Together, we're defining JMU's next chapter
Every generation has an opportunity to shape what comes next. The Madison Promise is JMU’s roadmap for a bold future, guiding our work through 2032 and beyond to 2040. It calls us to expand opportunity, strengthen communities and ensure every Duke graduates ready to lead with purpose.
A Bold Vision for What's Next
“Putting students and the Commonwealth first is our cornerstone value, and every decision we make — including how we build and grow this campus — must pass that test. When we increase student housing, when we create vibrant spaces where learning, living, and community converge, we are not just building buildings. We are creating the sense of belonging that attracts and keeps our students here, that improves their well-being, and that strengthens our impact across Virginia and Beyond.”
This is not a typical strategic plan. President Jim Schmidt shares his vision for a bolder, more future-ready JMU and the challenges that make the Madison Promise necessary.
Five Strategic Pillars
The Madison Promise is built around five pillars that we will focus our efforts and guide JMU through 2040.
Delivering on the Madison Promise through two guarantees, the Employment Guarantee and the Employer Guarantee, we will:
- Align curriculum with workforce needs
- Expand career-connected learning
- Strengthen employer partnerships
- Expand need-based scholarships that honor students of merit and achievement.
By empowering the people who deliver the mission, we will:
- Align faculty and staff workload with strategic priorities
- Enhance employee well-being
- Increase compensation competitiveness
- Modernize technology infrastructure that faculty and staff use to do their work effectively
Expanding research to drive impact, we will:
- Increase undergraduate research opportunities
- Expand research infrastructure
- Grow doctoral programs in key areas
- Develop centers of excellence
Driving workforce and economic growth, we will:
- Coordinate university-wide partner engagement
- Align academic programs with workforce needs
- Expand the College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Transforming JMU's physical environment - new residential facilities, the Madison District, and a Living Lab framework that unites learning, living, and community engagement.
Target Year
Long-term Vision
Bold Guarantees
Strategic Pillars
Guidepost Goals
Every plan needs clear, measurable goals. These guideposts define JMU’s goals and will inform our initiatives and investments.
Increase retention, boost four-year graduation rates, grow overall enrollment, and lower our acceptance rate.
Achieve high career outcomes for bachelor’s degree earners
Rank in the top 50 nationally among public universities
Increase on-campus housing capacity
Increase state-wide economic impact
Increase research expenditures
Increase research doctorates awarded
Increase sustained philanthropic giving
Priority Initiatives
Fifteen priority initiatives are putting the Madison Promise into action, translating its strategic priorities into focused work across JMU.
The Promise in Action
Growing the Promise
President Jim announces plans to nearly double the acreage of Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Learn more →
Expanding Facilities
JMU secures $115.3M to expand College of Health and Behavioral Studies facilities
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Virginia Top Employer
James Madison University UREC named 2026 Virginia Top Employer for Interns
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