For James Littley, being named a recipient of the Alumni Builder Award by alumni UBC is a fitting recognition of his journey from student to leader in sustainability and public service. We caught up with James to reflect on his path at UBC Okanagan and explore how this recognition highlights the impact he continues to make today.
From Student to Leader in Sustainability and Public Service
For James Littley, choosing UBC Okanagan wasn’t initially about chasing rankings or prestige—it was about home. Born and raised in Kelowna, James began his academic journey at what was then Okanagan University College, just before it transitioned into UBCO. “It was my local institution,” he reflects, “but I’m incredibly proud to display my UBC degrees, as one of the top universities in the world!”
That journey led to not one, but two degrees: a BA in Political Science and Human Geography in 2012, followed by an MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies in 2018, with a focus on local government sustainability planning. The path was shaped by engaging professors and the tight-knit academic community UBCO is known for.
“I can still remember the first class with many of my profs—and I still keep in contact with many of them today.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
UBCO’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offered more than theory; it provided real-world experiences that helped shape both career and character. Guest speakers, local field trips, and small class sizes gave James a chance to learn directly from those working in the field.
“I don’t know if you’d get that kind of education at a bigger university or campus,” James says, noting UBCO’s unique balance of academic depth and community connection.
Standout faculty members like Dr. Mary Stockdale, Dr. Jon Corbett, and Dr. Anna Warwick Sears played a lasting role.
“They weren’t just instructors—they were mentors and role models. Anna started as a guest speaker in one of my classes and eventually became my boss, mentor, and friend. I’ll be forever grateful for the impact they had on me.”
A Round Trip Journey
One of the most memorable experiences of James’ UBCO academic journey came years after graduation—when he was invited back to co-instruct a fourth-year Geography course he had once taken as a student.
“It felt like a full-circle moment,” James recalls. “I was excited to give back and to see the next generation of students—passionate, driven, and ready to make their mark.”
Today, James remains engaged with the university, attending events and mentoring current students, paying forward the encouragement and support they once received.
From the Classroom to Public Service
After graduation, James continued a life of service—first with the Canadian Forces, then with the Okanagan Basin Water Board, where he now serves as Chief Operating Officer. “It’s a unique agency, focused on environmental work and public service—exactly where I wanted to be. My Poli Sci and Geography majors were the perfect blend to prepare me for this kind of work.”
More than anything, it was the critical thinking and research skills developed at UBCO that proved invaluable.
“If you can think critically, you’ll be well-suited for almost any career.”
Advice for Students: Stay Open, Stay Curious
To current and future students, James offers this advice: “Everyone has a different journey, and university is what you make of it. It’s okay to have a plan, and it’s okay to explore. Stay open to all the possibilities and do what feels right for you.”
That philosophy has guided his career and continues to shape his long-term goals—especially James’ passion for mentoring early-career professionals, fostering inclusive team cultures, and advancing sustainability and innovation.
Life Outside Work
Outside the office, James is all about balance. He loves road-tripping with his kids, skiing in the winter, and biking or swimming in the summer. Come fall, you might find James in the woods foraging for mushrooms—or behind the mic at a local karaoke bar.
A Lasting Lesson
If there’s one lesson that’s stuck over the years, it’s this: “Relationships matter. Build a strong network by being genuine, listening, and showing people who you are. It makes all the difference—in school, in work, and in life.”
Recognizing a Community Builder
As a recent recipient of the UBC Alumni Builder Award, which recognizes alumni who have significantly contributed to the university and enriched the lives of others, James says the accolade carries both personal and professional significance.
“I’m very grateful and honoured to receive this award. Personally, staying connected with UBCO has always been deeply rewarding for me. Whether it’s guest lecturing, mentoring Capstone students, attending industry events, or collaborating on research projects, UBCO feels like home. Professionally, this recognition affirms the path I’ve chosen: to serve our communities and leave things better than I found them. It’s gratifying to know that my contributions have made a meaningful impact.”
Looking ahead, James sees the award as an opportunity to strengthen those ties even further.
“I’d like to use this recognition as a chance to deepen my involvement with UBCO—especially in helping create more real-world learning opportunities for students and supporting projects that connect the university with the broader community. I also want to continue being someone students and alumni can reach out to and offer support where I can. UBCO is important in my life, and I’m committed to contributing in ways that strengthen those connections and help the next generation coming through.”