from Valparaiso University in 1982. Prior to this, he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1964 from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and his PhD in political science in 1972 from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. In 1992, James became an adjunct professor in political science at Valparaiso University and an assistant professor in 1995. In 2012 James retired with the rank of associate professor. Prior to coming to Valpo, he taught at Pennsylvania State University and was involved in research in Gambia, West Africa, and Sierra Leone, West Africa. He was awarded the Laurel Award for Outstanding Teaching and Service in 1995. In 1983, James was admitted to the Indiana Bar. He has been in practice with several firms, focusing on civil law, family law, bankruptcy, and personal injury. He has written several publications and papers on civil mediation, organizational decision-making, and African politics. James volunteered his time as a soccer coach, Cub Scout assistant leader, and with the prison ministry at Westville Correctional Center. During retirement, he plans to continue as a volunteer serving with the Family and Youth Services Bureau of Porter County as a Special Advocate for minor children.  James lives in Valparaiso with his wife, Renu Juneja, who is the Senior Associate Provost at Valpo.