News Archive: October 2026

JMU chemist, students explore hidden world of cave microbes
October 31, 2026: At Grand Caverns, Dr. Lindsay Caesar’s team is searching the darkness for clues that could lead to new medicines and environmental solutions.
JMU’s Alyssa Bosley and Liz Thompson recognized as "Game Changers"
October 30, 2026: The award honors faculty for their outstanding work benefiting the university and JMU Athletics.
JMU students take center stage at 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup
October 30, 2026: Dukes in the Hart School gain global sports experience.
Carrier Library Art Galleries open with two student exhibitions
October 28, 2026: The galleries offer students hands-on experience in exhibition development, curatorial practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and professional presentation.
Event celebrates faculty research and scholarship
October 28, 2026: The 2026 Madison Celebration of Research and Scholarship highlighted scholarly contributions from across campus.
A legacy of leadership built through recreation
October 27, 2026: UREC celebrates 30 years
JMU breaks ground on new health building, discusses urgent healthcare needs
October 26, 2026: JMU broke ground on a new Health and Behavioral Studies building after holding a forum to discuss strategies for addressing urgent healthcare needs across Virginia.
Dukes celebrate semester milestone at Halftime on the Quad
October 23, 2026: Students gathered on the Quad for Halftime on the Quad, enjoying performances, food and community as they celebrated reaching the midpoint of the fall semester.
Rooted in tradition, united in purple
October 22, 2026: Homecoming is a time to celebrate what it means to be a Duke and always return to a place that feels like home.
International student part of United Nations graduate program
October 22, 2026: Nigerian student says taking risks led him to JMU, then to the U.N.
Alumni group awards record 50 scholarships, stipends
October 21, 2026: The Ole School Alumni Scholarship Group awarded scholarships and stipends to a record 50 JMU students during Homecoming weekend, marking the largest number of recipients in the organization's history.
JMU’s Young Children’s Program expands learning for education research
October 21, 2026: JMU’s expanded Young Children’s Program creates new opportunities for early childhood learning, hands-on educator training and interdisciplinary research into how young children learn and grow.
JMU's Military Science program prepares future military leaders
October 20, 2026: JMU’s Army ROTC program combines rigorous training, hands-on leadership development, and strong alumni support to prepare cadets for success as future military officers.
$500,000 gift creates first faculty endowed professorship in JMU’s College of Science and Mathematics
October 20, 2026: A gift from chemistry alumnus John Powers (’84) establishes the first endowed Professorship of Materials Chemistry, honoring the mentor who first pointed him toward the field.
Ritter, Walker recognized as JMU Game Changers during Homecoming football game
October 19, 2026: The Game Changer program recognizes faculty and staff members whose contributions make a meaningful impact on students, colleagues and the university community.
Halftime on the Quad returns October 20, 2026
October 19, 2026: Celebrate the halfway point of the semester
Decades of dedication honored at 2026 Service Recognition Awards
October 16, 2026: JMU recognized 503 employees for their commitment and contributions during the annual faculty and staff service awards Oct. 13-14.
Homecoming game flyover a decidedly Dukes affair
October 16, 2026: Cmdr. Jim Cox ('05) is one of three pilots involved with strong JMU connections.
SPCE develops Headstrong summer camp for local youth
October 15, 2026: A JMU collaboration with Valley partners teaches positive mental health practices
Operational Updates: Thursday night football game on Oct. 29
October 15, 2026: On Thurs., Oct. 29, JMU will once again take center stage as we host a nationally televised football game at Bridgeforth Stadium.
Board of Visitors Summary of Actions and Discussions
October 14, 2026: The James Madison University Board of Visitors met virtually Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
JMU launches national network to strengthen civic discourse on college campuses
October 14, 2026: Madison Center for Civic Engagement leads national Faculty Fellows program aimed at building the next generation of civic dialogue leaders across the country.
Debunking the cry-it-out method
October 13, 2026: Dr. Jennie Rosier challenges infant sleep-training myths
JMU Makes Historic Move to Join the American Conference
October 12, 2026: JMU will join as a full league member no later than July 1, 2028.
Money counts JMU among nation’s best colleges
October 12, 2026: JMU named among best U.S. colleges, best public colleges, and best schools in the South
JMU Board of Visitors to hold special online meeting
October 11, 2026: The JMU Board of Visitors will conduct an all-virtual special meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 8 a.m.
JMU joins Virginia's Lab-to-Launch accelerator program
October 9, 2026: The agreement represents an important milestone for JMU.
One weekend, countless memories
October 8, 2026: James Madison University welcomed families to Harrisonburg to celebrate Family Weekend 2026.
Biology, engineering staff members honored as JMU Game Changers
October 5, 2026: The Game Changer program recognizes faculty and staff members whose contributions make a meaningful impact on students, colleagues and the university community.
JMU launches two-sided guarantee for its graduates and the employers who hire them
October 2, 2026: JMU is extending its commitment beyond graduation with a first-of-its-kind two-sided guarantee that supports both its graduates and the employers who hire them.
Alpha Phi reconnects and mobilizes to turn heartbreak into a lasting legacy
October 1, 2026: Mollie Merkel's ('09) bond with sorority helps keep her son's memory alive
LIVESTREAM: President's press conference
October 1, 2026: Watch live on Oct. 2 as President Jim announces a bold new model for student and career success.