I’m excited to bring you the August/September edition of our SPCE Newsletter! Over the past few months, our team has taken pride in reflecting on the successful completion of the 2023-24 academic year, and we’re filled with enthusiasm as we embark on a new academic journey. We've had numerous opportunities to share our story, host events, celebrate graduations, welcome new team members, and strengthen partnerships both within and beyond JMU. In this edition, I look forward to sharing these accomplishments in more detail, along with a glimpse into the exciting initiatives we have planned for the fall.

It is also with great pleasure that I share the news of my appointment as the permanent Dean of the School of Professional & Continuing Education, effective July 1. After serving as Interim Dean for the past two years, I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made together and am optimistic about the bright future ahead. I am eager to continue building and nurturing partnerships across JMU and within the broader community as we further develop and execute our mission and vision. Leading such a talented and dedicated team is truly an honor, and I am thrilled to continue this journey with all of you.

You can read more about my appointment here:

JMU – Nick Swartz Named Dean of JMU SPCE
DNR – JMU Appoints New Professional, Continuing Education Dean

Here are some recent highlights from our unit:

• The Adult Degree Program celebrated over 100 graduates at Commencement on May 10.
• Youth Programs awarded $58,510 in scholarships this year to students attending camps, surpassing last year’s amount! We hope to see this number grow even further in the coming years.
• We’ve welcomed several new staff members, including a Director of Marketing and Recruitment, two new Program Coordinators, a Director of Youth Programs, an Enrollment Specialist, a Presidential Engagement Fellow, and a new Administrative Assistant to the Dean.

I hope the start of your school year is filled with excitement and opportunities!

Sincerely,
Dr. Nicholas J. Swartz
Dean