Mother, daughter graduate together at JMU

A Fairfax family will experience a double celebration this week as both mother and daughter graduate from James Madison University. 

Amber Smith, a senior who transferred to JMU in the spring of 2023, will receive her Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology along with a second major in art. She will graduate during the College of Health and Behavioral Studies commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday. Her mother, Michelle Smith, will be awarded her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in studio art after three years in JMU’s graduate program, attending The Graduate School ceremony at 1 p.m. on Thursday. 

For Amber, the path to graduation has been one of change and discovery. After originally studying photography at another institution, she made the decision to switch to kinesiology and transferred to JMU to pursue her new passion. 

“I would describe my JMU experience as fast-paced, exploratory and filled with incredible communities,” Amber said. “I’m so grateful to be graduating with my mom. She’s been my rock and my best friend.” 

Amber’s father, a U.S. Navy veteran, died when she was young, but he left behind educational benefits that allowed Michelle to return to school while raising her daughter. That opportunity helped shape the special bond they share today. 

“It’s been so much fun popping into her classes, and we even had a class where she was the studio aide,” Amber said. “We’ll be celebrating with friends, my grandmother, and people who are basically family to us.” 

Michelle’s academic journey has been equally rewarding. Over the past three years, she has built her personal studio practice while preparing for what comes next. This summer, she’ll install a collaborative exhibition at the Staunton Augusta Arts Center and assist with a Mediterranean study abroad program before heading to Montana as a studio assistant for a Yellowstone Art Museum commission. 

In the fall, Michelle will return to JMU to teach 3D and 2D foundations classes. She’ll also host a ceramics workshop for the U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Program at GMU before beginning her second MFA in ceramics at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in spring 2026. 

“It’s a little sad to close this chapter while also being a relief,” Michelle said. “Graduate school has been three long years of self-reflection while establishing my studio practice. But it’s been a blessing to share this time alongside my daughter. It’s a gift not many parents get, to proudly witness your child grow into an amazingly independent, strong, intelligent, and thoughtful human being.”