We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.
Lots of colleges and universities now claim that engagement is the next big thing in higher education. But providing engaged experiences has been central to James Madison University since its founding in 1908. In fact, the school’s first catalogue included this passage written by its first President, Julian Burruss:
"… it is obvious that the work of the school can no longer be confined to theory and books, but must seek its material in real things, in nature, in the practical activities of industry and commerce, in the business, civic and social interests of life. Without depreciating the limitless stores of useful knowledge bound up in printed volumes, it must also draw from the outside world …"
Madison College: The First Fifty Years. 1908—1958. Raymond C. Dingledine, Jr. March 1959.
JMU fosters an environment in which undergraduate students and faculty members collaborate on research. Taylor Albertelli (’19) and chemistry professor Nate Wright teamed up to investigate sudden cardiac death. Read More
There’s never a limit to how much you can learn and accomplish at JMU. See how student-athlete Megan Guzzardi has flourished on the field and in the classroom. Read More
Jewel Hurt’s (’19) Madison Experience was shaped by her role as president of the Student Government Association and as a student in the Honors College. Read More
James Short (’19) reflects on how Integrated Science and Technology gave him the tools to become the best version of himself and make a difference in the community. Read More
Aereen Lapuz (’19) studied graphic design and gained hands-on experience working for University Marketing and Branding. Read More
Cathy York (’19) talks about how JMU traditions have made her a more well-rounded person and prepared her for a rewarding career as a teacher. Read More
Cutting-edge, collaborative, creative—these are the guiding principles behind JMU X-Labs, an innovative model in higher education. Read More
JMU Study Abroad changes the way our students see the world. When participants shed preconceived notions and expand their comfort zones, they return home primed to take on new challenges. Read More
Students involved with JMU's Center for Entrepreneurship presented business ventures to a group of investors and other members of JMU's community. Read more
Engagement Fellow Matt Darroch found an interesting way to increase the civic engagement political dialogue in his community. Read more
Students, alumni and a professor of integrated science and engineering perform mitigation on land soon to be a parking lot. Read more
Centennial Scholar Anthony Mujica (’13) credits his time at JMU for paving the way to a successful career in health services administration. Read more
Graduate students in the speech pathology program found a unique way to practice procedures and skills using tech. Read more
Students at JMU spend their spring breaks traveling for a purpose other than gaining another passport stamp. Read more
Hugo Kohl (’89) is preserving the legacy of vintage American jewelry design and manufacturing. Read more
Deborah Tompkins Johnson ('78) believes positive interactions can make a difference in the lives of troubled youth. Read more
Jamie Jones Miller ('99) is on a mission to build bridges between the Department of Defense and members of Congress. Read more
Former JMU football player Eugene Holloman (’09) is inspiring student-athletes to explore their identities beyond the playing field with the release of his first novel, The Athlete-Student: Freshman Year. Read more
Bryan Bostic ('83) has over 30 years of experience as a business leader and entrepreneur, and is committed to helping others launch their own successful ventures. Read more
Kristen Cavallo (’91) calls the scandal that led to her being named CEO of The Martin Agency “a painful gift.” Read more
The youngest mayor in the history of Richmond, VA, Levar Stoney (’04) is known for his ability to bring people together. Read more
