James Arthur Eison

James Arthur Eison (Jim) died September 23, 2025 at Mission Hospital Asheville NC, and is survived by his loving wife Kathleen Eison (Kathy), and brother Michael S. Eison (Mike).

Jim was born in 1950 in Brooklyn, New York to Fred and Freda Eison, but lived most of his early years in Flushing, Queens. A product of the New York City public school system, Jim attended State University of New York, College at New Paltz where he was awarded the B.A. in Psychology, cum laude. He next did Graduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was awarded both the M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology.

After rising through the teaching ranks from Instructor to Associate Professor at Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tennessee, Jim worked as a Research Associate at the Learning Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He next became the founding director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

In 1990, Jim became the founding director of the Center for Teaching Enhancement, University of South Florida, Tampa. In Tampa, Jim met and married his wife Kathy and they lived in Tampa until his retirement and subsequent move to Weaverville, North Carolina. During his academic career, Jim published over 40 articles and made invited presentations on over 75 campuses as well as to regional and/or national conferences. At USF’s Center for Teaching Enhancement Jim oversaw the participation of over 250 faculty in intensive workshops examining ways to incorporate active learning strategies in university classes. Jim was also named the first recipient of the “Teaching Award for Community/Junior College Teachers of Psychology” by Division Two of the American Psychological Association (APA) and was named a Fellow in the APA in 1991.

In addition, Jim coauthored 5 books, contributed chapters to an additional 9 books, participated in the development of 4 textbook supplements, and published 3 book reviews. He mentored hundreds of graduate students and influenced the learning process of thousands of students.

In lieu of flowers, those inclined to offer a remembrance for Jim may do so by donating in his honor to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, 372 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28801.