Statewide bond referendum in November holds promise for JMU

It's hard to believe that a quarter of a century has passed since Madison College became James Madison University. I vividly remember the excitement on campus as it became apparent that soon we would be a "university" instead of a "college." Madison alumni and leaders of the time reflect on that important chapter in the institution's history, beginning on Page 43.

I had begun work at Madison two years earlier and, even within that short period of time, the massive changes taking place at the institution were obvious. A thriving coeducational institution with a multitude of academic programs had evolved from what had once been a small college primarily for women majoring in teacher education.

As great as those changes were leading up to university status, the changes in the 25 years since have been even greater. Since the name change in 1977, student enrollment has nearly doubled to more than 15,000, academic programs have expanded qualitatively as well as quantitatively, and our athletics teams have become successful in Division I of the NCAA.
Supporting the institution's change and growth over the years has been an ever-expanding array of outstanding facilities for our students, faculty and staff. Many campus buildings exist today only because of statewide bond referendums.

There is a long list of major facilities on campus that are here because of voter-approved bond issues. Godwin Hall exists because of a 1968 bond issue. Roop Hall, home for the College of Education, became a reality through a 1977 bond issue. The 1992 bond issue brought us a major addition to Carrier Library, the first academic building for the College of Integrated Science and Technology and the University Services Building.
Can you imagine a JMU without those buildings?

This fall, Virginia voters will again be asked to provide a brighter future for the state by approving two bond referendums. One referendum will allocate $846 million to improve capital facilities at the commonwealth's colleges and universities, along with $55 million to expand museums and cultural areas. The second referendum will provide $119 million for state parks and recreational facilities.

By using bonds to finance these capital projects, Virginia will be acting in a fiscally responsible manner that does not require the state to raise taxes. None of the previous higher education bond issues resulted in a tax increase.

The needs are clear. Virginia's public higher education system now serves more than 325,000 students. During the next decade, four-year colleges expect an increase of 19,000 students - more than another JMU. Community colleges are expected to grow by 12,700 students.
JMU has a great deal at stake in the bond referendum. There are seven JMU projects totaling just under $100 million - the largest amount of any college or university in Virginia - in the referendum.

The bond issue will allow JMU to address our dire need for new facilities in the arts. Up-to-date facilities have been built or are planned for business, education and the sciences. It is time to provide similar high-quality quarters for the arts. The bond issue includes $29.8 million for the construction of a center for the arts and $20.9 million for a music recital hall. Private funds are also being raised for those two vitally important projects, which are detailed on Page 7.

Also under the bond issue, the rapidly growing campus area east of Interstate 81 will receive a $19.8 million library facility to complement the resources of Carrier Library. A new $24.2 million chemistry and physics building on the east side of I-81 has already been funded.

At JMU and many other colleges and universities, the bond issue addresses the need to renovate and modernize older buildings. The bonds provide $13.9 million for the renovation of Miller Hall and $9.7 million to renovate Harrison Hall. The bond issue also provides $5.8 million for infrastructure work and for improving handicapped accessibility on campus.

Much of JMU as we know it today was made possible through bond issues approved by Virginia voters. I urge the Virginia members of the JMU family to vote on Nov. 5. As you vote, keep in mind that the higher education bond issue will provide facilities that are necessary to support students of tomorrow at our university and the state's other fine colleges and universities.

Linwood H. Rose
President