Creating connections through learning: Q&A with COE professor John Almarode

John Almarode, a professor in the College of Education, was recently appointed by Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger to the board of trustees of the Virginia Museum of Natural History for a five-year appointment.

Almarode said he is looking forward to his first experience serving on the board.

"I was deeply honored and genuinely humbled to receive the appointment,” he said. “The Virginia Museum of Natural History plays an important role in preserving and sharing our commonwealth’s scientific and cultural heritage, and I view this opportunity first and foremost as a chance to serve. I am grateful to Gov. Spanberger for her confidence in me, and I look forward to contributing alongside a dedicated group of trustees, museum professionals, educators and community leaders."

Almarode also addressed the museum’s role and what he hopes to contribute as a trustee.

Q: How does your professional expertise prepare you to serve on the board?

A: My professional work at JMU has centered on learning, teaching, research and helping organizations translate knowledge into meaningful public impact. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with educators, researchers, schools and community partners across Virginia and beyond. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of making scientific knowledge accessible, engaging and relevant to people of all ages.

As a faculty member, I have also seen firsthand how curiosity drives learning. Museums have a unique ability to spark wonder, encourage discovery, and create connections between research and the public. I hope my background in education and public engagement will support the museum’s mission and help strengthen its impact across the commonwealth.

Q: What do you see as the museum's most important role?

A: The museum’s most important role is helping people better understand the natural world and our place within it. Through research, preservation, education and public outreach, the museum not only safeguards important scientific knowledge but also inspires curiosity in future generations.

In a time when lifelong learning is more important than ever, institutions like the Virginia Museum of Natural History serve as bridges between scientific discovery and public understanding. They help make science accessible, meaningful and relevant to communities throughout Virginia.

Q: What perspective will you bring to the board's work?

A: I hope to bring the perspective of an educator and someone who believes deeply in the power of learning experiences to change lives. Whether in a classroom, a laboratory or a museum, meaningful learning begins with curiosity and grows through engagement.

I also bring the perspective of a university faculty member who values collaboration across institutions and disciplines. I am interested in how museums, schools, colleges and community organizations can work together to expand opportunities for learning and engagement across the commonwealth.

Q: What opportunities are you most excited about during your term?

A: I am particularly excited about opportunities to strengthen connections between research, education and public engagement. The museum has tremendous potential to inspire young people to pursue interests in science, history, conservation and related fields.

I also look forward to supporting efforts that expand access to the museum’s resources and programs, ensuring that learners and families throughout Virginia can benefit from the important work being done there.

Q: Will your service on the board benefit JMU students and the university community?

A: I certainly hope so. One of the greatest strengths of higher education is the opportunity to build partnerships that enrich learning for students and serve the broader public. The Virginia Museum of Natural History offers unique expertise, research programs, collections and educational opportunities that can complement the work taking place at JMU.

At the same time, my primary responsibility as a trustee will be to serve the museum and its mission. When organizations dedicated to education and discovery work together, there are often opportunities that benefit students, faculty, researchers and communities across Virginia.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: Throughout my career, I have believed that education, science and public service are powerful forces for strengthening communities. The Virginia Museum of Natural History embodies all three.

As a member of the JMU community, I am proud to represent an institution that values learning, scholarship and service. I look forward to supporting the museum’s important work and helping ensure that it continues to inspire curiosity, discovery and stewardship for generations to come.