Longtime North Central Missouri College faculty member Jim Norris has been granted professor emeritus status following his retirement at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year.

The honor was recommended by the NCMC Faculty Senate and approved by the college’s Board of Trustees in recognition of Norris’ contributions to the college and its students during a 25-year career at NCMC.

Norris taught several art courses, including Art Appreciation, Drawing and Painting. He also served on Faculty Senate committees and supported shared governance efforts across the college.

One of the defining roles of Norris’ tenure was his work as director of the Doris Ryder Art Gallery. Through the gallery, he helped bring a variety of exhibitions and creative experiences to students, employees and community visitors while encouraging a greater appreciation for the visual arts.

The Faculty Senate cited Norris’ dedication, collegiality and service in recommending him for emeritus status. The recognition is reserved for faculty members who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and achievement during their careers.

“I have spent the past 30 years in education — 25 of them here at NCMC and five at Trenton High School,” Norris said. “During my time at NCMC, one of my favorite parts of the position has been serving as the director of the Doris Ryder Art Gallery. I certainly appreciate most of the administrators and the dozens of inspiring colleagues that I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside for the past 25 years. I cannot thank them enough for their support, teamwork and friendship.”

Norris said working with students remained the most important part of his career.

“Most importantly, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching countless students in my Art Appreciation, Drawing and Painting classes at NCMC,” Norris said. “Each semester, I strove to share my love of art and artmaking in hopes that they would discover their own appreciation for the visual arts. I’ve had so many talented and interesting students who have consistently challenged me — mostly in a good way — to be a better instructor and artist.”

Following retirement, Norris and his wife, Shana, are planning to relocate to the Kansas City area. He plans to continue his artistic pursuits and spend more time with family, including his children and grandsons.

NCMC officials thanked Norris for his years of service and congratulated him on receiving professor emeritus status.