President Jonathan Alger Announces Leadership Updates

Following up on the previous Board of Visitors meeting, President Jonathan Alger of James Madison University has today announced several additional updates regarding senior management positions at the University. 

Mr. Nick Langridge has been named Vice President for University Advancement.  A two-time JMU graduate, Langridge has been serving as Acting Vice President in that capacity since March 2012 and has been leading efforts in University Advancement for the past year.  Langridge’s service at JMU has included other roles in development as well as Assistant to the President and member of the senior leadership team.  In announcing Langridge’s appointment, JMU President Jonathan Alger said, “Development is a critical and immediate priority for me and the University as we seek to fulfill our ambitious mission and dreams for the future, and it is thus crucial for us to have our team in place as we shape our strategy and vision.  Nick Langridge has played a pivotal leadership role for the University over the past year in building and energizing our organization and approach in University Advancement.  Nick is well known and respected by donors, board members, alumni, and people throughout the University community.  He has worked very closely with me throughout the Listening Tour, creating momentum and fostering relationships to set the stage for our fundraising and advancement efforts.  Nick’s broad experience, institutional knowledge, integrity, innovative spirit, and deep commitment to JMU have made him an indispensable part of our Senior Leadership Team.”

An internal search will now be commenced for the Executive Assistant to the President.  This individual will also serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and assist the President with projects and programs, as well as administrative duties associated with the office.  An announcement will be forthcoming to the university community as to the qualifications and application process.

President Alger has indicated that he hopes that this process will produce a richly diverse pool of individuals who know the institution and community.  A national search process will begin for the position of Vice Provost for Research to fill the position previously held by the late John Noftsinger.  This key position will provide leadership in thinking broadly about the important role of research at JMU for all of our faculty and students.

This position will be defined so as to promote our national recognition for engaging undergraduates in research and creative performances.  Additional details about the search process and qualifications sought will be announced in the near future. 

The national search for the Dean of the College of Business is well underway, with a goal of completing the process during this academic year.  In fall 2013, national searches will begin for the deans of the university’s two most recently reconfigured colleges:  the College of Health and Behavioral Studies and the College of Integrated Science and Engineering. 

In addition, the University has successfully concluded the search for the academic unit head for the Engineering program.  Dr. Kurt Patterson will be joining JMU as of the 2013-14 academic year.  Dr. Patterson’s background is in Civil and Environmental Engineering.  He brings with him not only experience in higher education, but also experience working with organizations such as the Boeing Company and NASA.

Finally, the James Madison University Foundation has announced that Thomas H. Schaeffer has been appointed President of the JMU Foundation.  Schaeffer’s work with the Foundation began more than 25 years ago.  His knowledge and understanding of the finances, policies and daily operation of the Foundation has prepared him to lead the Foundation and work closely with the Foundation Board and JMU.  “This announcement from the JMU Foundation highlights the continuity, recent successes of our fundraising efforts and overall partnership between JMU and the Foundation.  We look forward to Tom’s continued leadership,” said JMU President, Jonathan Alger.

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