We are an inclusive academic community committed to excellence in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. We advance intellectual and creative discovery through transformative learning experiences that positively impact our lives and communities.
Dr. Bob Kolvoord
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
A Message from the Interim Provost
Dear Colleagues,
As we wrap up the eighth week of the semester, I am once again happy to share highlights of your colleagues’ work. Keep them coming! You can submit items to highlight for yourself or your colleagues by emailing provost@jmu.edu.
- Juhong Christie Liu, Associate Professor and JMU Libraries Director of Instructional Design, served as a guest co-editor for a special issueof Educational Technology & Society, an open access journal. The October 2024 special issue, with the theme of "Educational design research for digital learning technologies to promote inclusion, equity, and accessibility," features 12 articles and a guest editorial co-authored by Dr. Liu.
- Associate Professor of English Sofia Samatar just published a new epistolarycompilation, her first with Soft Skull Press. Opacities: On Writing and the Writing Life comprises a series of meditations on writing, publishing and friendship.
- Over the summer, Chemistry Professor Barbara Reisner was honored with the 2024 James Flack Norris Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Chemistry. The award, presented by the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society, is designed to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the teaching of chemistry.
- Jonathan Jones, Assistant Professor of History appeared as an expert commentator in "New York City's Opioid Drug History: A Relentless Cycle," a recent PBS documentary. The documentary, which was released by NYC’s PBS station in September, is now widely available online. His appearance was filmed on campus last fall with the assistance of Jenna Polk, JMU Libraries; Eric Gorton, University Communications, facilitated the interview.
We were privileged to host the leadership of Coastal Carolina University for a visit this week, including their President and Provost. It was really interesting to hear about their successes and challenges, and to share what we’re doing (they got a tour of the HBS Building and the Forbes Center). I think the only thing they missed taking home was a football win, but we can only push being good hosts so far...
I look forward to sharing more of your stories after Fall Break.
Sincerely,
Bob
Have Question for the Provost?
Academic Affairs faculty and staff can use the options below to contact the provost directly.
This is an open line of communication allowing faculty and staff to ask questions, but it is not a substitute from the crucial interactions they have with their academic unit head, department head and dean.
Students should contact AcademicQuestions@jmu.edu with questions.
