From sail to sole, alumnus charts a sustainable fashion course

Jul 18, 2025: Using upcycled luxury scarves, Chris Bartick (’05) reimagines the shoe

Successful X-Labs work-based learning program seeks to scale

Jul 11, 2025: Specialized cohort groups trained through JMU X-labs are changing the face of summer internships.

College of Business eNews: July 2025

Jul 8, 2025: Stay informed. Read the July issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

Student voyagers study abroad

Jun 30, 2025: Study abroad trips leave an impression.

JMU staff warns of scams targeting Dukes

Jun 27, 2025: Armed with tips and intuition, Dukes can sidestep common scams.

JMU Arts Explores Global Partnership with Hansung University in South Korea

Jun 24, 2025: Laying the groundwork for continued international arts collaboration.

Dr. Ed Brantmeier receives Provost Award for Excellence in Global Education

Jun 12, 2025: Dr. Ed Brantmeier receives Provost Award for Excellence in Global Education

College of Business eNews: June 2025

Jun 5, 2025: Stay informed. Read the June issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

Tariff consequences reach the classroom

May 23, 2025: Supply chain students deal with the fallout of imposed tariffs.

Justin Constantine's ('92) collective power

May 23, 2025: After Lt. Col. Justin Constantine (’92) passed in 2022, his wife, Dahlia, created a scholarship for first-generation students at JMU to continue Justin’s legacy.

'The fire is still roaring'

May 23, 2025: Twelve years after graduating, alumni rock duo Illiterate Light is more inspired than ever.

A legacy lives on: Celebrating George A. Newman’s publication after 150 years

May 8, 2025: One family's act brought an author's voice back to life, sharing his legacy with the world.

College of Business eNews: May 2025

May 1, 2025: Stay informed. Read the May issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

Leaving an imprint at JMU and abroad

Apr 28, 2025: For 26 years, Dr. Suzanne Fiederlein guided CISR through its challenges and successes.

A magical night for JMU Arts at Carnegie Hall

Apr 8, 2025: A look at the historic performance involving JMU Choral, Dance, and Percussion Areas

College of Business eNews: April 2025

Apr 3, 2025: Stay informed. Read the April issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

College of Business eNews: March 2025

Mar 6, 2025: Stay informed. Read the March issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

JMU researcher: Andean vicunas promote rapid ecosystem development

Feb 18, 2025: Biology professor Kelsey Reider says wild vicuñas are helping transform barren landscapes into nutrient-rich patches where new life can grow.

A judge orders a temporary thaw to Trump's foreign aid freeze.

Feb 17, 2025: Judge temporarily lifts funding freeze that has shut down US humanitarian aid

SMAD racks up nine honors in 2025 BEA awards

Feb 12, 2025: Sixteen students representing all four Media Arts and Design concentrations earned recognition in the 2025 Broadcast Education Association’s Festival of Media Arts competitions.

Record participation in winter study abroad programs

Feb 6, 2025: A record-setting number of students participated in short-term study abroad programs during winter break

College of Business eNews: February 2025

Feb 6, 2025: Stay informed. Read the February issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

WNBA legend delivers keynote address during Dr. MLK Jr. Week

Jan 31, 2025: Chamique Holdsclaw advocates for mental health awareness among college athletes

Creative research highlight: Dennis Beck

Jan 28, 2025: A look into JMU theatre professor Dennis Beck’s new co-authored research on theatre in East Central Europe

Drones and Tech Revolutionizing Landmine Clearance

Jan 27, 2025: Drones and tech revolutionize landmine clearance, aiding safer, precise surveys in Ukraine. AI, sensors, and machines boost safety, but humans remain crucial.

JMU professor, students to design pioneering energy source

Jan 27, 2025: ISAT professor Cheng Li and his students are helping design a cutting-edge marine microbial fuel cell to power ocean sensors with clean energy.

Demining Brings Hope to Colombian Families

Jan 24, 2025: The UK limits noisy bomb detonations for offshore wind farms, protecting marine life while advancing cleaner energy plans for a decarbonized future.

Protecting Marine Life from Underwater Explosions

Jan 23, 2025: The UK limits noisy bomb detonations for offshore wind farms, protecting marine life while advancing cleaner energy plans for a decarbonized future.

Environmental Consequences of Conflict in Southern Lebanon

Jan 22, 2025: The Israeli-Hezbollah conflict caused devastating environmental damage in Lebanon, with urban destruction, toxic debris, and habitat loss demanding urgent action.

WWII Bombs Still Haunt Germany Today

Jan 21, 2025: Germany clears 2,000 tons of WWII bombs yearly. Aging explosives grow unstable, threatening lives while bomb squads risk all to defuse this wartime legacy.

JMU’s online MBA program named one of the best in country

Jan 21, 2025: MBA program remains in top 2% nationally.

More Than 540,000 Square Meters in Dohuk Cleared in 2024

Jan 17, 2025: Duhok cleared 540,301 sq m of mines in 2024, marking sites, raising awareness, and reducing risks. Yet, 40% of land still needs clearance.

Farmer Finds 500lb Bomb While Digging Irrigation Pond

Jan 16, 2025: Vietnam military safely neutralized a 227 kg Mk82 bomb in Bu Dang, where UXO from the war continues to endanger residents and farmers.

Syrian Families Return Home to Landmines

Jan 15, 2025: Syria's landmines endanger returning civilians. The HALO Trust urges funding for demining to save lives and restore safety for displaced families.

Syria’s Children Face Growing Explosive Legacy

Jan 14, 2025: UNICEF urges urgent demining in Syria, where UXO kills 100+ children monthly, threatening millions. Survivors face injuries, stigma, and disrupted lives.

Athletics: Then and now

Jan 14, 2025: Tipping off another season of hoops in Harrisonburg; Dukes show up for game day

Strengthening EOD Capacity: U.S. and Peru Partnership

Jan 13, 2025: U.S. SOUTHCOM’s EOD course strengthens Peru’s explosive hazard management, fosters regional leadership, and supports sustainable demining efforts.

From marine science to climatology

Jan 13, 2025: Professor Justin Hartnett shares his love for the environment and spatial studies with students.

Positive career outcomes

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

MAG Saves Lives Through Risk Education in Ukraine

Jan 10, 2025: MAG’s risk education reached 36,000 people in Ukraine in 2024, offering safety knowledge and hope in communities impacted by explosive ordnance and conflict.

The Forbes Center welcomes All-star percussionists of the Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble on Jan. 26

Jan 10, 2025: Bridging cultural divides and sparking connection through music

EOKHUB Launches Digital Magazine

Jan 9, 2025: EOKHUB launches its inaugural issue of its digital EOKHUB Magazine, featuring interviews, field notes, and more.

Clearing WWII Bombs: Peleliu's Lingering Threat

Jan 8, 2025: WWII bombs still contaminate Pacific islands like Peleliu, threatening lives and land. Slow clearance highlights urgent need for global aid and sustainable solutions.

Study abroad: The world as our classroom

Jan 8, 2025: Opportunities to study abroad were limited for the women of Madison College, but students today enjoy plenty of options.

Ukrainian Women Demine for a Safer Future

Jan 7, 2025: Ukrainian women train at MAT Kosovo to decontaminate war-torn land. The school’s realistic training prepares them to restore Ukraine's agricultural economy.

Landmines in Syria Cause 8 Deaths and 16 Injuries

Jan 6, 2025: Landmines in Syria injure children and claim lives daily. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights calls for urgent demining, victim support, and awareness to protect civilians.

Where ecology and history meet

Dec 19, 2024: JMU duo promotes conservation in Malta

JMU football claims first bowl title in Boca Raton

Dec 19, 2024: A pair of quarterbacks who hadn’t led a scoring drive this season, led JMU to its first-ever bowl victory on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

HALO and WWF Unite for Eco-Demining in Ukraine

Dec 17, 2024: HALO and WWF-Ukraine collaborate to restore Mykolaiv's forest belts, linking demining with climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable land recovery.

Illuminating gifts through the years

Dec 17, 2024: Gifts in kind, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to rare, vintage comic books, have shaped the Madison Experience.

The HALO Trust Assessing Syria’s Landmine Crisis

Dec 16, 2024: The HALO Trust looks to expand mine-clearing in Syria after Assad's fall, addressing a massive ordnance crisis threatening returning families and children.

Innovating Mine Action: Safer, Smarter, Faster

Dec 12, 2024: Innovative technology like drones, AI, and robotics is revolutionizing mine action, enhancing safety, efficiency, and recovery in conflict-impacted communities.

If this airplane could talk; JMU X-Labs students bring history to life

Dec 12, 2024: Last year, the First Air Force One Foundation posed a unique challenge to the students in JMU’s X-Labs program: come up with a plan to make First Air Force One accessible to the public. 

US Supports UXO Victims and Risk Education in Laos

Dec 10, 2024: World Education supports Laos’ UXO survivors with medical care and education, advancing mine risk safety and helping meet national development goals.

Laser Technology Transforms Landmine Detection

Dec 9, 2024: LAMBDIS, a laser-based detection system, revolutionizes landmine clearance with faster, safer scans from moving vehicles, reducing risks and saving lives globally.

Tigray's Hidden Dangers: Someone's Heroic Sacrifice

Dec 5, 2024: Tigray’s scars endure as unexploded ordnance devastates lives. Birhane lost limbs saving children, symbolizing resilience amidst rural Ethiopia’s recovery challenges.

College of Business eNews: December 2024

Dec 5, 2024: Stay informed. Read the December issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

WWII Bombs Unearthed in Japan's Waters and Airports

Dec 4, 2024: Divers uncovered WWII UXO near Okinawa’s ports and airports. Experts safely defused bombs as nationwide surveys aim to detect and dispose of more ordnance.

Civilians Forced to Clear Landmines in Myanmar

Dec 3, 2024: Myanmar junta troops force civilians to clear landmines along highways. Rising threats make 2023 the deadliest year for landmine casualties worldwide.

Number of Bomb Disposal Experts in Ukraine Jumps to Over 4,000

Dec 2, 2024: Ukraine boosts mine action: 69 operators, 4,000+ experts, 151 vehicles. Focus: contaminated land surveys, local tech, global aid, key partnerships.

Minefield Honey: Ukraine's Sweet Fight for Safety

Nov 22, 2024: Ukraine’s “Minefield Honey” turns mined fields into hope, using drones and bees to produce honey and raise global awareness for demining efforts.

Overcoming great odds, refugee alumnus imagines a greener future

Nov 22, 2024: Vietnamese refugee and entrepreneur Tan H. Nguyen (’92) pioneers a food-waste solution.

Rising Landmine Casualties, Renewed Global Action

Nov 21, 2024: Landmine casualties surged 22% in 2023. The Siem Reap conference calls for stronger treaty compliance, mine clearance, and victim support initiatives.

Myanmar Tops Global Landmine Casualty Report

Nov 20, 2024: Myanmar tops global landmine casualties as civilian tolls rise. The Mine Ban Treaty calls for global action to reduce harm and assist victims.

Funding Solutions for a Mine-Free Future

Nov 19, 2024: A multi-donor fund can strengthen APMBC, bridging gaps, boosting collaboration, and advancing efforts for mine-affected communities worldwide.

Cambodia Hosts Summit on a Mine-Free World

Nov 18, 2024: Cambodia's global mine summit tackles clearance, victim aid, and stockpile destruction, advancing efforts toward a mine-free world.

In Somaliland: Cultural Festival Promotes Social Cohesion

Nov 14, 2024: Burao’s cultural festival united host and displaced communities, fostering social cohesion and celebrating shared heritage for a resilient, inclusive future.

Laos Faces Urgent UXO Challenges Post-Conflict

Nov 12, 2024: Laos battles UXO contamination, risking lives and limiting growth. MAG's work aids, but more funding and awareness are urgently needed for safe recovery.

JMU retention rates among nation's highest

Nov 12, 2024: JMU recorded its highest retention rate since 2013 for the 2023 cohort of first-year, full-time, undergraduate students.  

Global Call to Address Escalating Landmine Contamination

Nov 11, 2024: Funding cuts limit landmine clearance amid rising conflicts; urgent global support needed to ensure safety in heavily contaminated areas like Ukraine and Syria.

Caught Between Conflict and Landmines in Myanmar

Nov 8, 2024: Displaced in Rakhine face prolonged conflict, landmines, and limited aid, forcing many to stay away despite wishes to return home.

Students practice statecraft, diplomacy, negotiation skills

Nov 8, 2024: From strategy sessions to decision-making, simulation delivers high-impact learning experience.

The Environmental Toll of Conflict and War

Nov 7, 2024: War damages ecosystems and resources, fuels pollution, and displaces millions, with lasting impacts on people, nature, and climate.

Discovering new horizons: An international student's journey through the JMU Washington Semester Program

Nov 6, 2024: The program stands out as a transformative experience for many students.

New Hope After Clearance: Cambodia’s Path to Safety

Nov 5, 2024: Cambodia’s land clearance efforts bring safety and growth to Siem Reap, empowering villagers to farm and live without UXO threats.

Semester in Florence and Semester in Salamanca celebrate milestone anniversaries during Homecoming

Nov 5, 2024: CGE honors four decades of two flagship study-abroad programs.

Ukraine: More Demining Jobs for Veterans/People with Disabilities

Nov 4, 2024: Ukraine boosts demining jobs for veterans, people with disabilities, using AI and partnerships to accelerate UXO clearance and expand roles, including for women.

Voting made simple

Nov 1, 2024: With Election Day coming up, Dukes still have time to make sure their votes count.

Researcher Uses Laser Vibration Sensor to Detect Landmines

Oct 31, 2024: Reseacher's laser sensor tech speeds mine detection, reducing risks and expanding applications from safety assessments to medical diagnostics.

How the West Can Help Ukraine Clear Russian Landmines

Oct 30, 2024: Switzerland aids Ukraine’s demining efforts, hosting a forum on critical support for clearing explosive remnants impacting safety and economy.

JMU professor: Focus on relationships, health this election season

Oct 30, 2024: Focusing on family and friends is one way people can cope during a stressful election season, says JMU psychology professor Ben Blankenship.

SpotlightAI 3.0: Enhancing Landmine Detection in Ukraine

Oct 29, 2024: SpotlightAI 3.0 accelerates Ukraine’s mine clearance, enhancing detection and mapping through AWS-powered AI, aiding global demining efforts.

Mine-Shaped Building to Demonstrate Cambodia's Commitment to Mine Ban Treaty

Oct 28, 2024: Cambodia’s 18-meter, mine-shaped building will showcase Ottawa Convention efforts, offering exhibits, testimonies, and training by May 2026.

Ukrainian Deminers Complete IMAS EOD Training in Kosovo

Oct 24, 2024: 138 Ukrainians completed Mriya Aid's IMAS demining training, ready to clear explosives across 146,000 sq km of Ukraine.

City manager alum returns as guest speaker

Oct 24, 2024: Marcus D. Jones (’90) says local government can be a ’‘laboratory’ for innovation, problem-solving and community-building.

JMU health sciences professor remains a "Top 2% Scientist"

Oct 24, 2024: JMU health sciences professor Sojib Zaman has been listed for a third consecutive year in Stanford/Elsevier's Top 2% Scientist rankings. 

One Million Still at Risk From Landmines in Cambodia

Oct 23, 2024: Cambodia faces continued landmine risks, with 1,700 km² still dangerous. Ongoing clearance efforts protect nearly 1M people at risk.

Film Honors Kurdish Deminers’ Sacrifice and Struggles

Oct 21, 2024: "A Dream Before Dying" honors Kurdish deminers who died clearing explosives, shedding light on their sacrifices and the lingering threat of mines.

AI Innovations Reshape Future of Mine Action Efforts

Oct 18, 2024: AI tools boost mine action efforts, improving efficiency and safety while enhancing demining in Southeast Asia and globally.

Summer intern program a first for JMU, Ellucian

Oct 18, 2024: The X-Labs Reimagined Internship was a resounding success.

Giles Duley Advocates for Global Mine Action Through Photography

Oct 17, 2024: Photographer Giles Duley advocates for mine action in Ukraine, emphasizing global impact, personal loss, and demining innovations.

Conservation photography is about ‘the big picture’

Oct 17, 2024: EMU professor takes close-ups of a world many haven’t seen.

Conflict’s Toll on Biodiversity and Peacebuilding

Oct 16, 2024: Conflicts harm biodiversity. COP16 in Colombia highlights the need for policies that link conservation with peacebuilding efforts globally.

Unexploded WWII Bombs in Ottawa Bog

Oct 15, 2024: Unexploded WWII bombs in Mer Bleue bog pose low risk but remain buried, with precautions required for future work near the site.

Angola's Demining Progress in Bié Province Expands

Oct 14, 2024: Angola demines 1.7 million square meters in Bié, aiding rural development and safety while requiring more funds to clear all remaining mines.

U.S. Increases UXO Clearance Efforts in Laos

Oct 11, 2024: The U.S. has invested $391M in Laos since 1995 to clear UXO, educate communities, and assist victims, tripling clearance teams by 2024.

U.S. Strengthens Peace and Stability in West Africa

Oct 10, 2024: The U.S. uses the Global Fragility Act to bolster peace and stability across Coastal West Africa through strategic partnerships and $300M in funding.

JMU adopts Okanagan Charter, committing to health across campus

Oct 8, 2024: JMU extended its commitment to foster health and well-being across campus as it formally adopted the Okanagan Charter during an event on Festival’s lawn.  

James Madison University awarded U.S. Department of State grant to host young leaders from southeast Asia

Oct 7, 2024: JMU will host the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program (YSEALI AFP) focused on Society and Governance.

Innovative Solutions for Humanitarian Demining Showcased in Kyiv

Oct 7, 2024: The "Security 2.0" forum in Kyiv showcased innovations in demining, emphasizing collaboration, new technologies, and Ukraine's commitment to land clearance.

Angola, Cambodia, and Global Demining Challenges

Oct 7, 2024: Angola and Cambodia’s demining efforts face delays due to reduced funding and global focus shifting to Ukraine’s mine crisis.

Rising Environmental Impact of Conflict in Middle East

Oct 4, 2024: Middle East conflicts severely degrade ecosystems, damage water and agriculture systems, and worsen climate risks, threatening public health.

River deep, mountain high

Oct 4, 2024: Dukes support rival App State in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

MVS speaker builds bridges by ‘arguing joyfully’

Oct 3, 2024: Civil discourse is a practical skill that can be developed.

International Week brings in renowned filmmaker

Oct 3, 2024: Environmental activist Shalini Kantayya was the keynote speaker.

JMU to adopt charter promoting commitment to health on campus

Oct 2, 2024: JMU will extend its commitment to foster health and well-being across campus as it formally adopts the Okanagan Charter Oct. 8.

Innovative Tech Boosts Global Demining Efforts, Targeting 2025

Oct 1, 2024: New tech like drones and GIS advances global demining, improving efficiency in conflict zones like Ukraine, with hopes of scaling efforts worldwide.

Japanese Troops Safely Remove WWII Bomb in Okinawa

Sep 30, 2024: Japanese troops disarmed a WWII bomb in Okinawa, evacuating 1,400 people. 2,000 tons of ordnance remain.

Azerbaijan's Mine Action and Its Link to Korean History

Sep 27, 2024: Azerbaijan tackles mine issues akin to Korea's DMZ, aiming for global demining awareness and sustainable recovery.

Inside the minds of young voters

Sep 20, 2024: Tomorrow’s leaders are striving to improve the state of American democracy.

JMU professor receives Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery award

Sep 19, 2024: Laura Katzman, professor of art history, has been awarded the 2024 Director’s Essay Prize for Scholars by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. 

Robotic Mission to Clear Munitions from Baltic Sea

Sep 18, 2024: SeaTerra's robotic mission aims to clear 1.6 million tonnes of corroding munitions from the Baltic and North Sea, protecting marine life.

Ukrainian Deminers Face Risks to Restore Mine-Laden Lands

Sep 18, 2024: Deminers in Ukraine face the challenge of clearing landmines from vital farmland, restoring safety and livelihoods in the war-torn regions of Mykolaiv and Kherson.

World War II Japanese Grenade Safely Removed in Guam

Sep 18, 2024: An EOD team safely removed a WWII Japanese grenade from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, ensuring public safety. The grenade dates back to battles on Guam in 1944.

HALO Trains 600 Certified Demining Instructors in Ukraine

Sep 17, 2024: HALO Trust Ukraine trains 600 demining instructors, educating communities on explosive threats and raising mine awareness for safer land use and reconstruction.

Keeping the wheels of government turning

Sep 17, 2024: Dukes are making a difference at local, state and federal levels.

Workshop Highlights Gender Inclusion in Humanitarian Demining

Sep 16, 2024: A gender inclusion workshop in Kyiv explored how integrating women into mine action boosts safety, efficiency, and communication in war-torn areas.

Tetra Tech Wins $1B Contract for Conventional Weapons Destruction

Sep 13, 2024: Tetra Tech secures a $1B contract to support global conventional weapons destruction, including landmine removal and risk education across 30+ countries.

Professor pens best-selling book about bookstores

Sep 13, 2024: Landing on the New York Times list “feels like a lifetime achievement.”

Mines in Black Sea Pose Ongoing Threat For Commercial Shipping

Sep 12, 2024: Over 100 mines in the Black Sea endanger shipping. U.S. allies conduct naval drills to clear mines and secure maritime trade routes.

Ukraine Faces $11 Billion Annual Loss Due to Landmines

Sep 11, 2024: Ukraine loses $11B annually due to landmines, affecting exports and food security. Global support is crucial for economic recovery and demining efforts.

Rising Dangers for Local Aid Workers Amid Conflict

Sep 10, 2024: 2024 is one of the deadliest years for aid workers, with local staff facing high risks in conflict zones and lacking critical protection.

School of Nursing hosts international health care advocacy summit

Sep 10, 2024: Nursing hosted students and faculty from Stellenbosch University in South Africa as part of the Healthcare Policy Advocacy Summit, an International Network of Universities nursing collaborative.

Quick Action Leads to Safe Landmine Disposal in Falklands

Sep 9, 2024: Soldiers' swift actions led to the safe disposal of a dangerous landmine in the Falklands by the EOD team, with vital support from the FIDF.

Madison Vision Series continues with Constitution Day lecture

Sep 9, 2024: Raj Vinnakota, president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, will discuss bridging our political divides and democracy’s role in higher education.

University Students Advancing Drone Technology for Mine Action

Sep 5, 2024: Students developed drones with machine learning to detect Russian landmines, enhancing demining efficiency and prioritizing areas for safe clearance.

College of Business eNews: September 2024

Sep 5, 2024: Stay informed. Read the September issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

Vietnam’s Female Deminers: Clearing a Dangerous Legacy

Sep 4, 2024: Vietnam's all-female demining team clears deadly UXOs, turning war-torn land into safe, productive farmland and safeguarding future generations.

With Chesney in charge, JMU football continues its winning ways

Sep 4, 2024: The JMU Dukes football team started the Bob Chesney era on Saturday, Aug. 31 with a 30-7 win at Charlotte.

Ukraine to Fully Fund Agricultural Demining for Farmers

Sep 3, 2024: Ukraine to fully fund agricultural demining, easing farmers' financial burden and enhancing post-conflict recovery and food security.

When an alum(not) falls for a JMU alumna

Sep 3, 2024: When Tom Dyer met Robin (’87) and “married into” the JMU community, he didn’t expect he’d become part of it.

Landmine Explosion Injures Three Displaced Children in Syria

Sep 2, 2024: A landmine explosion in Aleppo, Syria, injured three displaced children from Afrin, highlighting ongoing mine dangers.

UNICEF Reports Alarming Rise in Myanmar Landmine Casualties

Aug 30, 2024: Myanmar saw 692 people, including 32% children, killed or injured by landmines and UXO in the first half of 2024.

Linda’s Brave Mission: Underwater Demining in Cambodia

Aug 29, 2024: Siv Linda bravely tackles underwater demining in Cambodia’s Mekong River, defying danger to clear UXOs and safeguard lives.

Innovative Approach to Detecting Underwater Explosives

Aug 28, 2024: Engineers develop water samplers to locate unexploded ordnances, addressing both explosive and environmental threats.

Courage, Family, and Purpose: A Female Deminer's Journey

Aug 27, 2024: Narmin, a mother and deminer, overcomes challenges to support her family and clear mines for her homeland’s future.

AI-Powered Drones Revolutionize Mine Detection in Ukraine

Aug 26, 2024: Ukraine uses AI-powered drones to detect and clear land mines, revolutionizing mine action and improving safety in conflict zones.

EPA Demands Air Force Base Address "Deficiencies" in Open Burning

Aug 23, 2024: EPA demands Andersen AFB address deficiencies in hazardous waste permit; activists push for safer alternatives to open burns.

The unsung heroes of democracy

Aug 23, 2024: Educator Wesley Hedgepeth (’08, ’09M) reveals the transformative power of social studies teachers.

WWII Artillery Shells Removed from Solomon Islands School

Aug 22, 2024: Over 200 WWII artillery shells removed from a Solomon Islands school, with safe disposal planned at Hell's Point.

Ukraine Launches Mine Safety Education Series with UNDP Support

Aug 21, 2024: UNDP and partners launch a mine safety series to educate Ukrainians on recognizing and avoiding explosive hazards.

Congressman Ben Cline tours School of Nursing

Aug 21, 2024: Congressman Ben Cline visited the JMU School of Nursing Wednesday to receive feedback from students in the online doctoral program.

Switzerland Seeks Ideas for Safe Lake Munition Removal

Aug 20, 2024: Switzerland seeks ideas to safely recover submerged munitions from lakes, aiming to minimize environmental impact.

Protecting Aid Workers: A Call for Global Action

Aug 19, 2024: Aid workers face violence worldwide. Call for stronger protections on World Humanitarian Day to keep them safe.

Accelerating Ukraine's Demining Efforts with Robotics and AI

Aug 16, 2024: Robotics and AI accelerate Ukraine's demining, reducing costs and time, vital for safety and food security.

Program aimed at developing civic-dialogue skills

Aug 16, 2024: Can we find common ground and work toward mutually beneficial solutions to public problems?

CMAC Safely Removes Another M117 Bomb in Cambodia

Aug 15, 2024: CMAC neutralizes a 340 kg US-made M117 bomb in Kandal, highlighting Cambodia’s ongoing struggle with unexploded ordnance.

Ensuring a Future for Laos’ UXO Child Survivors

Aug 14, 2024: UXO victims in Laos, mainly children, face long-term challenges. More funding and support are needed for their recovery.

Rehab reimagined: Alumna honored for innovations in stroke recovery

Aug 14, 2024: Occupational Therapy graduate receives the Innovation Award from NBCOT for her groundbreaking work in stroke rehabilitation.

Children Major Victims of Unexploded Ordnance in Afghanistan

Aug 13, 2024: 82% of unexploded ordnance victims in Afghanistan are children, underscoring an urgent need for increased mine clearance efforts.

Training Rats to Detect Landmines and Save Lives

Aug 9, 2024: Bahati Abuu trains giant African rats to detect landmines, saving lives globally through Apopo's innovative program.

Title: Ukraine Establishes Standard for Demining Professionals

Aug 8, 2024: Ukraine approves new demining standard, aligning with IMAS, enhancing training for veterans and international certification.

European study abroad enriches perspectives on health care systems

Aug 8, 2024: From Spain to the Czech Republic, JMU students studied health care systems through clinic visits and cultural experiences

JMU recognized as a national leader in first-generation student success

Aug 8, 2024: James Madison University was selected as one of 14 higher education institutions to join the inaugural class of FirstGen Forward’s Network Champion Institutions.

Yazidi Women Clear Landmines to Rebuild Sinjar

Aug 7, 2024: Yazidi women clear landmines to rebuild Sinjar, reclaiming safety and pride after the IS genocide ten years ago.

AI-Powered BORIS Enhances UXO Clearance Capabilities

Aug 6, 2024: AI-powered BORIS software upgrades enhance UXO clearance and range remediation, aiding global humanitarian demining efforts.

Two Million Rounds of Ammunition Destroyed in Trinidad and Tobago

Aug 5, 2024: Two million rounds of ammunition disposed in Trinidad to enhance safety, reduce crime, and improve regional security.

FAFSA updates (8/5/24)

Aug 5, 2024: The Department of Education unexpectedly changed course regarding batch processing of the FAFSA corrections for students enrolling in 2024-25.

Lithuania's Departure from CCM Sparks Concern

Aug 2, 2024: Lithuania's exit from the Cluster Munition Convention sparks global concern over civilian safety and disarmament norms.

Restoring Peace: Efforts to Clear UXO in Laos

Aug 1, 2024: Efforts by Legacies of War to clear UXO in Laos aim to save lives and secure US support for demining.

JMU earns recognition for its commitment to democratic engagement

Aug 1, 2024: James Madison University recently earned the Highly Established Action Plan Seal for the 2024 election cycle from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

Landmines Endanger Civilians in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

Jul 31, 2024: Landmines in Myanmar’s Rakhine state have killed 11 and injured 31 civilians, posing a growing threat to residents' safety.

Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munition Convention

Jul 30, 2024: Lithuania's exit from the Cluster Munition Convention sparks global outcry, risking civilians' safety and setting a dangerous precedent.

Nearly 25,000 items of UXO Pulled from Cambodian Rivers in Two Years

Jul 29, 2024: The Cambodian Mine Action Center reports it has found and removed 24,699 items of unexploded ordnance from a river in Kandal province.

Climate Change & Humanitarian Mine Action

Jul 26, 2024: Wars leave ERW hazards. Updated IMAS 07.13 addresses climate impacts, urging eco-friendly clearance and community resilience.

Women Deminers: Courage in Conflict Zones

Jul 25, 2024: Women deminers in Iraq defy gender norms, bravely clearing landmines to protect their communities from decades-old conflict.

Social Work accreditation reaffirmed through 2031, continuing its success

Jul 25, 2024: The Social Work BSW program recently received notice of re-affirmation of accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education in July.

In Afghanistan, 110 People Die Everyday Says OCHA

Jul 24, 2024: The OCHA report also states that 1.2 million square meters of land across Afghanistan has been contaminated by landmines, improvised explosive devices, and remnants of war.

JMU chemistry professor honored for outstanding teaching

Jul 24, 2024: JMU chemistry professor Barbara Reisner has been honored with the 2024 James Flack Norris Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Chemistry.

Portraits of Resilience: Women Deminers in Iraq

Jul 23, 2024: Photographing women deminers in Iraq revealed cultural contrasts and resilience, reshaping my view on portrait photography.

JMU signs agreement with Alamein International University

Jul 22, 2024: On July 25, JMU Interim President Charlie King signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alamein International University (Egypt).

Update on Crowdstrike outage

Jul 20, 2024: Message from Interim President Charlie King

British Organization Supports Quang Binh in UXO Clearance

Jul 18, 2024: Quang Binh, one of the localities most affected by unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam war, has benefited from UXO risk education, survey and clearance activities implemented by Mines Advisory Group.

U.S. Donates $5.8M for Ukraine Demining Operations

Jul 17, 2024: U.S. donates $5.8M in demining equipment to Ukraine, aiding in demining efforts and economic recovery post-invasion.

Saudi MASAM Clears 2,963 Houthi Mines in March

Jul 16, 2024: Masam demined 2,963 mines in Yemen in March 2020, removing 148,427 total mines since the project's start, saving lives.

Woman Killed in Landmine Explosion in Manbij Countryside

Jul 15, 2024: Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports 120 civilian deaths, 136 injuries in Syria from landmine explosions, mostly in regime-held areas, in 2024.

Dukes return to Capitol Hill

Jul 15, 2024: JMU hosted approximately 100 alumni and federal staff members at the 18th edition of “JMU on the Hill,” a reception held last month in Washington, D.C.

Japan Shares Demining Knowledge with Cambodia

Jul 12, 2024: Japan and Cambodia collaborate to share landmine removal expertise globally, including aid for Ukraine's mine crisis.

Hidden Costs of Survival in Conflict-Ridden Kabul

Jul 11, 2024: Kabul winters are harsh; survival means enduring sub-zero temperatures and the constant threat of explosive ordnance.

College of Business eNews: July 2024

Jul 11, 2024: Stay informed. Read the July issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

Charlie King shares statement on "Top State for Business in 2024" ranking

Jul 11, 2024: JMU Interim President Charlie King shares his thoughts on CNBC’s ranking of Virginia as “America’s Top State for Business and Education in 2024.”

Lithuania Reconsiders Cluster Munition Ban

Jul 10, 2024: Lithuania plans to exit the cluster munition ban, citing effectiveness in Ukraine and the need for defense against Russia.

Designing mobility: Students create adjustable prostheses for amputees

Jul 8, 2024: Engineering students design a comfortable, well-fitting, below-the-knee prosthesis capable of adjusting in length and volume, ideally growing with a child.

Charlie King begins role as interim president of James Madison University

Jul 8, 2024: As King begins his new position, he will draw on his vast knowledge of the university to continue its ascent as one of the top public universities in the nation.

Colombia Committed to Clearing Anti-Personnel Mines

Jul 3, 2024: Colombia’s demining efforts clear vast areas of deadly mines, bringing safety to once-dangerous regions.

Landmine Blast Kills 10 in Northeast Nigeria

Jul 2, 2024: A landmine blast in northeast Nigeria kills 10 and injures 23. Islamic State West Africa Province jihadists are suspected in the deadly attack.

Operation Render Safe to Return

Jul 1, 2024: More than 200 personnel to Western Province for UXO disposal in September's Operation Render Safe, post-COVID return.

The benefits of membership in a local alumni chapter

Jul 1, 2024: Local chapters help alumni transplants get woven into the fabric of their new cities.

MAG Writes Report on Mainstreaming Climate and the Environment in Weapons and Ammunition Management

Jun 28, 2024: Mines Advisory Group writes case study on how to integrate climate and environmental issues into the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Amazon Web Services Publishes SafePro Case Study for AI

Jun 27, 2024: Safe Pro Group's SpotlightAI, featured by Amazon Web Servces, uses AI to cut landmine survey times in Ukraine by 90 percent.

Volunteers today, leaders tomorrow

Jun 27, 2024: Service-learning at JMU helps students find their purpose.

Mine Clearance Machine Certified in Ukraine

Jun 26, 2024: A3tesh-Ukraine plans to produce 60 of the now certified MV-10 mine clearance vehicles annually and localize 100% of components by year-end.

JMU MFA graduate named VMFA Visual Arts Professional Fellow

Jun 25, 2024: Yulin Yuan (’24M) of SADAH’s MFA program received a 2024-2025 Visual Arts Professional Fellowship from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Rebuilding Ukraine: Clearing Mines, Reforming Laws

Jun 25, 2024: Ukraine must clear mines, rebuild, and reform laws to support liberated regions, ensuring justice and national cohesion.

WWII Battlefield Cleared of 4,700 Explosive Remnants of War

Jun 24, 2024: Over 4,700 dangerous objects cleared from Westerplatte, site of World War II’s first battle.

A time of goodbyes and new beginnings

Jun 24, 2024: President Alger delivers a farewell message to members of the JMU community.

Fighting Gender-Based Violence in South Sudan

Jun 21, 2024: WAO trains and empowers GBV survivors, organizes radio talk shows, and provides local transport and legal aid.

JMU receives Poetry Foundation grant

Jun 20, 2024: The Furious Flower Poetry Center at James Madison University recently received a $40,000 grant from the Poetry Foundation.

WWII Bomb Safely Defused in Cologne

Jun 20, 2024: Cologne and other German cities frequently find unexploded bombs from WWII, necessitating specialized crews for safe handling.

Ethical Leadership and Professionalism from Italy to Africa

Jun 20, 2024: The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa team shares their advice on leadership and professionalism in an ever-changing workplace with the EUPS 2024 cohort.

Santi Apostoli

Jun 20, 2024: Marisol Powell ('24) writes about her experience living in Florence and visiting the city's most ancient religious sites.

Fostering Innovation in the Middle East

Jun 20, 2024: Alexandra Wilson Tuman ('24) interviews Christina Craver ('12) about her experiences living and working in Dubai, to highlight the benefits and challenges of living and working abroad.

Letter from the Director

Jun 20, 2024: Our alumni survey speaks to how our graduates value their time in this program.

Modeling the Way with Model EU

Jun 20, 2024: Noah Buracker ('24) shares his perspective on serving as the High Representative/Vice President during the 2023 Model EUP Simulation and embracing cultural exchange and international networking.

Bridging Skies and Borders

Jun 20, 2024: EUPS alumna, Liz Hammer ('14), the Chief of Air and Space at the U.S. Embassy in London, shares her insight on professional growth and career development from across the pond.

North Korean Troops Suffer Landmine Casualties in DMZ

Jun 18, 2024: South Korea reports North Korean casualties from landmine explosions while laying explosives along the DMZ.

Zimbabwe Working Group Meeting Focus on HMA Quality

Jun 18, 2024: Recent Zimbabwe TWG meeting on Quality Management Systems, hosted by APOPO, addressed mine action challenges and innovations.

Unexploded Ordnance Kills Four Children in Afghanistan

Jun 17, 2024: An item of unexploded ordnance killed four children in Faryab, Afghanistan, while they were playing, per Taliban officials.

JMU recognized by the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose

Jun 14, 2024: JMU is one of 25 institutions to receive this recognition.

Thousands of Bullets (Remnants of War) Found at Prey Veng Court

Jun 14, 2024: Thousands of bullets found in Prey Veng Provincial Court and handed over to Halo Trust Cambodia.

From Bombs to Spoons: Laos' 50-Year Transformation Since the Secret CIA War

Jun 13, 2024: Laos repurposes bomb remnants from the Vietnam War into everyday items, as unexploded ordnance continues to cause deaths around the world.

Multinational EOD Technicians Dispose of WWII ERWs in Nauru

Jun 12, 2024: Operation Render Safe 2024 in Pacific island of Nauru cleared WWII ordnance, boosting local safety through multinational EOD collaboration.

Harnessing Edge AI and Synthetic Data for Landmine Detection

Jun 11, 2024: AI advancements enhance drone-based landmine detection in Ukraine, using synthetic data to improve accuracy and safety.

Ukraine to Launch Register of Mine-Contaminated Lands

Jun 10, 2024: Ukraine to create a state register for monitoring demining efforts, aiding farmers and local governments in managing contaminated lands.

JMU president, staff to host 2024 JMU on the Hill reception in D.C.

Jun 10, 2024: JMU President Jonathan R. Alger and university staff will share the latest JMU accomplishments at the 2024 JMU on the Hill reception from 6-8 p.m., June 11

War Is Over in Iraq, but It Continues to Claim Victims

Jun 7, 2024: Unexploded ordnance in Iraq continues to maim and kill, years after the end of the war against ISIL.

Explosive Weapons Pose Threats to Cultural Heritage

Jun 6, 2024: Explosive weapons strike at the heart of a community’s identity, which is often embodied in its cultural heritage.

One Killed, 23 Wounded by UXO in Myanmar School

Jun 5, 2024: A grenade blast at a Myanmar school killed 1 and injured 23 others after a student handled the device amid ongoing conflict.

Sri Lanka Releases Landmine-Laden Lands to Tamils in Jaffna

Jun 4, 2024: Tamil residents barred from Tellippalai lands as 55,000 sq ft of recently "released" land is still laden with landmines.

Third Global Mine Action Conference Concludes in Baku

Jun 3, 2024: The 3rd International Conference on Mine Action in Baku, Azerbaijan, focused on mitigating landmines' environmental impact and resource mobilization.

Using AI to Clear Land Mines in Ukraine

May 31, 2024: Gabriel Steinberg discusses using drones and AI to speed up land mine detection in Ukraine, improving safety and efficiency.

Explosive Ordnance a Daily Menace for Afghanistan’s Children

May 30, 2024: Children in Afghanistan face daily danger from leftover mines, with nearly 900 casualties in early 2023, mostly kids.

How Ukrainian Civilians Are Taking Part in Demining

May 29, 2024: Formerly a construction worker and a manicurist, Vitalii and Valeriia are now deminers in Ukraine, inspired by friends and the war to find purpose in their crucial, painstaking work.

JMU faculty partner with African universities through a fellowship

May 28, 2024: Three JMU faculty members received support from the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program to partner with African higher education institutions.

UN Lifts Somalia Arms Embargo, Raising Proliferation Fears

May 24, 2024: In 2023, the UN lifted Somalia's 30-year arms embargo, raising concerns about weapon proliferation in a highly unstable and arms-trafficking-prone country.

Double Jeopardy: Human Cost of Weapon Contamination in Asia-Pacific

May 21, 2024: Landmines and unexploded ordnance turn daily chores deadly, causing chaos, trauma, and impeding recovery long after conflicts end.

Deminers Find Landmines Embedded in Tree Trunk

May 20, 2024: Cambodian deminers find three civil war-era landmines in a tree trunk, highlighting ongoing risks and efforts to clear explosives by 2025.

The Ongoing Menace of Landmines and UXO in Congo and Tigray

May 16, 2024: Land mines remain a pervasive menace in conflict-affected regions, haunting communities long after the guns fall silent.

Addressing Pollution and Environmental Damage in Peace Accords

May 15, 2024: Peace deals must address such impacts, and as wars raise environmental concerns, Colombia's peace accord tackles environmental damage.

Aid Worker Safeguards Her Community in Contaminated Land

May 14, 2024: Farzona, a mother and midwife in training, educates Afghan communities on explosive risks, overcoming hurdles for a safer future.

College of Business eNews: May 2024

May 14, 2024: Stay informed. Read the May issue of the College of Business E-Newsletter.

Mine-Detecting Dogs Aid Demining Efforts in Mykolaiv

May 13, 2024: Mine-detecting dogs in Ukraine's Mykolaiv Oblast can detect plastic-bodied mines, assisting demining efforts by finding munitions metal detectors can't.

JMU Engineering establishes ASCE Student Chapter

May 13, 2024: The establishment of the ASCE Student Chapter coincides with a new, civil and environmental engineering concentration in the Engineering program.

Growing Danger of Aging WWII Bombs as Unexploded Ordnance

May 9, 2024: An explosive invented by the British Royal Arsenal is lurking in many undetonated devices, growing more potent with time

The World's Largest Minefield

May 8, 2024: Returning to their reclaimed land, they found death lurking beneath. With over 2 million mines scattered, Ukraine fights an uphill battle against unseen threats.

How Tragedy Led a Soldier to Devote His Life to Demining Korea

May 7, 2024: According to activist Kim Ki-ho, he has cleared away 10,000 landmines from the aftermath of the war with North Korea, yet he cautions that millions still persist.

Cambodia Blames Heatwave for Deadly Ammo Blast

May 6, 2024: Cambodia attributes a deadly explosion to a heatwave and faulty munitions, with 20 soldiers killed and widespread damage.

Map Shows Where North Korea Has Placed Landmines in DMZ

May 2, 2024: Escalating tensions, North Korea mines DMZ crossings, and South Korea responds cautiously as inter-Korean relations worsen.

Ukraine's Push for Female Deminers Amid Resource Shortages

May 1, 2024: Ukraine aims to boost female demining participation due to resource shortages, emphasizing inclusivity in policy.

JMU international students and faculty travel to Washington, D.C., for the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival

Apr 30, 2024: At the end of March, a group of more than 30 JMU international students and faculty hopped on a bus and traveled to Washington, D.C., to experience the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Will Modern Technology Free Ukraine from Landmines?

Apr 30, 2024: As frontline challenges persist in Ukraine, landmines devastate agriculture and advances in AI, drones, and robotics aids demining efforts.

Washington Semester’s 25-plus years of alumni engagement

Apr 30, 2024: Director David Jones reflects on 25+ years of the Washington Semester experience

Using Drones and AI to Clear Ukraine's Landmines

Apr 26, 2024: In 2023, Safe Pro AI showcased their AI and drone demining technology in Ukraine. Their system detected 74 landmines, helping NGOs clear land safely.

Unexploded Ordnance Kills Five in Cambodia

Apr 25, 2024: In Cambodia, two separate explosions from ordnance left over from decades of warfare killed five people and injured two others.

Charting a new course

Apr 25, 2024: A collaborative approach enhances the 14th Annual Interdisciplinary African, African American & Diaspora Studies (AAAD) Conference.

Learning made fun through game-ified lessons in public schools

Apr 24, 2024: The Stock Market Game makes learning fun and interactive for local students.

Ukraine Developing Mine-Resistant Boots

Apr 19, 2024: Ukrainian researchers are developing mine-resistant boots to deflect blasts and save limbs, although U.N. standards caution against false security.

JMU prepared music producer for the big time

Apr 19, 2024: Scott M. Riesett (’93) took home a 2024 Grammy for the Broadway cast recording of “Some Like It Hot.”

Iraqi Ministries Approve Plan to Eradicate Landmines by 2028

Apr 18, 2024: Iraq plans to clear landmines by 2028 with international support, addressing extensive contamination.

Inaugural Elev8 Ethics speaker navigates 'catastrophe ethics'

Apr 18, 2024: Author, speaker and bioethicist Travis Rieder encourages finding the common ground between saving the world and giving up.

Matt Roan selected as director of athletics at James Madison

Apr 18, 2024: JMU President Jonathan Alger and the university Board of Visitors announced the appointment of Matt Roan as the new director of athletics.

What am I looking forward to this summer?

Apr 17, 2024: Dardanë shares her excitement and plans for this summer break!

Russian Petal Landmines Devastate Ukraine

Apr 17, 2024: Estimates suggest it will take hundreds of years to remove the thousands of petal-shaped landmines Russia has deployed in Ukraine.

Another Aerial Bomb Found in the Mekong River in Cambodia

Apr 16, 2024: A MK-82 aerial bomb discovered in the Mekong River in Cambodia, safely removed by specialists from the Cambodian Mine Action Center.

Landmine Victims to Likely Increase in Ukraine Over Next 10 Years

Apr 15, 2024: Ukraine predicts a potential increase in victims of explosive detonations to 9,000 in the next decade, as approximately one-third of the country's territory is potentially contaminated by to landmines.

JMU Brass Band makes history with championship win

Apr 15, 2024: The win marked the first time a collegiate band has claimed the highest division of the competition.

Eclipse chasers

Apr 12, 2024: Students Nicole Hatcher and Chris Timothy chase the total solar eclipse in an unforgettable experience.

Jeweler Emily Warden (’17) urges students to trust themselves, learn all they can

Apr 12, 2024: For Virginia-based jeweler, success comes from creativity in work and in life.

Saluting an uncommon colonel

Apr 11, 2024: Frances Weir (’49) paved the way for generations of Army women.

Working Together for a Safer Future in Laos

Apr 10, 2024: Lao PDR marks Mine Awareness Day, highlighting UXO dangers and need for global support in land clearance efforts.

Aging WWII Bombs Become More Sensitive to Detonation

Apr 9, 2024: Aging, unexploded ordnance from World War II are becoming more sensitive to impact as the years pass.

Destroying WW2 Bombs Across the Pacific Decades Later

Apr 8, 2024: Marshall Islands grapple with WWII-era unexploded bombs, US and Japan assist with cleanup but danger persists as locals tackle dangers.

Students inspired by Smart Cities Conference in Indonesia

Feb 28, 2024: The conference united students and educators from 60 countries for workshops, lectures and cultural experiences.