JMU receives national recognition for community engagement

James Madison University has been recognized by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching with the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification.   

The designation affirms JMU’s commitment to sustainable, reciprocal community engagement by collaborating with local, regional, national, and global partners to exchange knowledge and resources, effectively leverage community assets, and address pressing societal challenges. 

JMU was first classified as a Carnegie Community Engaged University in 2010 and is one of 277 higher education institutions nationwide and eight in Virginia to earn this recognition. 

The CE Classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution. The classification has been the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education for the past 19 years. 

Highlights from JMU’s submission and ongoing community engagement efforts include: 

• The work of the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center and Madison Center for Civic Engagement to advance community priorities and prepare educated, engaged citizens. 
• Community collaborations across campus, including X-Labs, Empowerment3, IIHHSS health initiatives, and JMU ArtsMobile, that leverage expertise and resources for mutual benefit, scholarship, research and creative activity.  
• Research, Economic Development and Innovation’s efforts in building partnerships and locating and securing resources that advance talent, innovation and quality of life. 

“This recognition underscores JMU’s commitment to building strong partnerships and a collaborative culture that benefits both our campus and the communities we serve,” said JMU President Jim Schmidt. “Engaged communities, both locally and across the commonwealth, advance scholarship, enrich learning, prepare engaged citizens, strengthen democratic values, address critical issues, and serve the public good.” 

JMU will hold the classification until 2032. 

Editor’s Note: JMU will continue celebrating this designation and the university’s commitment to community engagement in the spring. Events will showcase university-community partnerships that foster civic engagement and the mutual exchange of knowledge and resources.  

This initiative was led by the Office of the President, and the following JMU committee members submitted the application for the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification: 

Co-chairs: 

Kim Davidson, director, Community Engagement & Volunteer Center 

Brandi Duncan, director, Federal Relations and Communications 

Members: 

Kara Dillard, executive director, Madison Center for Civic Engagement 

Bangaly Diakite, engagement fellow for the Office of the President 

Paula Maxwell, associate vice provost for curriculum 

Linda Plitt-Donaldson, associate dean, College of Health and Behavioral Studies and director, Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services 

Nora Sutton, economic development specialist, Office of Economic and Community Development 

Nick Swartz, dean, School of Professional & Continuing Education 

Cally Vogel, former Presidential Engagement Fellowship