Joshua Mathews-Ailsworth is a "Double Duke", graduating from JMU with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a minor in Educational Media in 2007 and a Master of Science in Education in Adult Education/Human Resource Development in 2008. He also earned a Post-Master's Certification in College Student Personnel Administration from JMU in 2010. While attending JMU, Joshua worked within a number of areas as both an undergraduate and graduate student, including Residence Life, Conference Services, Advancement, and the Centennial Scholars Program. Joshua was a member of Phi Sigma Tau and National Residence Hall Honorary.
Joshua has devoted his career to adult education. Joshua began his professional career at JMU as an Educational Technology Consultant for the Center for Instructional Technology, now Innovation Services (2008-2012). He also served as the Associate Director for Organizational Staff Development at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) in Harrisonburg (2012-2014). Joshua left Harrisonburg in 2014 to work internationally in Doha, Qatar, for Sidra Medicine as an Informatics Educator Lead (2014-2016). In 2016, Joshua relocated back to the United States and settled in Richmond Virginia where he served as the IT Training Manager (2016-2020) and currently IT Leadership Development Manager (2020-Present) for VCU Health.
Joshua is currently a member of the College of Education Advisory Council. Over the years, he has volunteered for JMU in many capacities including as a mentor, project sponsor for courses, and guest speaker. Joshua is passionate about service and regularly serves on boards and volunteers in his communities.
Joshua is married to Lisa ('06, '08M). They have two dogs, Chester and Rocky.
As a first generation college student, JMU stoked Joshua's passion for education and continues to influence his career and civic engagement activities. His positive experience at the university and the relationships he has, and continues to develop, push Joshua to want to give back and provide positive, meaningful experiences at the institution for others.
