Madison Excellence

Editor's Note

I'm glad to serve as guest editor for this issue of Madison, the issue that also goes to high-school students in the midst of their college searches. This is my opportunity to convey the excellence of a JMU education — and also to say hello to my fellow Madison alumni, now 100,000 strong!

I was a JMU student from 1977 to 1981. My undergraduate experience was second to none. I did it all. I was social. I was an athlete. My experience was total. I know other alumni share my experience.

My scholarly preparation at Madison was unparalleled. I am technically a systematic ichthyologist. I can thank JMU botany professor Norlyn Bodkin not only for my interest in biology, but also for my interest in systematics. He inspired me by his teaching, his enthusiasm and the care he took to cultivate me as a scientist. As a systematic ichthyologist, I've developed the same kind of taxonomic expertise for fish that Dr. Bodkin has for trees.

My education spurred me to pursue a doctorate, and now I am curator of fishes at the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History. I conduct scientific research, discovering new fish species, and work with other scientists and naturalists around the world. I lead natural history trips for the public and increasingly look for opportunities to teach the public about marine science. I was honored to be the central scientist in the IMAX film Galapagos!

I tell you about my JMU experiences — not to brag — but because I want you to understand the high quality of the JMU academic program and that Madison's threshold of excellence continues to be the norm. Throughout my career I've worked with scientists from other elite universities, and I can say without reserve that my education can go head to head with theirs. I often mentor up-and-coming scientists who have graduated from many schools. Read about my work with JMU graduate Zach Foltz ('08) on Page 47. JMU alumni continue to graduate with something above and beyond excellent book knowledge. They have an edge borne of intense mentorship by faculty, undergraduate research opportunities, a bent toward collaboration and a desire to see good ideas succeed for the good of all.

I'm happy to help perpetuate the success of future JMU graduates and the Madison legacy that Norlyn Bodkin started with me.

—Carole Baldwin ('81), guest editor

Madison magazine is the official magazine of James Madison University. Read the latest issue.