James Madison University

BREAKING NEWS

Professional & Continuing Education Becomes a School Effective July 1, 2021

Melissa Lubin As Dean, I am absolutely thrilled to share that on July 1, 2021, the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) officially approved our proposal to become the School of Professional & Continuing Education (SPCE) at James Madison University.

SPCE is an academic unit with collaborative, innovative and curious colleagues who come together with a common purpose, shared values and inspirational goals. My entire team’s stellar efforts and results got us where we are today—as did the impact of our program partnerships with colleagues like you across the university and in our communities. A hearty thanks to all!

I would like to acknowledge SPCE’s talented Deans Council—Nick Swartz, Carol Fleming, Sarah MacDonald, Nicki West, and Shonta Sellers—for their leadership in helping to steer and shape this effort—and especially to Sarah as the team lead on this initiative. She worked alongside me, curating and re-drafting documents to ensure we were prepared for each step in the approval process.

I am incredibly grateful to our magnificent SCHEV liaison Paula Maxwell, who expertly guided us over the finish line (a slow-motion, photo-finish, for sure!) and to Kristi Shackelford for helping us achieve those much-needed internal approvals along the way. And of course, none of this could have happened without the vision and encouragement of our Provost, Heather Coltman. She was the wind beneath our wings every step of the way!

There is much more to come, so for now, please join us in celebrating this shared accomplishment!

Onward!

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

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