Research Development Welcome

Thank you for visiting the Office of Research Development at James Madison University. The core function of Research Development at JMU is to identify research opportunities for students, faculty, and staff by connecting programs with the needs of external partners. We are strong believers in the critical role played by institutions of higher education to advance knowledge and discovery, allowing JMU to engage the global community in a positive and responsible fashion through a problem-based approach. Please take some time to peruse the Research and Public Service website for more information on the many research activities and opportunities at JMU. More about the Office of Research Development

Spotlight on Faculty Scholarship

Dr. Nicholas Swartz

Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration

Director of the Master in Public Administration (MPA) Program

Dr. Swartz’s research is quite broad and interdisciplinary in nature. His most recent research efforts have focused on local and regional economic development, community engagement, university-community partnerships, and quality-of-life. While at JMU he has made a commitment to improving his local and regional community. His work through this vein has included the creation of Economic Development Plans for the Towns of Dayton, VA and Elkton, VA; program evaluations and strategic planning sessions for various non-profits and local governments located throughout the Shenandoah Valley; the creation of reports and evaluations for various public and private sector organizations to help improve regional economic development throughout the Harrisonburg region; and the impacts (both pro and con) of municipal incorporation of Massanutten Village, VA. Dr. Swartz has also recently spent a significant amount of time, alongside his colleague, Dr. Lili Peaslee, working on their upcoming book on Public Policymaking and Politics in Virginia. Dr. Swartz incorporates as many JMU undergraduate and graduate students in his research as possible. His belief that students learn best by doing has touched more than 100 undergraduate and graduate students in the Public Policy and Administration Programs located in the School of Public and International Affairs.

Dr. Swartz’s Faculty Page

MPA Faculty Page

Town of Elkton Economic Development Plan

Town of Dayton Economic Development Plan

Faculty Scholarship Archive