President Charlie King shares a farewell message

Dear JMU faculty and staff,

It is hard to believe just how fast one year can go by. As quickly as this year passed, it will forever be a highlight of my life, and to say we accomplished a lot together would be an understatement.

Each of you reminded me of the way JMU, as a community, welcomes and embraces one another as we achieve and celebrate success.

As you’ve heard me say many times, my primary charge from the JMU Board of Visitors was to keep the trains running on time and ensure faculty, staff and students were never negatively impacted by the transitions. I believe we did even better than that.

I developed a greater understanding of the responsibility our faculty members have and the work that happens in the classroom; I reconnected with staff members who worked with me in my previous role; and I was able to lead a new team of dynamic senior leaders who brought fresh energy and ideas to the table. My time as president also brought me great joy to regularly report your accomplishments to the board and support a holiday bonus for such deserving employees. I set high expectations of you all, and they were continuously met.

Together, we celebrated the accomplishments of our graduates and the success of our student-athletes, mourned loss within our community, and tackled national and statewide challenges. Through it all, we kept JMU moving forward with positive momentum. Our major capital projects, like the Carrier Library renovation and expansion, and the renovation of Spotswood Hall, are moving forward with support and endorsement from the Commonwealth. JMU continues to evolve into a nationally acknowledged institution, and it was exciting to be part of this transitional chapter.

After July 1, you may not find me in Alumnae Hall, pass me on my daily outdoor walks, or visit while I’m getting lunch in D-Hall, but I will be no stranger to campus. I plan to stay connected as I cheer on our Dukes from the sidelines and return occasionally for other events.

I am sincerely grateful for the way in which you have supported me and my wife, Sherry, and I appreciate your continued dedication to the institution. Thank you for a wonderful and successful year. As I read about the achievements of JMU in the future, it gives me great pride to personally know the employees behind that success.

I wish you well,

Charlie King
President