Some people are born and it’s as if every aspect of life is planned out for them.
Others live their lives more independently, following an uncharted path going wherever the road may take them.
Such is the case with Jim Shulman. So just where has his journey taken him?
While some aspects have taken a traditional route — marriage to his wife Lori for more than 40 years, and two daughters Audrey, 37 and Madeline, 34.
More recently he has a new role in the family as a grandfather to three grandchildren ages four years, two years, and 19 months.
In addition to his family, he has accomplished many things in the course of his life.
Here are just a few examples:
He graduated from Vanderbilt School of Law in 1985.
He was also a small business owner of a Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream franchise for seven years.
His desire to help the elderly and disadvantaged in the community led him to become the Executive Director of The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability for 10 years.
He also served as the Board Chair for four years and the Executive Director of Safe Haven for two years (an organization like The Contributor created to help those experiencing homeless).
Wanting to expand his service to the community he also served as a District Councilman in Nashville (the 25th District)as well as a Councilman-at-Large a position that represents all of Davidson County.
He continued to show care and concern for the residents of Nashville when he ran for and was elected to the office of Vice Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County, serving under the administrations of both David Briley and John Cooper.
His love of government, which can be traced all the way back to his high school days, continues to shine as it is reflected in his latest job.
He is now serving as an instructor of Political Science four days a week at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn.
He said his goal is to, “educate students about the political process, and encourage them to participate in it, while trying not to influence them, so that they can make their own informed choice about the candidates in any election.”
Though he admitted it’s difficult to do when, “so many young people get their information from TikTok.”
Still, his story doesn’t end there. As of May 2024 he has added the title Dean of the School of Science, Technology, and Business to an already impressive resume.
In harmony with his values, Jim has also served on the board of organizations like The Adventure Science Center and now The Contributor, which makes sense.
Throughout his life he’s sought to create positive change, to make things better, to give people opportunities to speak freely, and to try to come up with innovative ways to solve complicated problems.
He sees the paper as a part of the solution, a real product, giving people a creative way to market themselves, while assisting individuals to obtain housing.
So what does he hope to accomplish in this role here?
He wants to use his experience to help the organization function better with more efficiency.
He says ultimately, “the Board’s responsibility is to listen to the customers and vendors.”
Speaking from experience, I can honestly say he has a real knack for listening and making a nobody feel like somebody special.
When asked if his current position at Cumberland University is how he plans to end his illustrious career (at 64 he’s at an age when most “normal people” are contemplating retirement), he paused and said, “I don’t know, I’m not sure, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.”
I am certain that no matter what he chooses to do with his vast array of knowledge, know how, experience, and determination whatever he decides to do next is sure to be a success!
While his plans for the future may be undetermined, The Contributor’s board can definitely use someone with his diverse background in such a pivotal role.