James Ryan is the Vice President for Strategic Growth at Boston Architectural College. He works to provide leadership, management, and supervision for the recruitment and retention of students at all levels of the BAC. The division provides student services through the offices of Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Scholarships and Awards, the Registrar, and the Office of Admissions. James focuses on developing and implementing strategies to better integrate student services offices and works closely with the offices of Advising and Student Affairs to design programs to improve retention and graduation rates.

James received his bachelor's degree in history from Providence College and his master's degree in diplomacy from Norwich University. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities and International Relations at Salve Regina University, focusing on global ethics and human security. His dissertation focuses on the historical use of force against non-state actors in international law. Prior to joining the BAC in 2009, James was the director for Programs and Special Projects and chief of staff for the dean of Student Affairs at Tufts University. He also served as research assistant to Alfred Rubin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Law at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.