In his acceptance remarks in November, President Jonathan Alger spoke extensively of "the engaged university" as his vision for JMU. A movement beginning to take hold in higher education, the engaged university is a concept lived every day by the Madison community. … Read More
In the 14-year tenure of President Linwood H. Rose, JMU's growth has been phenomenal. And Madison academic excellence has outpaced growth. Teaching remains the No. 1 priority of the faculty. JMU has reached the top 10 nationally for graduation rates. The student-to-faculty ratio has improved from 19.2:1 to 16.1:1 today. … Read More
Three different students found one huge commonality — The Huber Residential Learning Community. At HRLC first-year students live and learn with others interested in JMU's pre-professional health programs. All say their choice to live in the HRLC has been transformational.… Read More
Allowing nursing students to develop and improve their bedside skills under realistic hospital conditions can vastly improve their confidence and skill. That's the strategy behind the JMU nursing department's use of high-fidelity patient simulators… Read More
JMU Meeting Changing Needs of Social Work …
"Top 10 of 2011," Our most-read stories of 2011 had a common theme: Change…
"Radical Roots," JMU alumni, Dave ('96) and Lee Sturgis O'Neill ('97), offer a new model for farmers
"Learn where you live," You can find a perfect fit in one of our eight learning communities
"Energizing the future," JMU's Alternative Fuel Program takes a creative approach to sustainability
"Quest for hope," The study of genetics hits home for JMU student Carly Starke ('14)
"Getting personal," The study of genetics hits home for Carly Starke ('14)
"5Es of health," JMU alum and pediatric dietitian Dana Casendino ('06) offers guidelines for health
"Back for the future," JMU works in sustained volunteer efforts
Nurturing the belief that artistic expression is essential to human experience, JMU's visual and performing artists enrich life for countless others with works that awe, delight and inspire. Professors, students and alumni champion the arts in their communities and create on the world stage. They inspire imagination, illuminate the human condition, challenge the status quo and celebrate transformation. Ultimately, it's all about Be the Change.
JMU's American Pulp course scours popular literary genres throughout history to reveal the full gamut of cultural anxiety and aspiration. And students have the added advantage of hands-on research using some of the most important texts of 20th century American popular fiction. … Read More
Jonathan Friedman ('94) was sitting in his Virginia Beach home when an idea involving a Great Dane named Huff, Doritos and a motive just came to him. What he didn't know, was that this combination was worth over $1 million dollars.
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A chance meeting. A casual conversation. And an offer he couldn’t refuse. When Josh Smead (’12) signed on as an intern for the Madison Art Collection, he didn’t know what he was getting into
… Read More
Madison contributor and former Breeze writer Jacquelyn Walsh (’09) caught up with two JMU student photographers who were excited to talk to Full Frame 100 alumni panelists… Read More
"Back in the 'Burg," Columia Records exec Brian Nolan ('02) shares with students
"The best year of my life," Caroline Braun's ('09) study abroad experiences in England and Spain
"Firing up the ratings," Nathan Lyon ('94) competes on Food Network
"Girl Power," Cassie Potler ('10), JMU HerCampus.com editor tells how to assert yourself
"Girls' Week Out," Madison roomies win Caribbean cruise
"JMU grads live better at The Martin Agency," three alumnae moms love agency's atmosphere
"Madison magic at Disney," Seven students gain real-world experience at Walt Disney World®
"Movement, dance, life," professor Kate Trammell on the transformative power of dance
"Picture perfect," Emily Street ('09) creates a prizewinning poster
"Writing inspiration," an interview with novelist and JMU writing professor Inman Majors
Embracing the values of sportsmanship has benefits that extend far beyond the playing field. From student-athletes who balance academic scholarship with athletic demands, to faculty who embody the principles of honor and fair play, to alumni who exemplify the drive to excel, Madison's people and programs seek to personify sportsmanship. And with sportsmanship has come the desire to go beyond self, beyond team, to reach out to the world to make a difference. Balancing competition with respect, victory with honor and contest with scholarship, the character-building power of athletic performance has been channeled into a force for positive change.
Fronting $25,000 for a project that may not work out is not a good "on paper" business strategy; but Justin Kittredge ('00) took a risk that paid off more than he could have ever imagined. "You have to follow your heart," says Kittredge … Read More
"I found a place I could call home for the first time in my life, and much of that has to do with one man in particular," says Darian Parker ('01, '03M). Coach McMillin's passion for students and sports performance inspired Parker to become a better person … Read More
It was as near perfect a match as can be made. Charles Haley (’87) has said that it was his Madison Experience and his JMU coach, Challace McMillin, who made it possible for him to achieve NFL greatness … Read More
Soccer fan and political science major Wes Mitchell ('10) interned in Lilongwe, Malawi, with the nonprofit organization Grassroot Soccer building a culture that is free from the attitudes and behaviors that cause HIV infection … Read More
"The biggest assist," Dawn Evans uses basketball success to fight kidney disease
"Sports management major holds court" Elle Bunn ('11) capitalizes on classroom skills
"Character counts," sport psychology center's holistic approach mirrors coach's philosophy
"Happy Trails," Anitra "Nitro" Kass ('00,'02M) turns hobby into volunteer opportunity
"Olympic Purple and Gold," Jim Pivarnik, a 1977 Duke, carries the 2010 Olympic torch
President James Madison believed that education is essential to a civil society. For a century, Madison, the university bearing his name, has produced teachers with the knowledge, skill, creativity and commitment to prove his axiom. Today all academic and scholarly endeavors at Madison contribute to the public good — through faculty and undergraduate research, hands-on learning opportunities, community outreach, service-learning and knowledge gained. The commitment extends beyond campus, to the alumni and donors who make education accessible and affordable. The people of Madison understand that education is the key to a better future for the world.
In the 14-year tenure of President Linwood H. Rose, JMU's growth has been phenomenal. And Madison academic excellence has outpaced growth. All the while Madison's intimate atmosphere has remained. … Read More
"I have no idea what the class was officially called. I do remember it was a 400-level management class, my first business class at JMU, and slightly intimidating for a senior speech communication major. In the fall of 1991, the class was held" … Read More
"It is 5:30 Monday morning, Feb. 20. Yes, it is early, but I am usually up and at the desk with a cup of coffee at this time of day. It is not so much a characteristic of a driven executive as it is a product of the changes in one's body clock after 60 Februarys… Read More
During his presidency, Dr. Rose conferred 56,893 degrees, a number that represents almost half of all the degrees conferred at Madison – 123,486 – since 1911 … Read More
Christina Grier ('12) reflects on a course that changed her life …
Lauren Moore (‘11) reflects on senior capstone: Applying policy analysis in Virginia and beyond …
"PBK inaugual class," JMU Phi Beta Kappa Chapter President Charles Blake welcomes student inductees.
"Back for the future," sustained volunteerism in Welch, W.Va.
"Building global officers," JMU's Army ROTC Project GO-Nenda Alliance promotes global awareness
"Character counts," sport psychology center's holistic approach mirrors coach's philosophy
"Classroom in the frozen north," Julie Schneider ('99) inspires students from Arctic's edge
"COB 300," the 12-credit class prepares future entrepreneurs and business leaders
"Creating a dyslexia friendly classroom," alumnus Jared Setnar ('04) overcomes for self and students
"An enhanced classroom experience," Hilary Jacobson ('09) talks about her Madison Experience
"Flowing by design," JMU-RMH Collaborative creates wetlands at new hospital
"Hudson Family Weekend," JMU Family Weekend was a long-running tradition for this family
"Innovative mentoring makes a difference," Kimberly Taylor ('79) works to ensure student success
"JMU's landmark decision," Phi Beta Kappa taps Madison for chapter
"Julian A. Burruss," A vision for education
"Making historians," JMU HIST 395: Gateway or gauntlet?
"A passion for politics," the Washington Semester experience balances learning and friendship
Phi Beta Kappa professors at JMU
"Ronald E. Carrier," "Uncle Ron" takes Madison to a university and beyond
"Samuel Page Duke," Madison's "builder" president
"Spraggs receives BEYA award," Paul Spraggs ('78) named one of the 2009 Black Engineers of the Year
"Storming to the rescue," JMU's response to Hurricane Katrina
"A Virginia woman in history," fourth graders honor psychology professor Joann Grayson
"Writing inspiration," an interview with novelist and JMU writing professor Inman Majors
Finding reliable and affordable energy, improving environmental quality and bolstering economic development, JMU students, professors and alumni work across traditional boundaries to power the future. University programs merge applied research with education and outreach, going beyond the challenges of fuel economy to creatively address the economic factors that influence research, development and the implementation of new ideas. Madison's people and programs go beyond technology to the heart of building a better future. These champions of sustainability educate the public and inform decision-makers, demonstrating the need for energy efficient practices and the methods to transition to alternative energy sources.
Imagine going to the hospital and not finding clean water, sterile surfaces or modern machines to measure your vitals. Now imagine walking five miles to get health services … Read More
JMU students travel to Kenya to learn about sustainable energy and help the Kenyan people with limited income for electricity in rural areas … Read More
Energy efficiency and conservation, and alternative fuel vehicles are at the heart of building a brighter future. Can we find better ways to power the future? Students and professors in JMU's Alternative Fuel Program say "Yes." … Read More
JMU's biodiesel program works to provide a clean, non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to diesel fuel while stimulating rural economies … Read More
"Tiny plant, big hopes," microscopic plant has researchers thinking big
A collaborative approach to pinpointing potential wind farm sites
"Designing Sustainable Solutions," JMU engineering focuses on sustainability
"Energizing the future," JMU's Alternative Fuel Program takes a creative approach to sustainability
"Madison's first eco-community," JMU freshmen make lifestyle changes
JMU believes in sustainability, but it's not just a slogan. The university is leading a fundamental shift in thinking about our planet through the efforts of students, faculty members and alumni engaged in efforts to secure our environmental future. Spurred by a charge from JMU President Linwood H. Rose to pursue environmental stewardship, their collective efforts reflect Madison's heritage of educating students to become enlightened and engaged citizens, problem solvers, community leaders — to improve the future of our natural world.
In the last nine years, residency in the heart of Harrisonburg’s downtown has increased 250 percent, due in part to the innovative minds of two Madison alumni, Andrew Forward (‘86) and Barry Kelley (‘83) … Read More
JMU students travel to Kenya to learn about sustainable energy and help the Kenyan people with limited income for electricity in rural areas … Read More
JMU alumni in the Baltimore and Annapolis area, many decked out in purple and gold to ward off a chilly sea breeze, gathered for an alumni event they called the Harbor Clean-up Day … Read More
In the face of climate change, economic disruption and oil depletion, Radical Roots farmers and JMU alumni, Dave ('96) and Lee Sturgis O'Neill ('97), offer a new model for farmers — sustainable agriculture, ecologically grown vegetables and permaculture education … Read More
"Is green living practical?" Zach Fettig ('06) proves that eco-friendly living can be comfortable
"A Childhood Lesson," ...that I didn't comprehend until I was an adult
"Designing Sustainable Solutions," JMU engineering focuses on sustainability
"Flowing by design," JMU-RMH Collaborative creates wetlands at new hospital
"Madison's first eco-community," JMU freshmen make lifestyle changes
"Strictly for the birds," Blake Jones ('04) makes a better future for endangered Hawaiian birds
Madison's people — professors, students, alumni — address crucial global issues every day. Through innovative and cutting-edge research seasoned with a global-centric understanding, they invest in the future of people around the world on both national and individual levels. With a substantial investment in people worldwide, they are building a framework for mutual global understanding.
JMU is a national leader in study abroad participation, and Madison programs are getting better all the time. JMU is heading an international consortium of higher education institutions to develop new study programs and exchange opportunities … Read More
Kevin Melton ('04) is not a solider, but in November 2009 when his armored vehicle was blown up during a 28-month long advising trip to Afghanistan, he realized what violence really is … Read More
Soccer fan and political science major Wes Mitchell ('10) interned in Lilongwe, Malawi, with the nonprofit organization Grassroot Soccer building a culture that is free from the attitudes and behaviors that cause HIV infection … Read More
Jennifer Coffman founded and directs JMU's successful Field School in Kenya. Students live with and learn from local families, while also exploring sustainable projects with their community hosts … Read More
"Africa 101," JMU's annual International Week celebration highlights the sights and sounds of Africa
"Aiding in landmine recovery," JMU center works to increase services for landmine victims
"The best year of my life," Caroline Braun's ('09) study abroad experiences in England and Spain
"Building global officers," JMU's Army ROTC Project GO-Nenda Alliance promotes global awareness
"Calling in sick," Traci Cox ('08) writes about her healthcare experience in Slovakia
"Coming home," Iraqi war veteran Capt. Lesley Kipling ('99) returned to JMU ROTC
"Downloading Democracy," Jonathan Koves ('05) creates Iraqinews.com
"Focus on Africa:" The 2009 Byrd Symposium
"Goodness is powerful," Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu delivers inspiration in visit to JMU
"Madison's WWII Victory Garden," honoring JMU alumni and friends who served their country
"Olympic Purple and Gold," Jim Pivarnik, a 1977 Duke, carries the 2010 Olympic torch
"Planning Priscilla's Homecoming," An interview with JMU alum, Joshua Klemm ('04)
"A 'Priscilla's Homecoming' Journal," A week with 'Priscilla's Posse'
"Purple, gold and green for this Marine," 1st Lt. James Sheasley ('02) cheers on the Dukes
"Studying global issues at the U.N.," JMU social work majors visit the Big Apple
"Supporting U.S. troops from the air," Jeffrey Cretz ('03) serves second deployment in Middle East
There's something deliberate and compelling about a JMU education that attracts extraordinary people and fosters in them a commitment to serve the common good through participatory democracy. Madison students, professors and alumni commit themselves to the ultimate societal benefit of education — an enlightened citizenry ready to build a better future. They lead, innovate and collaborate in the spirit set forth by President James Madison's vision that liberty and learning are inextricably entwined. They reach beyond themselves into the public square and to help change the world.
The JMU Phi Beta Kappa Chapter inducted students and noted alumnus Matthew Wasniewski ('91, '94M) in its annual ceremony in March. Christopher Fox, professor of computer science … Read More
One of the biggest criticisms of colleges has been that students learn academic theories that challenge their minds but do not prepare them for practical politics outside of the classroom. JMU Professors understand this … Read More
“My Madison Experience helped me realize my passion for combining the research and analysis side of psychology with the policy and program evaluation side of public administration.” Read More
It all started with the literature review of a rushed paper, a paper that would change the life of Christina Grier ('12). Despite putting off writing a paper due in her Research Methods and Statistics course, Grier threw herself into the research … Read More
"Downloading Democracy," Jonathan Koves ('05) creates Iraqinews.com
"Goodness is powerful," Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu delivers inspiration in visit to JMU
"JMU Richmond politicos," Alumni take leadership and responsibility positions in Virginia's capital
"Planning Priscilla's Homecoming," An interview with JMU alum, Joshua Klemm ('04)
"Supporting U.S. troops from the air," Jeffrey Cretz ('03) serves second deployment in Middle East
"Uncle Sam still wants you," federal workforce career opportunities for recent college graduates
When JMU students, faculty members and alumni look at the world, they see people. Some work to improve health care delivery through strenuous scholarship and clinical experiences. Others work to strengthen community life. They break down barriers to healthcare for many who fall through the cracks through innovative community-based programs. They volunteer to raise monies to fight disease and fund research. Madison's compassion, coupled with innovative and collaborative approaches through education, research and service is truly changing the world.
Three different students found one huge commonality — The Huber Residential Learning Community. At HRLC first-year students live and learn with others interested in JMU's pre-professional health programs. All say their choice to live in the HRLC has been transformational.… Read More
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8.3 percent of Americans have diabetes. Up to 95 percent of the cases are type 2, adult-onset diabetes, which usually begins as insulin resistance …
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Allowing nursing students to develop and improve their bedside skills under realistic hospital conditions can vastly improve their confidence and skill. That's the strategy behind the JMU nursing department's use of high-fidelity patient simulators… Read More
As JMU's Class of 2012 looks to Commencement, their thoughts are on starting anew — embarking on life as a Madison alum. Although Connor Gwin ('12) is graduating on May 5 with a degree in religion, his re-birth came in 2009 on the UREC track. …
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JMU alum Adam Armiger fights to save children from congenital heart defects
"Getting kids healthy," Shannon Dougherty works to get kids fit for life
"Cali-blue and CARPOOL," JMU SafeRides celebrates three years of campus leadership
"Calling in sick," Traci Cox ('08) writes about her healthcare experience in Slovakia
"Character counts," sport psychology center's holistic approach mirrors coach's philosophy
"Creating a dyslexia friendly classroom," alumnus Jared Setnar ('04) overcomes for self and students
"An enhanced classroom experience," Hilary Jacobson ('09) talks about her Madison Experience
"Fighting childhood obesity," Parents can protect the Sesame Street crowd
"Firing up the ratings," Nathan Lyon ('94) competes on Food Network
"Flowing by design," JMU-RMH Collaborative creates wetlands at new hospital
"Olympic Purple and Gold," Jim Pivarnik, a 1977 Duke, carries the 2010 Olympic torch
"Pursuing a career in medicine," a conversation with JMU undergraduate Elisabeth Lehigh
"Videogame medicine," JMU alum Mike Miriello ('09) gives hospitalized kids some play time
"A Virginia woman in history," fourth graders honor psychology professor Joann Grayson
The world is not a just and civil place for all of its citizens. Seeing and understanding the struggles that others face, motivates JMU students, faculty and alumni to work hard to improve the lives of those caught in wars, poverty, illiteracy, bondage and in situations they cannot escape alone. Compassion drives them to find innovative ideas to free the human spirit and JMU's spirit of action sets them to work.
Graduate student Christine Bolander, who spent a summer in Uganda combating the detrimental effects of human trafficking, says JMU and the Huber Residential Learning Community opened up opportunities for her to further explore occupational therapy and her role as a healthcare provider… Read More
Arriving at work before 8 a.m., Ashley Mitchell (’09) starts each day with a ”sponge.“ By the time students arrive in their classrooms an hour later, Mitchell is ready and waiting to give a ”sponge lecture“ a review of the previous day’s lessons.… Read More
In many countries, children are often expected to work to help support their families. Fighting the effects of child labor is an uphill battle in Cambodia where the majority of the population is poverty-stricken and uneducated; but two JMU alums took on the fight. … Read More
Homeless children lack the voice and means to triumph over their situation; and unfortunately, their plight often goes unnoticed by the community around them. Not so, however, in JMU’s neighborhood … Read More
"Back for the future," sustained volunteerism in Welch, W.Va.
"Studying global issues at the U.N.," JMU social work majors visit the Big Apple
Accepting challenge, solving problems, turning failure to success — in our complex world the need for well-rounded, independent thinkers who are up to the task of building a better future has never been more critical. JMU's people and programs have a well-earned reputation for innovative collaboration that achieves real results. It goes far beyond personal aggrandizement, reaching out into communities, across national boundaries and around the world to find the ways to foster prosperity in mind and spirit.
In the last few years, numerous universities across the nation have experienced unprecedented numbers of students with urgent financial needs resulting from unforeseen changes in family income. Acting without hesitation, JMU deployed Madison For Keeps …
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When you think about tea, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's a gorgeous Chinese panorama, dotted with hills and fields tended by farmers. Maybe tea evokes a European garden party with ladies holding laced umbrellas, men in top hats and a Baroque melody playing softly in the background …
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It’s called the new industrial revolution — the push to a knowledge–based economy where highly skilled workers implement and manage technology. Preparing for what lies ahead may not always be clearly understood or agreed upon. JMU alumnus Paul Holland (‘82) talks about profiting from the …
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JMU's MGT 472 Venture Creation class has consistently produced start-up businesses since its inception. Why? Students develop a business of their own, are mentored by alumni and judged by private equity investors. …
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“Viva L’Italia,” Katharine Corgan (‘06) restaurant, L’Italia Pizza
"Back in the 'Burg," Columia Records exec Brian Nolan ('02) shares with students
"Back for the future," sustained volunteerism in Welch, W.Va.
"COB 300," the 12-credit class prepares future entrepreneurs and business leaders
"Downloading Democracy," Jonathan Koves ('05) creates Iraqinews.com
"Girl Power," Cassie Potler ('10), JMU HerCampus.com editor tells how to assert yourself
"JMU grads live better at The Martin Agency," three alumnae moms love agency's atmosphere
"Living the dream," Julie Bragg Sheppard ('94) keeps Richmonders in the know
"Madison magic at Disney," Seven students gain real-world experience at Walt Disney World®
At JMU the complex problems of the world are addressed and studied in a collaborative educational system that takes puzzles and asks students and faculty, together, to unlock them. Through an emphasis on STEM education merged with strong traditional science programs on campus and the work legions of prepared alumni spread over the world, JMU promotes discovery through cutting-edge technologies and a forward thinking mentality toward problem solving and changing the world.
A biology minor, a designer, a math major and an environmentalist all walk into the same JMU classroom. With varied skill sets and interests, their initial conversations center on hopeful careers after JMU … Read More
A JMU art major curating the university's newest art collection wanted to enhance visitors' experience to the museum. He turned to an engineering major and a physics major to develop an iPad application … Read More
Dr. Jacquelyn Nagel, assistant professor of engineering, has some innovative ideas on how mimicking nature could advance technology. She's one of the National Engineer's Week Foundation's 2012 New Faces of Engineering … Read More
JMU students travel to Kenya to learn about sustainable energy and help the Kenyan people with limited income for electricity in rural areas… Read More
"Virtually Everything JMU," New "Experience JMU" website's virtual tour brings JMU to your browser
"Science for kids," JMU alum Julie Schneider ('99) teaches from the Arctic
"Classroom in the frozen north," Julie Schneider ('99) inspires students from Arctic's edge
"Designing Sustainable Solutions," JMU engineering focuses on sustainability
"Downloading Democracy," Jonathan Koves ('05) creates Iraqinews.com
"Energizing the future," JMU's Alternative Fuel Program takes a creative approach to sustainability
"Fighting childhood obesity," Parents can protect the Sesame Street crowd
"Pursuing a career in medicine," a conversation with JMU undergraduate Elisabeth Lehigh
"Spraggs receives BEYA award," Paul Spraggs ('78) named one of the 2009 Black Engineers of the Year
"Strictly for the birds," Blake Jones ('04) makes a better future for endangered Hawaiian birds