SUMMARY: Dr. James C. Schmidt looks back at some of the images that have defined his first 12 months as a Duke.
There are many special moments, people, and experiences that have made this year meaningful to Dr. James C. Schmidt — from meeting students and their families, to celebrating the achievements of our faculty and staff, to witnessing the extraordinary spirit that defines our university community.
Below are some images that capture remarkable memories and tell a much larger story: one of the dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment that our students, alumni, staff and community have contributed to our mission here at JMU.
President Jim takes a selfie with several Dukes on the Quad in Fall 2025.
President Jim cheers during First Year Orientation.
President Jim helps new Dukes move into their Skyline area residence halls in August 2025.
President Jim welcomes students to campus in August 2025.
President Jim meets with participants of the Young Children’s Program.
ROTC members welcome President Jim at the Military Science Center.
President Jim and his wife, first lady Kim Schmidt, are pictured at the JMU vs. Weber State football game.
President Jim hears from attendees at his Fall 2025 Listening Tour stop in Falls Church, Virginia.
The Fall 2025 Listening Tour continued with a stop in New York City and a visit to the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.
President Jim speaks in Norfolk, Virginia, in front of a live glassblowing demo.
President Jim celebrates with first lady Kim Schmidt after being named an honorary member of the Marching Royal Dukes.
President Jim congratulates a graduate during the Spring 2026 Commencement Week.
President Jim meets with an African studies group and members of the JMU Ghana Leadership Team in front of the University of Ghana.
After visiting Ghana, President Jim traveled to Florence, Italy, where he attended a class with JMU study-abroad students.
President Jim high-fives graduates on his way out of the Atlantic Union Bank Center following the College of Arts and Letters’ Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
