2023-2024 Presidential Engagement Fellows Program
In keeping with its mission to produce educated and enlightened citizens, JMU created the Presidential Engagement Fellows Program in 2016. Through this Fellowship, outstanding recent JMU graduates will have the opportunity to experience a transformational year of public service. These fellowships are a 10-month commitment, and the successful candidates will receive a living and housing stipend. Fellows are placed with agencies, including JMU, where they work on projects designed to advance their capacity for engaged learning, community and civic engagement, and leadership while serving the needs of the JMU and affiliated communities. Fellows engage in various training and learning opportunities and serve as ambassadors and representatives at numerous university events and functions. Please contact kirkpadx@jmu.edu with any questions about the program.
Current Positions
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Empowerment3, Center for Physical Activity and Wellness for the Underserved
- Honors College
- Madison Center for Civic Engagement
- Professional and Continuing Education
- The Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services
- The Office of the President
- The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
- Valley Scholars Program
Bella Cabaccan
Engagement Fellow for Student Affairs
Carolynn Unger
Honors College Engagement Fellow
Emily Butters
Engagement Fellow for the Institute for the Innovation in Health and Human Services
Erick Teo-Abrego
Empowerment3 Engagement Fellow
Gracie Wingfield
Engagement Fellow for Student Affairs
Mia Mannix
Engagement Fellow for the Madison Center for Civic
Nicole Hillman
Valley Scholars Engagement Fellow
Peter Montwill
Engagement Fellow for the President's Office
Teddy Levin
Professional and Continuing Education Engagement Fellow
JMU Presidential Engagement Fellows Program Overview
Fellows will represent the University and are held to the highest standards of performance and behavior. They should seek to provide quality service in their placements while growing both personally and professionally. Their past experience at James Madison University should inform their daily work as they seek to help this community grow and improve every day. They will serve as part of a cohort of Fellows dedicated to the Fellowship and James Madison University. They will also balance their commitment to the Program with the needs of their placement and the work needed for each to be successful.
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Demonstrate a commitment to the James Madison University Mission, Vision and Values including a sense of responsibility and obligation within the community and unit they serve.
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Approach complex problems through the practice of interpersonal skills that promote teamwork and acceptance of diversity of thought regarding goals and priorities.
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Create and maintain meaningful and productive connections between the university and community and serve as an active member of a thriving cohort.
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Explore personal strengths and improve upon weaknesses, with particular emphasis on developing career options and exploring life plan goals through experiential learning.
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Gain a working understanding of organizational communication, interconnectedness and problem solving within a community.
Duties and Responsibilities
In addition to meeting the specific job description/expectations for the respective department, the Presidential Fellow will:
- Exceed expectations within their placement and serve the JMU community through their 25 hours average per week in that role.
- Work in their role for the time period of August 1 – May 20;
- Engage in an average of 4 hours of weekly program activities:
- Participate in all professional development activities organized by the program;
- Attend bi-weekly program staff meetings;
- Represent the university at designated events and programs and serve as an ambassador for the university; and
- Adhere to all JMU policies for employees; and
- Perform other duties as assigned.
