Beyond the bedside: Ayana Brown's RN-to-BSN journey

Nov 3, 2026: Through James Madison University’s RN to BSN program, Ayana Brown transformed her nursing experience into a foundation for leadership, patient advocacy and community service.

Graduate psychology students present at NERA conference

Oct 26, 2026: Students in both the Assessment and Measurement PhD program and the Psychological Sciences MA program recently attended the NERA conference.

JMU breaks ground on new health building, discusses urgent healthcare needs

Oct 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.

JMU’s Young Children’s Program expands learning for education research

Oct 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.

A&M PhD students present their work at the AIME Conference

Oct 19, 2026: Assessment and Measurement PhD students and faculty traveled to the Artificial Intelligence in Measurement and Education (AIME) Conference.

SPCE develops Headstrong summer camp for local youth

Oct 15, 2026: A JMU collaboration with Valley partners teaches positive mental health practices

For 25 years, a JMU class has made a difference far beyond campus

Oct 6, 2026: For 25 years, the Caregivers Community Network has connected JMU students with older adults and family caregivers, creating meaningful relationships and lessons that last far beyond the classroom.

Alpha Phi reconnects and mobilizes to turn heartbreak into a lasting legacy

Oct 1, 2026: Mollie Merkel's ('09) bond with sorority helps keep her son's memory alive

Mikayla Dolina: Psychology major, powerlifting record holder

Sep 28, 2026: JMU psychology student and record-setting powerlifter Mikayla Dolina reflects on what powerlifting has taught her.

Health Innovators funding JMU’s first summer research internships

Sep 24, 2026: New summer internship offers critical research experience for undergraduate students.

$3.5 million gift will name JMU Health and Behavioral Studies building for Leslie Flanary Gilliam (’82)

Sep 18, 2026: A $3.5 million gift from longtime JMU friend and philanthropic partner Richard Gilliam will name the university’s CHBS building in honor of his late wife, Leslie Flanary Gilliam.

Kinesiology senior finds career-ready skills in an unlikely internship

Sep 10, 2026: A surprise internship with the Virginia Beach Fire Department gave Kinesiology senior Aimee FitzPatrick a chance to put her JMU education into action and discover the value of saying yes to the unexpected.

Preparing future healthcare leaders through Central Virginia Burn Camp

Aug 17, 2026: JMU students and alumni volunteer at the Central Virginia Burn Camp, learning valuable lessons in patient care while serving the community.

Scottish Rite Camp builds more than just communication skills for children and future clinicians

Jul 27, 2026: For more than four decades, the Scottish Rite Camp in JMU's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has provided intensive speech-language services to children with communication challenges.

JMU secures $115.3M to expand Health and Behavioral Studies facilities

Jul 9, 2026: Approved for nearly $150M in state funding, JMU is moving forward with some major campus initiatives.

Assessment and Measurement PhD program showcases expertise on the world stage

Jul 7, 2026: Assessment and Measurement faculty and alumnus present at the International Test Commission Conference in New Zealand.

Student-led research explores how music affects learning for students with ADHD

Jul 1, 2026: Madalynn Nofplot (’26) approached her Health Sciences professor to collaborate on research.

Bedford Falls Foundation partners with JMU to support future nurses

Jun 22, 2026: $600,000 gift establishes Conway Nursing Scholarships

A&M faculty and students present at conference in Barcelona

Jun 2, 2026: Autumn Wild, Dr. Sara Finney, and Dr. Brian Leventhal from the Assessment and Measurement PhD program traveled to the APS conference in Barcelona.

Before you board: A health expert’s guide to staying well on cruises

Jun 1, 2026: In the wake of a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, JMU expert Sojib Zaman explains what travelers should be concerned about this summer.

CHBS graduates celebrate milestone commencement season

May 22, 2026: CHBS Students came together this spring to celebrate a milestone commencement season marked by academic excellence and a renewed sense of community.

Ghana delegation’s visit focuses on continued partnership

Apr 24, 2026: JMU stakeholders meet with two ambassadors to discuss strengthening partnerships in Ghana.

Students & Faculty travel attend annual conferences of NCME and AERA

Apr 21, 2026: Assessment and Measurement and Psychological Sciences students and faculty travel to Los Angeles for the annual conferences of NCME and AERA.

CHBS students collaborate to bring movement, nutrition, and joy to Family Engagement Night

Mar 27, 2026: Students from three College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS) academic areas came together this spring to design and deliver a community centered Family Engagement Night in partnership with the Gus Bus.

Expanding the base

Mar 20, 2026: From her perch in the Baltimore Ravens’ front office, Kim Ferguson (’05) is helping grow girls flag football in Maryland.

Graduate Psychology faculty and students honored at NERA

Mar 13, 2026: JMU programs honored with 2025 Woollatt Distinguished Paper Award

Jim Hammond shaped the JMU Physician Assistant program

Mar 6, 2026: Founding PA program director James “Jim” Hammond passed away on February 26, 2026 in Michigan.

Assessment & Measurement faculty and students travel to WSU

Mar 5, 2026: Assessment and Measurement faculty and students travel to Washington State University for cross-institutional research collaboration

JMU X-Labs courses challenge students with wicked problems

Feb 20, 2026: X-Labs classes help students think beyond the classroom to tackle pervasive global issues.

Inspiring women to lead with heart

Jan 9, 2026: No matter where life has taken her, Dr. Ebony Parker Waugh (’93) always comes home to Madison.

Dr. Sojib Zaman named 2% Top Scientist for fourth year running

Dec 19, 2025: Dr. Sojib Zaman ranked among the 2% top scientists with more than 100,000 career citations

Mind, body and spirit

Dec 12, 2025: A former Dukes football player is the dean of a new medical school in Chicago, the Windy City’s first in nearly 100 years.

Ethical Reasoning in Action to launch decision-making study

Sep 5, 2025: Psychology professor Dr. Daniel Holt will lead the effort.

Kinesiology majors learn sports medicine, fitness in Australia study abroad

Sep 3, 2025: Kinesiology majors fulfilled their practicum experiences by supporting Australian Football clubs in Melbourne and Perth to engage in sports medicine, fitness and exercise.

OT student develops assistive device for Central Virginia Burn Camp

Aug 27, 2025: Occupational Therapy student Corrinn Ford developed an archery assistive device for children attending a summer camp for young burn survivors.

Summer study-abroad trips can 'mean the world'

Aug 15, 2025: ‘Maymesters’ provide an alternative to missing out on the Madison Experience during the traditional academic year.

Jeff Herrick joins CHBS as Health Sciences AUH

Aug 14, 2025: Jeffrey Herrick, a JMU alumnus, joins the College of Health and Behavioral Studies as the Academic Unit Head for Health Sciences.

Gus Bus Adds Custom Electric Vehicle to Its Fleet

Aug 7, 2025: A new, electric Gus Bus vehicle, procured in partnership with Virginia Clean Cities, will allow the after-school learning program to expand its services while cutting overhead costs and environmental impacts.

SON faculty to be inducted as Fellows in American Academy of Nursing

Jul 24, 2025: Two nursing faculty members will join the prestigious American Academy of Nursing as Fellows this October.

Assessment & Measurement PhD Program Faculty and Students Present Research in Greece

Jun 5, 2025: Dr. Sara Finney and students in the Assessment & Measurement PhD program present empiracal research at the 19th Annual International Conference on Psychology in Athens, Greece.

PA Student Society receives national award for outstanding service

May 29, 2025: The JMU Physician Assistant Student Society was recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Student Society by the American Association of Physician Associates (AAPA).

Graduate psychology students attend NCME and AERA

May 1, 2025: Assessment and Measurement and Psychological Sciences programs traveled to the annual conferences.

IIHHS aims to improve the human condition

Apr 28, 2025: A JMU institute works with communities to advance a culture of health and equity.

Paralympic Skill Lab fosters disability awareness, interprofessional skills

Apr 25, 2025: The Paralympic Skill Lab hosted four Paralympian athletes for hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students

Innovative class boosts CHBS students' academic success

Apr 18, 2025: A course designed to help students thrive in the CHBS after facing suspension is achieving remarkable success.

CHBS Viewpoints on Health series discusses One Health approach

Apr 2, 2025: CHBS invited Dr. Laura H. Kahn to speak on the One Health initiative as part of their Viewpoints on Health lecture series.

CHBS Newsletter: April 2025

Apr 1, 2025: Be inspired by the latest news from the College of Health and Behavioral Studies.

Royal succession

Mar 28, 2025: Dukes pass the baton atop the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Sara Finney recognized by NASPA for Excellence in Publication

Mar 7, 2025: NASPA recognized A&M professor Sara Finney as its Excellence in Publication award winner.

Kinesiology faculty Cathy McKay receives Madison Scholar Award for CHBS

Feb 26, 2025: Cathy McKay, professor in the Department of Kinesiology, was recognized with the Madison Scholar Award for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies.

Graduate Psychology faculty Sara Finney recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from CHBS

Feb 26, 2025: Sara Finney, professor in the Department of Kinesiology, was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies.

Nursing faculty Hui Zhao recognized as Outstanding Junior Faculty in CHBS

Feb 18, 2025: Hui Zhao, professor in the School of Nursing, was recognized with the College of Health and Behavioral Studies award for Outstanding Junior Faculty.

Nursing faculty Christina Lam recognized as Distinguished Teacher in CHBS

Feb 18, 2025: Christina Lam, professor in the School of Nursing, received the Distinguished Teacher Award for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies.

Psychology faculty members’ new book gives tips on combating loneliness

Feb 14, 2025: Psychology faculty Natalie Kerr and Jamie Kurtz published "Our New Social Life," a book outlining our need for social connection and practical ways to foster deep relationships in our digital world.

Assessment and Measurement students win national award

Jan 15, 2025: Three students speak about their motivation for this work and how it has shaped them as students in the Assessment and Measurement PhD Program.

Positive career outcomes

Jan 13, 2025: While the world of work has changed fundamentally, JMU graduates are fully prepared to succeed.