James D. Likens, president/CEO of the Western CUNA Management School, who is credited with making immeasurable contributions to advance the credit union movement, will retire at the end of 2015.
"It's time to acknowledge Jim's numerous contributions to WCMS and to remember all he has done to advance the credit union movement," Gene Pelham, president/CEO of the $914 million Rogue Credit Union in Medford, Ore., and board chair of WCMS, said in a prepared statement. "We are amazed by the thousands of lives he has touched."
Likens will continue to direct the Ontario, Calif.-based school through the end of the year.
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Since he joined WCMS in 1972, its annual enrollment more than quadrupled from less than 100 to more than 400, according to the school, which was certified for college credit in 1979 by the American Council on Education, enabling graduates to apply for credit toward their college degree.
In addition, Likens implemented testing and comprehensive mid-term projects. Today, WCMS pairs academic rigor with service learning activities that develop both the "head and heart," offering students a broad strategic perspective of credit union leadership, the school said.
Under his direction, WCMS was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1995 and features "best in class" faculty from both academia and the financial services industry. Many of the more-than-3,700 graduates of the school now play significant leadership roles within the credit union industry.
A myriad of prominent credit union leaders collaborated closely with Likens over the years. Diana Dykstra (WCMS alumna '92) president/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, has worked with Likens over the years as an instructor at WCMS.
"I have had the honor to know, work and learn from Jim for nearly 25 years. The impact he has had on the credit union system is immeasurable," she said. "His legacy will endure for years through the thousands of students that have graduated from WCMS."
Likens' dedication to "head and heart" education is particularly influential with his students.
Filene Research Institute President/CEO Mark Meyer (WCMS alumnus '99) noted Likens' achievements are certain to be lasting.
"His head and heart passion has inspired thousands of his former students who continue to become credit union managers, executives and system leaders," Meyer said. "His mark is seen throughout the modern day credit union movement in the many WCMS graduates leading credit unions forward."
Looking back at his career, Likens said he feels warm satisfaction about the school, especially the students.
"It is they who have made WCMS such a special place," Likens said. "On my watch, a generation of women and men have graduated and grown into enhanced leadership roles at their credit unions. Many alumni have also served in positions of responsibility throughout our industry."
He added, "How blessed I am to have been permitted a part of all that. I leave in the full confidence that WCMS is in good hands and that this school will continue to help strengthen our entire credit union system."
The WCMS board of trustees is planning recognition events to honor Likens later this year.
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Peter Strozniak
Credit Union Times reporter covering credit union operations, fraud, M&As, leagues, business continuity, and breaking news.
