Dr. James C. Schmidt inaugurated as JMU’s seventh president

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On April 8, Dr. James C. Schmidt was officially installed as the seventh president of James Madison University. The inauguration ceremony affirmed the university’s enduring values while also marking a new chapter in its remarkable 118-year story, one that will be characterized by work-based learning, a first-of-its-kind employment guarantee, a culture of innovation, high-impact research and community partnerships.

In his speech, Schmidt noted that JMU has a past rooted in public service, a present powered by The Madison Promise and a future poised to become “legendary.”

“I believe our future is not to color inside the lines or work inside the box,” he said. “Our future is not to be like every other peer institution, however noteworthy or accomplished they may be. Let’s be a legend! Let’s set ourselves apart and break out of higher-education stereotypes. … Let’s challenge the status quo and dare to try, sometimes fail, but always march to a different drummer.”

The Madison Promise, JMU’s strategic plan developed over the past year with input from hundreds of faculty and staff members, students and alumni, represents a blueprint to guide the university through 2030 and beyond. The plan rests on five pillars: providing students with a dynamic, future-focused education that will meet the demands of today and tomorrow; investing in JMU faculty and staff to help further our educational mission; forging a bold, new pathway as a national research university; fostering partnerships to meet the needs of the Shenandoah Valley, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the nation; and creating an innovative campus community.

“The Madison Promise is our now,” Schmidt said. “It builds on our public mission. It demands our innovation and collaboration, our proven strengths, and, it will be our stepping stone into the future.”

JMU’s potential is only limited “by how big we can dream, how wide we open our doors and how united we are in our resolve,” he said.

Schmidt’s brother, Pastor Phil Schmidt, delivered the ceremony’s invocation and benediction. The event also included greetings from Suzanne Obenshain, master of ceremonies and rector of the JMU Board of Visitors; Dr. Troy Paino, president of the University of Mary Washington and chair of the Virginia Council of Presidents; Ellen Hineman (’89), president of the JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors; Charlotte Bronaugh, president of the Student Government Association; Dr. Kathy Ott Walker, speaker of the Faculty Senate; and Christina Myers (’16) and Chris Ouren, co-chairs of the Employee Advisiory Committee.

Lauren K. Alleyne, executive director of JMU’s Furious Flower Poetry Center, composed a poem, Promise, for the occasion, and the JMU Choral Ensembles and Wind Symphony provided ceremonial and inspirational music.  

Schmidt, affectionately known as “President Jim,” has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, including serving as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. His tenure at JMU began July 1, 2025.

The university community celebrated Schmidt’s investiture in April with a full week of events, including a public reception on the lawn of the Festival Conference and Student Center, an inauguration gala at Hotel Madison, a tree-planting ceremony in the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, a culinary tour in the campus dining halls featuring some of President Jim’s and first lady Kim Schmidt’s favorite Midwest-inspired dishes, and campus and downtown walking tours. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests also attended panel discussions, showcases, exhibits and performances throughout the week.