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' strategic operations, communications and marketing, cross-divisional projects and collaboration, external relationships including the Student Affairs Advisory Board, and staff engagment and development. She acts as the advisor to the Vice President, elevating the VPSA's strategic direction and priorities. Her impactful leadership includes spearheading comprehensive Cohort Onboarding programs, employee engagement, cross-campus communication strategies for students, countless campus-wide events, intentionality with 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, Gallup Engagement Champion, and Gallup Strengths Coach, she combines evidence-based practices with her passion for personal and professional development to help others reach their potential. She offers a systems-change, trauma-informed, development-intentional leadership style. 

On campus, Carson is one of the co-facilitators for the IMPACT Program, a state-of-the-art leadership training and development program for executive leaders. She extends her service and engagement at both the state and national levels. She the Chair-Elect NASPA Strategic Advisor (Chief of Staff) Steering Committee and served as the NASPA-VA State Director from 2023-2026. She is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University with an expected completion date in May of 2028.

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.