Shelton gives back to the community
Staff Spotlight: James T. Shelton

-- Dan Shumaker

In September, James T. Shelton, Ph.D. was promoted to Metropolitan State University resident faculty and was given tenure track appointment in the Human Services Department. This promotion comes after serving 17 years as assistant professor with the College of Professional Studies.

Shelton said that what he enjoys most about Metropolitan State University is the student diversity. "I learn a lot from them [the students] through my classes; and whatever I learn through my classes and them, I try to pass it on."

"You never stop learning until you die," he said.

Shelton went on to state that every one of his students always has a story to add to the discussion. "I’ve got to be one of the luckiest people..."

Shelton received his B.S. in social work at Tennessee State University courtesy of his Army G.I. Bill. When he graduated, he figured that was the end of college. But when he was offered a scholarship to get his master’s degree (which he hadn’t even applied for), Shelton decided to attend Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. He said he didn’t even know what a master’s degree was then.

Shelton was awarded a third scholarship back home through the University of Minnesota to get his Ph.D. in social work. "All I ever paid for was my cap and gown," he said.

Because he received his education for free, Shelton said he feels that it is his duty to give something back through community service. Not knowing exactly who to thank for his education, he said he gives back to the community through donating, volunteering and teaching.

"I see a lot of my students out in the community," said Shelton. "So they know now that when I ask them or challenge them to become involved, that besides talking the talk—I also walk the walk."

Shelton said he was raised on three things: Work, wealth and wisdom. "One of those three, or all of them, can solve the dilemma. It doesn’t always have to be money, because I don’t have it. But if I can help you get it, I will."

Shelton has represented the St. Paul Urban League, the St. Paul NAACP, the Saint Paul Human Rights Commission and the Summit-University Planning Council as either chairperson or president. He is currently working with a local VFW post to help keep the doors open, but said he has backed away from major projects in order to teach.

He loves human services, he said, because he can make a difference in people’s lives.

He helped plan the 17 District Wards of St. Paul, which divided the city and representatives to better benefit minorities. He also assisted a community with a proposal to clear land for a neighborhood park. And that he once saved a man who fell off a bridge on an icy winter night from drowning.

Shelton rescued the man by pulling him out of the frigid water. He said he still sees the thankful man from time to time in the neighborhood.

Shelton said he volunteers from the heart and people remain in his life, that he considers it a compliment when people say he’s the same as always.

When it comes to volunteering, "one person can’t change the world," he said. "You need to find one piece and work with that. And you need to concentrate on your successes, not your failures—especially in volunteer work, or you’ll get burnt out."

Through volunteer work, Shelton has met many important and inspiring people, at The United Way and Red Cross for example. He said he recommends volunteering in an area that interests you.

"Do it for your own enjoyment," he said.

Shelton recently started developing a brochure for the Human Services Internship program that he will be coordinating this spring. He has been busier than usual, but to him it’s worth it because he knows he’s helping students.

"If someone does you a favor, you should repay them ten favors for that one," said Shelton. "If someone helps you out, that favor does you no good unless you help somebody else out."