The Compass Award
for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Nominations for the Compass Award are not currently being accepted.

James Madison University values the inherent uniqueness of each member of our community.  We point to our similarities and differences, recognizing that people have distinct backgrounds, characteristics, experiences, ideas, beliefs, motivations and choices, all of which give direction and value to our university. Presented by the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Compass Awards recognize outstanding contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion by individuals or groups.

Compass Awards recognize that advancing diversity, equity and inclusion can take many forms.  This year, the awards will recognize one outstanding contribution in each of the following categories:  student, faculty or staff, group or department, and alumni or community partner/organization.

Nominations should emphasize the applicant’s contributions in any combination of the following: 

Visionary: Forward thinking, innovative, creates new programming or progressive initiatives

Leader: Mentoring, guiding, facilitating, influencing

Advocate: Providing a voice for an underrepresented person or group – site examples         

Catalyst: Causing transformative activity or understanding between two or more persons, precipitating change

Direct any questions to vpdei@jmu.edu

Congratulations to the 2023 Compass Award Recipients:

Alumni/Community: Ole School Alumni Scholarship Group

Group/Department: ECAR Pilot Team

Staff: Jordan “JT” Todd

Student: Raylen Jones

Faculty: Roger Thelwell