JMU honors employees with 2026 President’s Purple Star Awards

James Madison University honored faculty and staff for their contributions to the university community with the 2026 President’s Purple Star Awards during the University Welcome on Aug. 18 at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.

The annual awards celebrate employees who demonstrate excellence in service, leadership, innovation and student support. Recipients are selected through a nomination process open to all employees and reviewed by the Purple Star Awards Committee, which is composed of faculty, staff and university leaders from across campus.

Two employees received the Career Achievement Award, which recognizes a longstanding record of contributions that have made JMU a better place to work, learn and live.

Eric Nickel, director of University Recreation, was honored for a career spanning more than three decades. Since joining UREC in 1995, Nickel has helped transform campus recreation through his leadership of major facility projects, including UPARK and the university’s wellness and adventure spaces. He also guided UREC through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining services that supported student well-being. Colleagues praised his commitment to mentorship, healthy living and student-centered leadership.

Susan Nicholas, administrative assistant and fiscal technician for the Center for Assessment and Research Studies, was recognized for 25 years of dedicated service. Known for her positive attitude and problem-solving skills, Nicholas has supported students, faculty and staff across the center while helping ensure the smooth operation of its programs. As she prepares for retirement this fall, she has worked to create a seamless transition for her successor through detailed documentation and training resources.

The Star Duke Award, presented to an employee who consistently goes above and beyond in service to the university, was awarded to Kelly Miller-Martin, director of facilities operations for JMU Libraries. A 2006 JMU graduate, Miller-Martin has spent 19 years serving the university and has played a significant role in the planning and execution of library operations, including the renovation of Carrier Library.

The Unsung Hero Award recognized Bob Davis, operations manager for University Unions. For more than 20 years, Davis has worked behind the scenes at the Festival Conference and Student Center, supporting more than 13,000 university events. His attention to detail and dedication have helped ensure the success of programs ranging from student activities to Board of Visitors meetings.

Derrick Barnes, an intake crisis clinician in the Counseling Center, received the Student Focus: Success and Learning Award for his commitment to supporting students during some of their most difficult moments. During his seven years at JMU, Barnes has provided compassionate care, crisis intervention and connections to resources that have contributed to positive student outcomes and a stronger campus community.

Two teams were also recognized for collaborative efforts that have created meaningful change across the university.

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Core Curriculum received the Embracing Innovation and Change Award for its work developing JMU’s newest general education program to help students become well-rounded citizens. The 27-member committee began the project in August 2025 and was tasked with designing a new curriculum aligned with the university’s strategic plan that will impact the educational experience of 22,000 students.

The Office of Orientation and Transition earned the Leading Together Award for initiatives that strengthened student engagement and leadership development. After noticing a decline in First Year Orientation Guide (FROG) applications, the team gathered student feedback to better understand barriers to participation and implemented program changes that increased applications by 22% from 2025 to 2026. The office also responded to feedback from students who wanted to get involved on campus but were unsure where to begin by creating the Connections Program, which helps students build meaningful relationships and find opportunities for engagement across the university.