President James Ramsey - In Person

As much as these titles describe and apply to the work that happens at the University of Louisville, they don't get to the essence of what makes UofL unique — its people.

Once or twice a month, UofL Today will profile people who help to make the university what it is, starting with President James Ramsey — In Person.

Name: James R. Ramsey

UofL title and department: President and professor of economics (however, the dean of the College of Business has put me out to pasture)

At UofL since: 1999

In current post since: 2002

Hometown: Fern Creek

First job and what I learned from it: Selling popcorn at high school basketball games when I was in the second grade. I learned you need to hustle or someone else will beat you to the sale.

The thing I like most about what I do: I get good seats at the football and basketball games. Seriously, I truly believe we are making a difference in this community and the lives of people.

I am: Focused

I never: Give up

Guilty pleasure: Sweets

Favorite book: Too many to mention but recently — “Three Cups of Tea” and Stones to Schools.

Favorite TV show: Jerry Seinfeld reruns

In the car I listen to: Golden Oldies, Sirius XM6

Favorite quote: I have two. Woodford Porter: “Education is the great equalizer”; and “Behind the dream is the deed; behind the deed is the doer.”

These animals share my world: 3 loving Chinese pugs who are always there to greet me when I come home regardless of how trying the day has been

My day begins: 4 a.m.

I wish I had more time to: Read and exercise

When I'm not cheering for the Cards, I'm cheering for: There is no one other than the Cards

Most Friday nights you'll find me: If not working, collapsed at about 7 in the evening

If my life were a movie: It would probably close after opening day