
Assistant Vice President, Executive Advisor to the Vice President
Year Started at JMU: 2015
lonettcy@jmu.edu
Contact Info
Carson Lonett serves as an Assistant Vice President and Executive Advisor to the Vice President for Student Affairs at James Madison University. She has served in various positions at the university since 2015 including Coordinator for Leader and Development experiences in the Student Leadership Center and Assistant Director for Student Learning Initiatives in the Office of Residence Life. Within the Vice President’s office, she serves functionally as a Chief of Staff, overseeing Student Affairs operations, communications, and marketing, acts as the Student Affairs liaison to various campus partners, and manages special projects for the division. Her impactful leadership includes spearheading comprehensive onboarding programs, communication strategies, campus-wide events, and strategic partnerships, and oversight of the VPSA Office staff. She was recognized in 2017 with JMU's All Together One Award.
With a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, both from JMU, Carson has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and organizations. A certified PROSCI Change Management practitioner, DISC Personality Insights Facilitator, and Gallup Strengths Coach, she combines evidence-based practices with her passion for personal and professional development to help others reach their potential. Carson extends her service and engagement at both the state and national levels. She is a member of the NASPA Strategic Advisor Steering Committee and serves as the NASPA-VA State Director until 2026.
Residing in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Carson lives with her husband, who is also a proud Double Duke, and three young children. Their family can be seen at community events, such as puzzle competitions and local races, and supporting youth in the area through organizations like On the Road Collaborative and Big Brothers Big Sisters.