News - Independent Scholars

JMU to “Light the Night” for fallen firefighters

Wilson Hall will be illuminated with red lights Saturday night as part of a “Light the Night” tribute for fallen firefighters.

Donors break annual fundraising record despite pandemic

JMU finished the fiscal year that ended on June 30 at $23.2 million in private gifts, returning to the year-over-year increases seen since Unleashed began seven years ago.

The Wardens are so passionate about future JMU students they’re starting a $2.5 million scholarship movement

Kathy (’92) and Eric (’93) Warden said they will match new scholarship gifts up to $1.25 million pledged this calendar year to help JMU recruit and retain 100 aspiring Dukes.

Building Global Community Here and Abroad

JMU International Week is a celebration of countries and cultures the world over. Participants have the opportunity to focus on the commonalities that make all of us human.

September 2021 Board of Visitors summary of action and discussions

The following is a summary of actions taken by the board and key areas of discussion at the board meeting.

Board of Visitors at JMU extends Alger’s term as president

At its regularly scheduled board meeting today, the JMU Board of Visitors voted to extend President Jonathan Alger’s term as president for five years. 

Senior vice president to retire after a 25-year career at James Madison University

Charlie King, who has served JMU as senior vice president of Administration and Finance for the past 25 years, has announced his December 2021 retirement.

New JMU pantry app will improve ordering, privacy

A recent computer science graduate has developed an app he hopes will revolutionize the way JMU students in need can order basic goods.

JMU Board of Visitors to meet this week

The James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet on Friday, September 24 at 8:30 am in the Festival and Student Conference Center. 

Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship launches seed fund for student startups

The Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship at James Madison University is launching the Bluestone Seed Fund to support venture investing for student-led startups.

JMU expert: College athletes increasingly open about mental health

Discussing mental health and how to cope with various stressors is becoming more common among college athletes says JMU expert Bob Harmison.

Open Walk-up COVID-19 testing

Free testing in Warren Hall

JMU will help increase preschool access, equity with new $3.6 million grant

James Madison University today announced the receipt of a $3,654,000 grant to increase access to early education in several cities and counties across Virginia.

JMU recognizes 2020 graduates at in-person ceremony

Commencement ceremonies will be held on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021 at 5pm and 7:30pm in the Atlantic Union Bank Center. 

JMU Board of Visitors Executive Committee to meet Tuesday

The Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors will meet on Tuesday, September 7 at 3:00 p.m.

JMU partnership with Shenandoah Valley Airport leads to new features in airline terminal

As passenger travel rebounds following pandemic lock-downs, Duke Dog is ready to welcome travelers to the Shenandoah Valley Airport.

JMU precautionary flood actions

Ahead of forecasted weather this week due to Tropical Depression Ida, JMU is sharing some important reminders on how to prepare for and protect against potential flooding on and off campus.

James Madison University welcomes new chief of police

James Madison University today announced Anthony Matos as the new chief of university police

1787 Weeks of Welcome

Filled with camaraderie and learning, 1787 Weeks of Welcome is an action-packed introduction to life on campus for JMU’s newest students. The event highlights the essence of what it truly means to be a JMU Duke.

James Madison University to host ACE Fellow, Dr. Mary K. Ramsey

James Madison University President Jonathan Alger announced today that Dr. Mary K. Ramsey, professor of English at Eastern Michigan University, a 2021-2022 American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, will spend the full

Tiny shrews proving efficacy of JMU professors’ invention

Biology professor Katrina Gobetz hopes to revolutionize the research of small animals with an animal monitoring station she invented.

Message in response to training in question

As excited as I am to be welcoming students back to campus, I want take a moment to address recent concerns raised by some in our community about a training for some student staff.

Board of Visitors committee to meet Tuesday

The Ad Hoc Governance Committee of the Board of Visitors will meet on Tuesday, August 24 at 8:00 am at 2980 Fairview Park Drive in Falls Church, VA.

JMU residency will increase counseling in Page County

Page County doctors will get some much-needed help from JMU doctoral students.

New program will enhance student access, affordability

A joint program announced today by Blue Ridge Community College and James Madison University will open new doors for students.

Behavioral health provider shortage addressed by JMU program

Behavioral health providers in six counties in central Virginia will get a helping hand from 100 JMU graduate psychology students.

Summer Springboard puts ‘Welcome to the Family’ in action

Summer Springboard is a special one-day event that offers the newest JMU Dukes answers to their most pressing questions and a healthy dose of the JMU vibe.

Can songbirds rise above din of 17-year cicada?

JMU biologist Dana Moseley is doing research to find out if songbirds can change their tunes to compete with 17-year cicadas.

JMU announces new School of Professional and Continuing Education

The School of Professional and Continuing Education will build on JMU’s successful efforts to provide education, programming and experiences for all ages.

During “Shark Week,” don’t forget funky paddlefish

While sharks are taking the spotlight next week on Discovery Channel, the weird paddlefish deserves some attention too.

JMU Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship announces new director

The Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship is honored to welcome Suzanne Bergmeister as its next executive director.

June 2021 Board of Visitors summary of action and discussions

The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Thursday, June 24 and Friday, June 25 at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia.

New research to illuminate Latino COVID-19 experience

A team of James Madison University researchers has been awarded a grant to study the impact of COVID-19 on Spanish-speaking communities across Virginia.

JMU Board of Visitors to meet Thursday, Friday

The James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet Thursday and Friday, June 24-25, 2021 at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg.

JMU students finish strong in national wind energy competition

Awards for this year's competition were announced June 11, with the JMU team placing fourth overall among 13 teams from across the country.

JMU Softball gets exuberant welcome home after making history

Several hundred fans showed up to celebrate the team’s historic achievement in Oklahoma City.

JMU Announces New Safety Guidelines

To help ensure the health of our community and following guidance students will be required to provide verification that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Updated Summer Operational Plans

As we reflect on the past year, we want to share our appreciation to our students, staff and faculty for the many adjustments and sacrifices in the last 16 months.

BOV Executive Committee Summary & Media Statement

The Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors voted to reaffirm the BOV delegation of administrative authority related to the COVID-19 vaccination.

JMU Board of Visitors Executive Committee to meet

The Executive Committee of James Madison University’s Board of Visitors will meet by electronic communication means on Wednesday, May 19.

CMSS relocating to Student Success Center

The move, which will take place in June, underscores JMU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as part of the Madison Experience.

JMU Health Update - May 10

The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the University Health Center Friday and over the weekend.

JMU Health Update - May 7

The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the University Health Center yesterday.

Thomas looks forward to leading JMU Graduate School

Linda Thomas will become dean of The Graduate School on June 1 after directing the School of Integrated Sciences.

JMU Wind Symphony honors cancer-stricken alumna with ‘miracle’ tribute

On April 26, the Wind Symphony performed a moving tribute to a cancer-stricken alumna who watched via YouTube from a hospital bed.

Chesapeake Bay, sea turtles could benefit from engineering projects

Second-year engineering students have designed a buoy this year to provide some low-cost solutions for protecting the environment.

Earth Day provides opportunity to raise awareness of eco-anxiety

The key to coping with that anxiety is taking action, said Sturm, who received the “2020 Courtland Lee Social Justice Award”.

A Message of Support and Solidarity

While our work of diversity, equity, inclusion and access continues, we are acutely mindful of the events transpiring on a national level.

2021 MFA thesis exhibitions explore loss and grief, self-reflection

Graduate students Lacey Minor and Sarah Phillips will present their master's degree thesis exhibitions this month at JMU’s Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art.

April 2021 Board of Visitors summary of action and discussions

The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, April 16 in the Festival Conference and Student Center.

JMU Board of Visitors to meet Thursday, Friday

The James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet in person on Thursday, April 15 and Friday, April 16.

JMU institute to illustrate immigrant resettlement in Harrisonburg

The project will capture the resettlement experiences of 10 immigrant families to Harrisonburg, through a five-week collaboration.

JMU History professor receives prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship

Michael Gubser is one of approximately 175 individuals awarded prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships for 2021.

Convo parking restrictions Friday for UREC patrons

Convo parking lots will be unavailable to UREC patrons on Friday, April 9 due to vaccination clinic.

Award-winning JMU Geography program earns NSF support for lightning study

On the heels of being recognized as the nation’s top undergraduate geography program, an NSF grant is funding a lightning study.

JMU physicist, students had role in groundbreaking discovery

JMU physicist Kevin Giovanetti and his students contributed to an experiment that led to today’s announcement of a groundbreaking discovery.

Architectural design students’ exhibition available in person

Titled "support.spread.arrange.grasp.join.continue," the show features the architectural design sophomore class.

Annual JMU undergraduate juried artwork show to proceed virtually

ArtWorks Gallery will virtually host the Annual Undergraduate Juried Show for students in JMU’s School of Art, Design and Art History from April 5-May 5.

Madison Vision Series event to examine rewriting of Virginia Constitution

April 8 event will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.

JMU Health Update - March 31

The university observed 9 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the University Health Center yesterday.

JMU professor’s course on Audible is making listeners happy

In the two months since its publication, a JMU professor’s “happiness” course on Audible has a 4.7 rating out of 5.

JMU Board to take public comment on proposed tuition

The James Madison University Board of Visitors will receive public comments virtually on the proposed tuition and fee ranges.

JMU is planning for an in-person Fall 2021 semester

I am delighted to share the good news that James Madison University is planning for the Fall 2021 semester to be held in-person.

Unleashed campaign reaches milestone ahead of schedule

JMU President Jonathan R. Alger punctuated Giving Day with a major announcement about the campaign.

Virtual launch set for JMU center focused on African Diaspora studies

President Jonathan R. Alger will be among the guest speakers March 23 for a launch of the new African, African American, and Diaspora Studies Center.

Standing together

JMU responds to rise of hate crimes, violence and vitriol directed at our Asian and Asian American sisters and brothers.

Commencement Announcement

Based on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s new guidance all academic colleges and The Graduate School will have in-person ceremonies.

Statement for JMU Community on Passing of Edith J. Carrier

“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Mrs. Edith J. Carrier,” James Madison University President Jonathan R. Alger said.

Killing the death penalty

Classmates reunite as professionals to end four centuries of capital punishment in Virginia.

JMU expert says don’t blow off statewide tornado drill

Tornadoes may be rare in Virginia compared to some other parts of the country, but that’s no reason to shrug off Tuesday's tornado drill

Duke Hall Gallery to feature multi-sensory design exhibition

Industrial design professors Audrey Barnes and Kevin Phaup’s latest work invites visitors to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory design exhibition.

Board of Visitors committee to meet Thursday

The executive committee of the James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet at Noon on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

Professors aid effort to increase mental health crisis intervention

More than 160 people with mental health concerns have been served with funding from a $750,000 grant obtained by a pair of JMU professors.

NSF backs JMU research program for community college students

Community college students from Virginia and nationally will be recruited for a summer research experience run by the JMU Biology Department.

Latest edition of JMU News highlights graduate job attainment

The latest edition of JMU News features JMU's ranking as the "Best College for Getting a Job" and the university's efforts to maintain that success.

Rescheduled: Lt. Gov. candidates to discuss education from JMU

A pair of Lt. Governor candidates will discuss “The Future of Education in Virginia” during an hour-long forum open to the public.

Lt. Gov. candidates to discuss education in livestream from JMU

A pair of Lt. Governor candidates will discuss “The Future of Education in Virginia” at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 during an hour-long forum open to the public.

Board of Visitors summary of action and discussions

The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19 virtually.

JMU leadership approves new names for three buildings on campus

James Madison University’s Board of Visitors today approved the renaming of three buildings on the campus’s historic Quad.

JMU Board of Visitors to meet Thursday, Friday

The James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet virtually, through electronic means, on Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19.

JMU a top producer of Fulbright students for 2020-21

James Madison University has seven recent alumni who received Fulbright US Student Grants in 2020-2021.

Black alumni to share success stories at MVS event

In recognition of Black History Month, the next installment of the Madison Vision Series will feature five Black JMU alumni who will share their success stories.

Parent volunteer helps revamp COVID-19 dashboard

A collaboration between a parent volunteer, the Office of Institutional Research and Tableau resulted in a redesigned COVID-19 dashboard.

Make the best of Valentine’s Day 2021, JMU expert says

While social distancing and other pandemic safety measures will still be in place for Valentine’s Day, there are ways to make the day meaningful, romantic.

Lucy Simms ceremony among JMU Black History Month events

Professors Seán McCarthy and Mollie Godfrey, co-directors, received a $10,000 grant from Virginia Humanities to extend the reach of the award-winning display.

JMU college is key partner on $10.8 million grant

The JMU College of Education is partnering with Virginia ED Strategies on a $10.8 million federal grant to support STEM teaching across Virginia.

JMU sociologist dispels immigrant stereotypes in new book

In his first book, “Fútbol in the Park: Immigrants, Soccer, and the Creation of Social Ties” Trouille dispels some common myths about immigrants.

Calm in Chaos exhibit explores how students cope

ArtWorks Gallery at James Madison University will open a new exhibition, Calm in Chaos, on Monday, Feb. 15 with an online artist talk at 7 p.m.

JMU December grad has job at the Super Bowl

Taylor Salyers graduated from the Hart School in December and is part of the digital media team for the Super Bowl.

NASCAR partnership revs up opportunities for students

NASCAR announced JMU as the inaugural member of its new NASCAR University, a program that will provide training and internships.

In challenging tax year, JMU continues preparation services

James Madison University College of Business students and faculty will once again offer free tax return preparation services.

JMU closing Feb. 1 due to weather

Due to inclement weather, JMU will close on Mon., Feb. 1

Jan. 30 entry test weather update

At this time, there is severe weather (snow, sleet and freezing rain) forecasted for all of Sunday in our area and the entire East Coast.

U.S. News picks four JMU programs for 2021 Best Online Master’s rankings

Four James Madison University online master’s degree programs were selected for the 2021 lists of the Best Online Master’s degree programs.

Page County drug treatment court to launch with boost from JMU professor

With help from JMU Political Science professor Amanda Teye, Page County will launch of a new adult drug treatment court this spring.

Duke Hall exhibit to feature work of indigenous, contemporary artist

The work of multidisciplinary artist Skeena Reece will be on display at the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art at James Madison University.

Proceeding in a Dynamic Situation

We must proceed into the spring semester with vigilance and caution because there have been significant increases in the viral spread.

MLK Jr. event features expert on indigenizing climate justice

Dr. Michelle Montgomery from the University of Washington Tacoma will be the keynote speaker to kickoff MLK, Jr. Celebration Week.

Big grant funds investigation of life’s earliest stages

Undergraduate students will use genetics, molecular biology, mathematical modeling and artificial neural networks to model protein-DNA interactions.