Dr. James Morton

Dr. James Morton serves as a Research Associate Professor with the Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), where my work focuses on advancing our understanding of health and wellness through behavioral and psychological perspectives. His primary research efforts emphasize strength-based approaches to enhancing organizational functioning while reducing suicide risk—particularly among military service members, Veterans, and Native Veterans. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Educational Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (a CACREP-accredited program), as well as master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (University of Missouri–St. Louis) and International Relations (University of Connecticut). He also holds a BA from UConn with a focus on developing countries and the Global South. Prior to my academic and research career, James served in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military service included time as an active-duty Special Forces soldier and as an Intelligence Officer within various special operations forces organizations. His final assignment was with Alaskan Command at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), where he served as a liaison between the Department of Defense and federally recognized tribes.