The Vision Team
The Vision Team was a small group of JMU stakeholders whose job was to form strategies in support of the strategic plan’s pillars. Vision Teams addressed a specific area of the strategic plan draft, developed strategies to achieve an outcome, considering possible strategies for implementation challenges, or recommended revisions to the current ideas.
Descriptions for the Vision Teams and a list of co-chairs and current team members are listed below.
Vision Teams concluded their work in mid-March.
Vision Team Focus Areas
This Vision Team’s charge was to address a specific set of questions about two promises made by JMU: A guarantee to students that they will have a positive career outcome within 12 months of graduating, and a guarantee to employers that their JMU hires will come proficient in certain power skills. The team created recommendations about how to implement these promises and identify barriers—and solutions to those barriers—for success.
Two sub-groups formed to accomplish this team’s charge: An employment guarantee sub-group and an employer guarantee sub-group.
Vision Team Members:
Co-Chair: Fletcher Linder, Online Strategy and University Studies
Co-Chair: Myles Surrett, Career, Experiential Learning, Transitions, and Accessibility
Student Representative: Sydney Stafford
Sub-Group: Employment Guarantee
Chair: Libby Westley, University Career Center
Mark Angel, Finance
Amanda Kellogg, SPCE Professional Development
Andy Perrine, University Marketing & Branding
Richard Tate, Marketing; Center for Professional Sales
Sub-Group: Employer Guarantee
Co-Chair: Laura Hickerson, University Career Center Employer Services
Co-Chair: Sarah MacDonald, School of Professional & Continuing Education
Carrie Combs, Corporate & Foundation Relations
Alice Shaffer, Office of Admissions
Mary Sullivan, Valley Internship Experience Workgroup (VIEW)
Edward Yang, Political Science; Washington Semester Program
This Vision Team’s charge was to address a specific set of questions that focus on how to achieve student outcomes, specifically the development of power skills, literacy in areas like information, AI, and finance, and civic learning. The team also considered the logistics of a required first-year multi-credit problem-solving course addressing local and global issues.
Two sub-groups formed to accomplish this team’s charge: A Learning Outcomes group will explore the various skills and learning outcomes identified in the plan (power skills; AI, financial, and information literacy; and civic learning). A second sub-group explored the design and implementation of a required first-year multi-credit problem-solving course addressing local and global issues.
Vision Team Members:
Co-Chair: Tim Ball, Communication Studies
Co-Chair: Margaret Sloan, Strategic Leadership Studies
Co-Chair: Emma Thacker, Early, Elementary, and Reading Education
Student Representative: Addison Six
Sub-Group: Learning Outcomes
Co-Chair: John Allemeier, Music
Co-Chair: Jonathan Stewart, Student Affairs Finance, IT, and Assessment
Elizabeth Brown, General Education, The Natural World; Pure Math
Kara Dillard, Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Christian Early, Philosophy; Ethical Reasoning in Action
Sara Finney, Student Affairs Assessment; Graduate Psychology
Sub-Group: Multi-Credit Class
Chair: Emily York, ISAT
Becky Childs, College of Arts and Letters
Trevor Cockburn, Libraries
Rob Olewine, Orientation Transition Programs
This Vision Team’s charge was to address a specific set of questions that focus on how to achieve elements of the pillar, including expanding work-based learning opportunities, developing a more robust student work program, and strategizing how to incorporate a coordinated mentorship program into the student experience.
Three sub-groups formed to accomplish this team’s charge: A work-based learning experiences group explored strategies for increasing the availability of and participation in work-based learning. A student work group developed strategies for reimagining the student work model at JMU, and a mentorship team explored ways to create a system of mentoring for all students.
Vision Team Members:
Co-Chair: Megan Good, CARS; Graduate Psychology
Co-Chair: Steve Whitmeyer, Research & Scholarship, CSM; Geology
Student Representative: David Kinzer
Sub-Group: WBLE
Co-Chair: Anna Maria Johnson, Work-Based Learning Experiences
Co-Chair: Sian White, College of Arts and Letters
Christina Kilby, Religion
Michael O’Fallon, Academic Affairs Policy
Jenn Phillips, Athletics
Rochelle Reed, University Communications Social Media
Sub-Group: Student Work
Co-Chair: Brad Barnett, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Co-Chair: Carson Lonett, Student Affairs
Emma Gibbons, University Career Center Internships
Eric Nickel, UREC
Angie Steele, Aramark
Kevin Warner, Athletics Communications
Amber Weaver-Shifflett, Student Employment
Sub-Group: Mentorship
Co-Chair: Paula Polglase, Alumni Association
Kirk Armstrong, Health Professions; Athletic Training
Cassidy Clements, Student-Athlete Leadership
Paul Pohto, Counseling Center
This Vision Team’s charge was to address a specific set of questions that focus on how to achieve elements of the pillar, including defining undergraduate research opportunities and developed strategies to increase opportunity and participation.
Vision Team Members:
Co-Chair: Morgan Steffen, Biology
Co-Chair: Traci Zimmerman, College of Arts and Letters; Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication
Student Representative: Destiny Caravello
Heather Davis, Enrollment Marketing
Klebert Feitosa, Physics and Astronomy
Angel Garcia, Geology & Environmental Science
Dayna Henry, Center for Faculty Innovation
Paul Mabrey, Student Success & Enrollment Analytics; Communication Studies
Melanie Shoffner, Middle, Secondary & Mathematics Education
Galen Talis, Libraries Strategic Research & Assessment
This Vision Team’s charge was to address a specific set of questions on how to achieve elements of the pillar, including developing strategies to increase research expenditures and doctoral degree production.
Vision Team Members:
Co-Chair: Doug Hochstetler, College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Co-Chair: Linda Thomas, The Graduate School
Student Representative: Ver Ikeseh
V Kagey, IT Security/Information
Caitlin Mannion, Libraries Research & Education Services
Martin Mayiani, WMRA
Lauren Pearce, Research Development and Pre-Award Services
Ayasakanta Rout, Communication Sciences & Disorders
Monica Smith-Woofter, Learning, Technology & Leadership Education
Debbie Sturm, Graduate Psychology
This Vision Team's charge was to address a specific set of questions on how to achieve elements of the pillar, including identifying essential new academic programs to meet workforce needs and strategies to spark economic development opportunities.
Vision Team Members:
Co-Chair: Keith Holland, Research & Scholarship
Co-Chair: Elizabeth Oldmixon, Faculty and Curriculum
Co-Chair: Bobby Vaziri, Computer Information Systems
Anne Brenneman, University Health Center
Zachary Kulzer, Center for Global Engagement
Chris Meyers, Enrollment Marketing
Shaun Mooney, First-Generation Student Success
Jamie Robinson, Nursing
Nick Swartz, School of Professional & Continuing Education
Olivia Wright, Shenandoah Valley Partnership
Hao Zhang, ISAT
This vision team’s charge was to explore strategies around proposed development and growth, much of which is the physical infrastructure. The team was also tasked with considering how curricular and co-curricular elements should best be woven into plans for the design of campus buildings and experiences.
Vision Team Members:
Co-Chair: Liz Edwards, Kinesiology
Co-Chair: Craig Short, Business Services
Co-Chair: Henry Way, School of Integrated Sciences; Geography
Student Representative: Tallon Cummings-Watson
Kathleen Campbell, Residence Life
Jini Cook, Real Property & Space Management
Jeff Gilligan, University Advancement Gifts & Records
Valerie Kramer, Parking and Transit Services
Mark L’Esperance, College of Education
Jason McClain, Academic Resources
Kathy Ott Walter, Health Sciences
Ty Phillips, Athletics Facilities and Events
The Pre-Implementation Team
The Pre-Implementation Team is a small group of JMU faculty and staff whose job will be to create action plans for a number of initiatives identified within the Madison Promise. Each team will address a specific initiative or set of related initiatives, building on the work of the Vision Teams, when applicable, to provide detailed timelines, resource needs, and key deliverables.
Descriptions for the Pre-Implementation Teams and a list of co-chairs and current team members are listed below. Their work will conclude by the end of June.
Pre-Implementation Team Focus Areas
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: Implement the Employer and Employment Guarantees described in The Madison Promise
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Sarah MacDonald, School of Professional & Continuing Education
Co-Chair: Myles Surrett, Career, Experiential Learning, Transitions, and Accessibility
Kelly Ball, Admissions Office
Brandon Cline-Taskey, University Business Office
Amanda Kellogg, SPCE Professional Development
Fletcher Linder, Online Strategy and University Studies
Jason McClain, Academic Resources
Diane Stamp, Budget Management
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: Create a cross-divisional team to establish a university-wide process for elevating JMU Distinctives in the student experience. This team will lead efforts to design curricular and co-curricular experiences that emphasize and enhance the development of JMU Distinctives among students.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Jonathan Stewart, Student Affairs Finance, IT, and Assessment
Co-Chair: Megan Good, CARS; Graduate Psychology
Kristina Blyer, Health and Well-Being
Kim Davidson, Community Engagement & Volunteer Center
Kara Dillard, Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Christian Early, Philosophy; Ethical Reasoning in Action
Fletcher Linder, Online Strategy and University Studies
Tia Mann, University Recreation
Margaret Sloan, Strategic Leadership Studies
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Steve Whitmeyer, Research & Scholarship, CSM; Geology
Co-Chair: Patrice Ludwig, Research & Scholarship
Heather Davis, Enrollment Marketing
Greg Hackbarth, Computing Support
Anna Maria Johnson, Anna Maria Johnson, Work-Based Learning Experiences
Paul Mabrey, Student Success & Enrollment Analytics; Communication Studies
Paula Polglase, Alumni Association
Libby Westley, University Career Center
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: JMU will expand access to meaningful on-campus work that contributes to learning, belonging, and preparation for life after graduation. As part of this initiative, JMU will launch a competitive work-to-learn pilot for students, offering full in-state tuition and fees for 15 hours of weekly work during the academic year and 30+ hours of work during the summer and university breaks.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Brad Barnett, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Co-Chair: Craig Short, Business Services
Andrea Kiser, Human Resources
Carson Lonett, Student Affairs
Eric Nickel, University Recreation
Amber Weaver Shifflett, Student Employment
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: The strategic plan proposes a series of initiatives that will require faculty and staff engagement to be successful. We will commit to a review of faculty and staff responsibilities, incentive structures, and support mechanisms to identify pathways for maintaining appropriate workloads.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Elizabeth Oldmixon, Faculty and Curriculum
Co-Chair: Jim Dirks, Human Resources
Becky Childs, College of Arts and Letters
Ruben Graciani, College of Visual & Performing Arts
Hollie Hall, Dean of Students
Christina Myers, Academic Resources
Kathy Ott Walter, Health Sciences
Brett Taylor, Physics
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: JMU will build a campus culture in which the health and flourishing of faculty and staff is a shared institutional responsibility. We will advance that commitment by sustaining and scaling the work of the President's Council on Health and Well-Being and embedding holistic support across policies, practices, and campus environments.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Carson Lonett, Student Affairs
Co-Chair: Jennifer Testa, Talent Development
Sade Bowers, Multicultural Awareness; Health Promoting Campus
Gilpatrick Hornsby, Center for Faculty Innovation
Chris Ouren, Student Health Services
Tara Torkelson, Human Resources
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: JMU will invest in research infrastructure and faculty development, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand partnerships with federal agencies, corporations, and foundations to grow sponsored programs and advance discovery. Work will focus on hiring additional faculty in strategic areas, centralizing graduate student support—including adding graduate housing, building international collaboration, embedding dedicated research administrators within each college, and expanding library and IT infrastructure.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Melinda Adams, College of Arts & Letters; Political Science
Co-Chair: Sam Prins, College of Science & Mathematics
Chris Berndsen, Chemistry & Biochemistry
V Kagey, Information Technology
Mark L'Esperance, College of Education
Patrice Ludwig, Research & Scholarship
Ayasakanta Rout, Communication Sciences & Disorders
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: JMU will expand graduate programs in fields of existing research strength and workforce demand. Further, JMU will establish interdisciplinary centers that bring together faculty, graduate students, and external partners, both here and abroad, to address pressing regional and national challenges.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Linda Thomas, The Graduate School
Co-Chair: Erica Lewis, Nursing
Co-Chair: Besi Muhonja, Research & Scholarship
Chris Meyers, Enrollment Marketing
Besi Muhonja, Research & Scholarship
Lauren Pearce, Research Development and Pre-Award Services
Ayasakanta Rout, Communication Sciences & Disorders
Nick Swartz, School of Professional & Continuing Education
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: JMU will build on its strengths in student research by making participation in undergraduate research and creative inquiry a core part of the JMU student experience. The university will expand opportunities for students to engage in research in all disciplines and recognize faculty contributions to this work in hiring, development, and promotion.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Morgan Steffen, Biology
Co-Chair: Paul Mabrey, Student Success & Enrollment Analytics; Communication Studies
Melinda Adams, College of Arts & Letters; Political Science
Jori Erdman, School of Art, Design and Art History
Klebert Feitosa, Physics & Astronomy
Eric Guinivan, College of Visual & Performing Arts; School of Music
Jeffrey Herrick, Health Sciences
Tim Ozcan, Marketing
Kyle Seifert, Biology
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: Establish a coordinated university structure that will clearly define cross-functional responsibilities to provide responsive partner service, guide external stakeholders through university processes, manage complex projects, collect and communicate economic impact data, and create transparent, repeatable pathways for internships, applied research, and workforce training.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Carrie Combs, Corporate & Foundation Relations
Co-Chair: Patrice Ludwig, Research & Scholarship
Lyn Chandler, Industry Partners Program
Jenna Piersol, Community Engagement & Volunteer Center
Jake Van Roekel, Student Athlete Services
Hao Zhang, Integrated Science & Technology
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: JMU will lead a Shenandoah Valley commercialization and entrepreneurship network, convening schools, businesses, medical systems, and community organizations to turn discoveries into new businesses, quality jobs, and community impact while attracting investment to the region.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Keith Holland, Research & Scholarship
Co-Chair: Afzal Upal, College of Integrated Science & Engineering
Howard Carrier, Libraries
Diane Durance, Center for Entrepreneurship
Leigh Evans, Shenandoah Valley Technology Council
Brian Shull, City of Harrisonburg Economic Development
Alison Varner-Denbigh, GO Virginia
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: By increasing on-campus housing, JMU will create a campus that provides the academic, social, and basic needs to support the student experience, improve success outcomes, and allow students to thrive.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Kathleen Campbell, Residence Life
Co-Chair: Craig Short, Business Services
Annie Korn, Procurement
Dennis Little, Telecommunications
Diane Stamp, Budget Management
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: JMU will serve as an anchor for the region’s cultural, recreational, industry, and athletic events by hosting concerts, music and art festivals, tournaments, and conferences in campus venues. The university will partner with regional tourism to drive year-round events and community engagement. Systems will be re-imagined to improve space scheduling and availability to members of campus and to the broader community.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Dirron Allen, Student Development and Community Building
Co-Chair: Liz Edwards, Kinesiology
Jen Grossman Leopard, Student Activities & Involvement
Keith Holland, Research & Scholarship
Dawn Ohanessian, Residence Life
Craig Short, Business Services
Henry Way, Integrated Science & Technology
This team was charged with developing an action plan for the following initiative(s) within the Madison Promise: JMU will serve as an anchor for the region’s cultural, recreational, industry, and athletic events by hosting concerts, music and art festivals, tournaments, and conferences in campus venues. The university will partner with regional tourism to drive year-round events and community engagement. Systems will be re-imagined to improve space scheduling and availability to members of campus and to the broader community.
Team Members:
Co-Chair: Anne Brenneman, University Health Center
Co-Chair: Nick Swartz, School of Professional & Continuing Education
CJ Broderick Hartman, Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World
Cindy Klevickis, Integrated Science & Technology
Mark L'Esperance, College of Education
Patrice Ludwig, Research & Scholarship
Karin Tollefson-Hall, College of Visual & Performing Arts
