From ideas to impact: Help shape JMU’s next chapter

The semester is well underway, and it is exciting to see campus buzzing with students going to classes, clubs and activities. As we settle into our new routines of the spring semester, I wanted to invite you to take an active part in helping to guide the university forward. 

This semester we continue the vital work of creating JMU’s next bold strategic plan. We heard from many of you across campus this past fall—and we want to engage with even more faculty and staff this semester. 

So far, this process has involved:

• 1,180 in-person listening tour participants
• 241 virtual listening tour participants
• More than 600 meetings with faculty and staff during divisional and college meetings
• 252 online feedback submissions
• 272 idea forum participants
• More than 220 pages of responses to online feedback submissions

Please mark this first opportunity of 2026 on your calendars and plan to attend:

On Feb. 10 from 1-3 p.m. in Warren 256, meet with members of the Vision Teams to learn more about the recommendations they are developing for the strategic plan and share your feedback on their ideas. This will be an open house format, and all faculty, staff and students are invited to come and go, based on their schedule. The Vision Teams want to know your reactions to the draft pillars, what excites you about their recommendations, and what ideas you have for JMU’s future. 

In addition to the work of the Vision Teams, our collaborations with industry partners across the state and even during the current session of the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, together make us stronger and elevate JMU as the preferred partner for the Commonwealth. Your ideas and support will help us boldly build a future where the world doesn’t just recognize JMU, it relies on us. 

I am excited about the opportunities this new semester will bring and am confident in what we can accomplish together. I look forward to seeing you around campus, and I wish you all a successful and fulfilling spring 2026 semester! 

Warm regards,

President Jim