Each academic year, we invite you to celebrate the individuals and programs that have made a positive impact in our community. We have four awards specifically for the division of Student Affairs at JMU. These awards are:
- Outstanding New Professional
- Program of the Year
- Dr. Jim McConnel Values Award
- Assessment and Program Improvement
Nominations for each year's awards are due in May. The awards will be presented during our Student Affairs Appreciation event in June.
if you are interested in serving on the review and selection committee for this year's award cycle, please email us at SAPros@jmu.edu. We will have representation from Student Affairs as well as each division at JMU.
Outstanding New Professional
New perspectives, new energy, and new ideas can impact our departments in profound and significant ways. Celebrate and recognize the positive contributions of new professionals in your area by nominating them as an Outstanding New Professional in Student Affairs at JMU.
This should be an individual who has worked 1-5 years in the student affairs field and has contributed in various positive ways to student and/or professional culture on campus.
Program of the Year
Did a new program meet or exceed expectations this year? Was an older program or event reimagined and implemented in a new and exciting way that had a profound impact on our community? Celebrate those successes by nominating the program or event for Program of the Year.
This award is presented to an outstanding program or event developed and implemented by, or in collaboration with, one or more departments within Student Affairs at JMU. This should be a new program or an existing program that has undergone significant innovation and change to positively impact our community.
Dr. Jim McConnel Values Award
Dr. Jim McConnel has made a lasting impact on Student Affairs at James Madison University, by actively demonstrating how meaningful living out our central values can be to our community.
This award is presented to an individual or group who, like its namesake, demonstrates a strong and lasting commitment to the central values of Student Affairs: focusing on students, leading courageously, transcending boundaries, creating belonging, prioritizing health and well-being, embracing innovation and change, and honoring and valuing our staff.
Assessment and Program Improvement
This award recognizes an individual or team that has made significant contributions to the assessment of programming and services within Student Affairs.
Student Affairs Awards Recipients
Outstanding New Professional
Jake Coffman, 2025
Lindsay Stebbins, 2024
Matthew Hunsberger, 2023
Kaitlin Pomerleau, 2022
Jordan Todd, 2022
Program of the Year
Wilderness Therapy, 2025
Madison Cares, 2024
Dukes Making A Difference (DMAD), 2023
Roses & Resumes, 2022
Dr. Jim McConnel Values Award
Rob Olewine, 2025
Ann Simmons, 2024
Valerie Schoolcraft, 2024
Debi Clutteur, 2023
Gloria Mast, 2022
Assessment & Program Improvement
Patrick Francis, 2025
