A new generation of Dukes arrives: Meet JMU’s Class of 2030

James Madison University’s Class of 2030 has arrived.

JMU welcomed approximately 5,000 new students and more than 1,200 transfer and upper-class students during move-in weekend, Aug. 21-23.

The first-year class includes students from 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 20 countries and territories outside the U.S. The top three majors for these students are nursing, finance and psychology.

Transfer students to JMU come from 21 states, Puerto Rico and three countries. The top majors for transfer students are business management, finance and psychology.

JMU President Jim Schmidt celebrated the return of students and families, describing the renewed energy they bring to campus and the surrounding community.

“The Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area is always warm and inviting,” Schmidt said. “With the return of our students, it becomes an even more vibrant and exciting place to be. Our students and their visiting families bring energy to our community and investment in our local economy, creating a meaningful impact across the region. We are thrilled to see our campus filled once again with students, friends and families."

For each new Duke, arriving on campus represents a personal journey. And, for many, a dream years in the making.

Finding her place at JMU

One of the new Dukes is Jessica Wood from Hardy, Virginia. Her goal is to become a high school history teacher with long-term plans to teach at the college level. She has always had her sights set on JMU, and she chose JMU specifically to pursue her interests through the College of Education.

“JMU has always felt like the right fit for me,” said Wood. “When I set foot on campus for the first time, I just had a wonderful feeling that this place was meant to be my home.”

Wood is also beginning her JMU experience with a commitment to service and will be involved in the Dukes Making a Difference (DMAD) program, which brings new Dukes together before Weeks of Welcome to volunteer with a nonprofit partner, meet other service-minded students, and learn about the Harrisonburg community.

“I decided to participate in DMAD so that I could have the opportunity to see more of Harrisonburg before classes start, and so that I could give back to the community I will be becoming a part of,” said Wood. “I believe that giving back is important, and I was involved in groups that volunteered in high school, so I thought this was a great way to carry that forward into college.”

From sixth-grade tour to move-in day

For Lina Valdez of Smithfield, Virginia, becoming a Duke has been a longtime dream. She said her aunt, who also attended JMU, took her on her first tour of campus when Valdez was in sixth grade.

“That day really made its mark on my journey — I knew it was the right fit! And from that day on I have been determined to call myself a Duke,” said Valdez.

What stood out to Valdez was JMU’s sense of place and the kindness of the people she encountered.

“The atmosphere of JMU is like no other,” said Valdez. “The people and the community definitely make the place, and I am beyond grateful for that.”

Her connection to JMU grew through attending football games, where she collected streamers and parking passes as souvenirs.

“I would keep the streamers as a souvenir and have a memory box full of parking passes and leftover streamers from games,” she said. “And I just can’t wait to add to that collection this fall!”

Now, Valdez is ready to build new memories of her own. She will participate in Madison Momentum, a program that helps new Pell Grant recipients make a successful transition to JMU. The program also helps students meet new Dukes, engage with faculty and peer mentors, and explore the campus community.

“I hope people know that your dreams can come true,” said Valdez. “Everyone should know if they put their mind to something and work very hard for what they want, they will accomplish anything, and I believe that I’m living proof of that.”

For Wood, Valdez and thousands of other new Dukes, move-in represents more than the start of a new academic year; it marks the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with new friends, new opportunities, service, discovery, and experiences that will shape the Class of 2030.

Welcome to JMU, Dukes!