Getting to know President Jim
Watch the Presidential Tour kickoff recording
JMU Headlines
SUMMARY: In the kickoff event of the Presidential Tour on Sept. 24, President James C. Schmidt spoke to the JMU Nation in a Zoom webinar.
President James C. Schmidt launched his Presidential Tour on Sept. 24 with a Zoom webinar, previewing a series of upcoming in-person events around Virginia and the country for alumni, parents and friends to get to know JMU’s seventh leader.
In a program that highlighted the president’s big-vision ambitions for JMU, Schmidt talked about being drawn to JMU’s small-school feel and maintaining JMU’s distinctive culture, marked by the tradition of holding the door.
He also emphasized the importance of alumni taking an active role in their alma mater. He encouraged Dukes to contribute their input into the JMU Strategic Plan that is in development now.
Responding to questions submitted in advance, President Jim addressed ensuring the relevancy of degree programs, expanding internship opportunities for students, increasing alumni role in mentoring students and cementing connections with the local community. The long-time Wisconsin resident even discussed his favorite cheeses. Dukes submitted more than 150 questions.
Table of Contents with Timestamps
00:01 Welcome from Dr. Nick Langridge (’00, ’07M, ’14Ph.D.)
03:30 Video introduction
05:47 President Jim’s remarks
11:07 Audience questions
35:35 Strategic Plan questions
41:47 Closing / Strategic Plan QR code
