A. Frederick (Fred) Milbert is a 1976 graduate of JMU, with a BS in Health and Physical Education. While at JMU, he played baseball for the Dukes and enjoyed the opportunity of watching the sports programs of JMU begin to form the foundation which today’s JMU Athletic programs are built on. Since graduating, he began his teaching and coaching career in Prince William County Public Schools. He earned his MEd from George Mason University in 1996. In 1999, Fred was appointed the Supervisor of Health and Physical Education, Athletics, Driver Education and Athletics for Prince William County Public Schools.
Fred became re- engaged with JMU through the Parent’s Council when his daughter was accepted. During their time serving on the Parent Council, Fred and his wife, Lerita hosted multiple JMU Send Off picnics supporting new Dukes. For their support and effort, Fred and Lerita were recognized in the Fall 2012 Madison Magazine. Since his daughter’s graduation Fred has remained active through his current work on the College of Education Executive Advisory Council. As an original member of this council, he has assisted with developing its mission and current activities.
In addition to his service to JMU, Fred is currently the President of Virginia Association of Health and Physical Education Recreation and Dance representing the state professional physical and health educators. He has co-chaired the Wellness Advisory Committee for Prince William County Public Schools and has facilitated other critical functions such the Division Concussion Policy Review Team. For the last 10 years he has served as the Chairman of Trustees for Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Dale City.
While coaching Gar-Field High School Girls’ Basketball, he earned the distinction of Virginia Coach of the Year in 1998 when his team won the Virginia State Championship.
Fred is married to Lerita and has two children, a son, Jordan and his wife Jillian and grandson Landon and a daughter, Kallie (JMU ‘11, ’12)
“Why do you give back to JMU?”
When my daughter Kallie was accepted to attend JMU, I attended the CHIOCES day and parent orientation only to find myself participating in a new JMU. The attitude of the students and the staff during those two events was very contagious. Meeting the members of the Parent Council and having the privilege to be a part of that group of JMU family enabled me to really see what JMU was offering my daughter and all the students, and how they all could impact the world. In those first years of rediscovery, I was accepted as a part of this JMU family, given opportunity to understand how I could be of part of the larger good of helping others grow.
As I learned more and became engaged in the actual actions of improving life opportunities for students and then the widespread community of JMU, I realized that I was receiving the benefit of what others had given back through my daughter’s excellent preparation while earning her Master’s degree in Teaching. I saw that I was able to pay it forward and help others in ways I never thought would exist for me. Now as a member of the College of Education EAC, I have found another way to connect to JMU and impact the future of our educational leaders by giving back what JMU gave me in the 70’s and my daughter now - a great learning experience to lead in the world and a JMU family of support to make the best of the skills we have.
