The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, January 8, 2010, in the Board Room of Madison’s Festival Conference and Student Center.

Following is a summary of actions taken by the board and key areas of discussion at the board meeting:

• Approved September 25, 2009 BOV meeting minutes;

• Heard and approved committee reports from Athletics, Audit, Development, Education & Student Life, and Finance & Physical Development;

• Approved the Master’s program in Communication and Advocacy;

• Approved easement related to construction at Bridgeforth Stadium;

• Approved the proposed summer tuition and fees;

• Approved budget amendments to the 2010-2011 budget;

• Received a presentation on JMU performing arts opportunities by Dr. George Sparks, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts;

• Received an update about the North Campus from Mr. Charles King, Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance and Ms. Towana Moore, Associate Vice President for Business Services;

• The Governor’s 2010-2012 biennium budget was presented by Mr. Charles King, Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance;   

 -      that JMU is now one of the newest members of Phi Beta Kappa, which now has 280 chapters nationwide;

-       that the “Madison for Keeps” Fund raised $365,320 through 3,176 gifts which supported 76 students;

-       that JMU is ranked 21^st on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of the 100 Best Values for Public Colleges in 2010;

-       that the Cooper Center Economic Impact Study determined that every public dollar spent on higher education produces           $1.39 in increased tax revenues and $13.31 in economic activity;

-       that the Veteran’s Memorial Dedication took place on November 8, 2009;

-       that JMU’s International Study ranked 2^nd in the country for mid-term programs, 3^rd for short-term programs,       and 16^th for long-term programs;

-       that Arthur Moats won the Buchanan award as the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision and     was named a first team All-American.