Upcoming Webinar
A Year in Review
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Join us for the final Counselor Education Program webinar for the 2025-2026 academic year! Kelly Ball, Associate Vice President for Access and Enrollment and Director of Admissions, will share information on our incoming first-year class, final numbers for this admissions cycle and more.
JMU Student Spotlight
From groundbreaking research to meaningful community impact, JMU students are doing extraordinary things every day. Learn more about the creativity, leadership, and passion Dukes bring both in the classroom and beyond campus.
Magnolia Matzen’s first experience at James Madison University wasn’t as a prospective student—it was as a competitor. Standing on the Quad during the Virginia State Debate Championship, Matzen argued her case under open skies, unaware that the campus hosting her final high school first-place win would soon become her second home.
“That was my first introduction to JMU and how I ended up getting scouted by the previous director of JMU’s debate team,” Matzen shared. “When I was working my senior year on all my [college] applications, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this place seems perfect.’ The College of Business seems great. The debate team seems wonderful. This seems like exactly the two things I want and where I should be.”
Senior Ryan Morneau maintained the No. 1 ranking in the collegiate pickleball tour for over a year, but he lacked the opportunity to prove himself until April, when The Nationals — hosted by College Pickleball Tour in Peachtree Corners, Georgia — provided that chance. After battling through seven consecutive matches in a single day against the nation’s top competition, Morneau clinched the gold medal with a 22-20 victory.
Morneau’s victory earned him a spot to compete against the world’s best at a tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this July. Facing mainly professionals, Morneau plans to bring some college energy to Michigan.
News Across Campus
Stay connected with the latest things happening at JMU. Browse the articles below to learn more about campus news, events and all things JMU.
Class of 2030 and Beyond: JMU Guarantees Graduate Outcomes
James Madison University’s Board of Visitors on Friday formally endorsed “The Madison Promise: JMU 2032 Strategic Plan,” a bold, community-driven vision guided by a cornerstone commitment to students and the Commonwealth of Virginia that sets a course for JMU through 2032, with long-term targets extending to 2040.
The “Madison Promise Guarantees” comes at a pivotal moment for higher education. Across the country, families are making hard calculations about the return on investment of a college degree. Employers are asking whether graduates are truly ready. The Madison Promise Guarantees answer those questions directly with a unique commitment no other university is making at this scale.
“A JMU education is marked by the distinctive set of skills and knowledge that all graduates develop during their undergraduate career,” said JMU President Jim Schmidt. “Our students acquire the balance of a liberal arts education and the experience of undergraduate research and power skill development. We are preparing students to be nimble and responsive, building the resilience and life skills they will need for the job market of today and tomorrow.”
JMU Board of Visitors Endorses The Madison Promise
James Madison University's Board of Visitors on Friday formally endorsed "The Madison Promise: JMU 2032 Strategic Plan," a bold, community-driven vision guided by a cornerstone commitment to students and the Commonwealth of Virginia that sets a course for JMU through 2032, with long-term targets extending to 2040.
Since his arrival in July 2025, James Madison University President Jim Schmidt has paved the way toward creating an innovative and forward-facing strategic plan that will see the university through to 2032, with a long-term vision to include 2040 goals.
"The Madison Promise is our now," Schmidt said. "It builds on our public mission, calls upon our strength in innovation and collaboration, and sets a bold course as we step confidently into the future."
Thank You, From the JMU Counselor Education Program
We would like to take the time to thank you all for another amazing year! Your partnership and commitment to helping future JMU Dukes is invaluable!
As you know, this summer, the Counselor Education Program will be revamped to better fit your needs and the needs of your students. To help us prepare for the 2026-27 school year, please take a moment to fill out our survey. We would greatly appreciate it.
If you need anything as you finish the school year, don't hesitate to reach out to your regional counselor.
Thank you all again. We hope you have a great rest of your school year and can't wait to see you in the fall!
With gratitude,
JMU Counselor Education Program
Other Resources
Recorded Webinars
Dive into a collection of insightful webinars, hosted by JMU Admissions Counselors, designed to equip you with valuable information and resources, ensuring you can guide your students towards a bright future at JMU. Learn more
Campus Visits
Want to experience our beautiful campus for yourself? We would love to have you come and see all of the exciting growth at JMU. Find out how you can schedule a campus visit for yourself or your students. Learn more
