SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2026: Niagara – James Goodrich

James Goodrich is a full-time faculty member in Fine Arts at SUNY Niagara where his obligations are divided between teaching and as Gallery Director for Dolce Valvo Art Center. His gallery work includes curating and installing exhibitions as well as coordinating guest speakers.

James holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Painting. His drawings, paintings, and collage work have been exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally. James has taught at New York colleges and universities since 1990. His studio courses include all levels of Drawing and Painting, Life Drawing, 2D Design, Color Theory and Art for Non-Majors and lecture courses include both Art and Design Appreciation, Senior Seminar and The History of Craft.

“As someone who had taught primarily in a studio setting, I still recall my uncertainty at the thought of teaching online. I have learned that engaging in those very activities that at first seemed outside of my realm of expertise, are actually the endeavors that can foster great personal growth and learning. I have had great pleasure interacting with students in an online format to bring to them knowledge of the arts from visual art and architecture to dance and theater and music in a course called Exploring the Arts. While the work may be outside of many students’ major areas of study, their engagement in the arts is critical to their development as well rounded, creative thinking, and passionate citizen scholars.

I continue to grow as an artist and as a teacher through my interactions with students and appreciate the recognition of my work at the SUNY Online Summit.”