James Sefton teaches American military and naval history, World War II, constitutional history, and his specialty, Civil War and Reconstruction. But Sefton himself is the true historic institution, marking 50 years of teaching at California State University, Northridge this year.

Sefton, known as “Doc” by the hundreds of scholars he has mentored, estimated that he has taught 11,000 students over five decades at CSUN.

“When I got to be about 60, people asked me when I was going to retire,” said Sefton, 75. “I said, ‘I’m not going to retire until all the people who want me to retire already have.’ I’ve pretty much cleared out the original roster.”

Known for his straight-shooting candor, humor and unceasing demand for excellence, Sefton has served as a mentor and counselor to students since he set foot on the campus of then-San Fernando Valley State College in 1965.

Professor James Sefton listens to a former student pay tribute to him at a Feb. 12 celebration honoring Sefton for 50 years teaching history at CSUN. Photo: Lee Choo.

“He taught me the true meaning of intellectual curiosity,” said retired Navy Capt. Dallas Bethea, who earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Valley State College in 1969. “And that when you make a statement of fact, make sure it is absolutely correct — it served me well during my years in the Navy and the Pentagon.” ...