School of Professional & Continuing Education News

Melissa Lubin Wow, the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) is 25! As a member-driven organization, the collective spirit of LLI is a beautiful representation of its members. When I think about the essence of LLI, here’s what first comes to mind:

Your love for learning inspires us all to dig into new concepts and deepen our understanding of existing knowledge to further impact our world. Your enthusiasm is absolutely contagious and your endless curiosity shapes the kind of programming we bring to fruition. Your commitment and dedication—through the efforts of the stellar advisory board and committee members—provides the structure we need to make things happen. And your promotion of LLI encourages new friends and current members to get and stay engaged in the organization. Your mentorship of each other—as well as to me and the School of Professional and Continuing Education team—guides and supports us, especially during challenging times. Your sense of collaboration maximizes your efforts so that many can be a part of the creative and implementation process. And finally, your culture of caring for each other, JMU and the communities we live in reminds us all of the collective power and impact of LLI. Thank you for leading our way along the continuum of learning!

Melissa M. Lubin, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Professional & Continuing Education and
Chief Economic Engagement Officer

A Lifelong Anniversary 25-Years in the Making
Their commitment to deepening our understanding of existing knowledge is inspiring. That tells us that they find fulfillment here and enjoy the opportunities we provide...
The Geospatial Semester
To date, more than 5,000 students have earned credit through the GSS and many have come to JMU, helping to grow our Geographic Science program to be one of the largest on the East Coast.
Fostering the Friendly City in SPCE
Many displaced people have sought refuge in the United States; however, only 150,000 refugees are actually admitted to the U.S. in a fiscal year.
Regional Economic Recovery Series
This initiative will aid the Shenandoah Valley’s economic growth and the community’s quality of life for years to come and continue to help make us a national model of prosperity, equity, and potential.
Nicklas Phillips - Boys & Girls Club (Harrisonburg) Graduate Assistant
“I most love the mixture of a small city feeling with a well defined downtown area and the wide open vistas of a more remote location.”
Samantha Conner - Adult Degree Program Intern
"Last semester, I participated in a X-Labs course centered around the changing nature of higher education and a further need for accessibility and individualization, which led me to the Adult Degree Program."
Stephen Robinson - Economic Development Graduate Assistant
“What I love most about JMU is the community. The people here are all so kind and welcoming. Even though there are over 20,000 students at the school, it really does feel like a tight-knit family.”
Olivia Beach - Marketing & Communications Graduate Assistant
“I love the friendliness of JMU. From faculty and staff members to students, everyone is very welcoming. Being new to JMU, I was nervous to be in a different environment. But now, I consider JMU my second home.”
Chris Davidson - Economic & Community Development Engagement Fellow
“The importance that professors and staff place on getting involved outside the classroom. Whether that's work related to your major, volunteering downtown, or joining a club, there's a lot to be learned at college..."
Anica Steen - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Graduate Assistant
“The people are really what make this place so amazing. I have met the most incredible people here, and I couldn't have done it without JMU!”
Robert Lohr - Economic Development Graduate Assistant
“I love the atmosphere of JMU. It is not too small but not too big. I rarely go on campus without seeing someone I know. However, I still have the opportunity to meet new people and make new connections.”
Juno Wild - Academic Programs Graduate Assistant
“The thing I love the most about JMU is its location. There's plenty of things to do in Shenandoah, and it's nice that we're only a short drive away from some good hiking spots.”
Dustin Norton - O&E Graduate Assistant
“I love the people the most. Everywhere you go, there will always be someone who will genuinely look out for you and be there for you.”
Back Together Again!
We are offering more scholarships than ever before through a partnership with CISE, funds awarded us through an IDEA grant, and Giving Day donations.
Corporate Training: How Leaders Can Partner with JMU PCE
How can JMU help leaders focus on a training and development strategy for their organization?
Continuing Our Education: From White Fragility to White Allyship and Beyond
The most helpful exercises were those that explored cultural baggage and affinity bias. We all have these. It's important to know how they affect your decisions, interactions, and the way you present yourself.
Set for Success: The RN-BSN Co-Enrollment Program
To provide students with a competitive edge when seeking employment, the RN-BSN co-enrollment program was created.
Jumping Back In
Alaska is such a beautiful place, so I'm very grateful to be able to live a life of wild adventure and still get to be a part of the JMU community I love.
Happy Anniversary, Lifelong Learning Institute!
Curiosity and a love of learning are the only admission requirements.
Faculty Spotlight: Greg Corder
If I had to pick a "favorite" aspect of teaching in the Adult Degree Program, it is the learning opportunity available for non-traditional learners.
Lean Into the Learning Experience
It is not an overwhelming workload, however, you get a wealth of information consisting of JMU course material, (online) modules, and knowledge of your instructor
Keys to a Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilling Retirement
Interaction, dialogue, and sharing are part of the learning process.
Influential Experiences with Youth Programs
After attending and having such a fantastic experience she went on to apply and be accepted to attend JMU and the Honors College.
Katherine Chiu - An Unexpected Engagement
My approach to my career and life, in general, has changed dramatically.
Addison Boyer - Collaboration on the Half Shell
I am so grateful that I have had this opportunity in the ADP to grow professionally and gain experience in a field that I am passionate about!
Jacob Weinheimer - An Internship of Economic Proportions
I have grown to become more independent in a professional field, especially during a virtual internship.
Jordan Hays - Fulfilling Her Public Passion
In my time as a GA, I have learned how to collaborate as part of a team.
Smiles...even through their masks
To realize that something that we took almost for granted, had regained a new appreciation for us all.
On the Offense: The Strategic Approach to Cyber Intelligence
In differentiating cybersecurity and cyber intelligence, it is helpful to imagine both disciplines as a part of a football game.
Shenandoah Valley Partnership
Get to know our affiliate organization, Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP), with Executive Director Jay Langston. An "old friend" doing phenomenal work in the Valley!
Virginia Ed Strategies
We love our newest partner, Virginia Ed Strategies, and all they are doing around the state for children and teachers! Here is a conversation with Executive Director, Jennifer Stevens.
Shenandoah Valley Technology Council
We recently spent some time chatting with the Executive Director, Nicky Swayne, about our partnership.