James Madison University, Terms and Appointments by Governor
Ms. Suzanne S. Obenshain of Harrisonburg, VA is the Rector of the JMU Board of Visitors and is a Small Business Owner and Operator. Term: 2022-2026; Governor Youngkin.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeff W. Bolander, USMC, Retired of McGaheysville, VA is a 1980 graduate of James Madison University. Term: 2023-2027; Governor Youngkin.
Mr. Larry W. Caudle, Jr. of White Stone, VA is a 1982 graduate of James Madison University and is an attorney with Kraftson Caudle PLC. Term: 2024-2028; Governor Youngkin.
Ms. Teresa L. Edwards of Chesapeake, VA is the Vice Rector of the JMU Board of Visitors. She recently began her own Executive Coach and Consulting firm following 17 years with Sentara Health as part of the Executive leadership team. She is a 1980 graduate of James Madison University. Term: 2022-2026; Governor Youngkin.
Ms. Carly S. Fiorina of Lorton, VA is Chair, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and Honorary Chair, Virginia 250 Commission. Term: 2023-2027; Governor Youngkin.
Mr. Thomas Galati of Penn Laird, VA is founder of StageBio. Term: 2024-2028; Governor Youngkin.
Ms. Heather E. Hedrick of Richmond, VA is an Assistant Vice President, Assistant Controller with CarMax, Inc. She is a 2000 graduate of James Madison University. Term 2025-2028; Governor Youngkin.
The Honorable Kay Coles James of Richmond, VA is former Secretary of the Commonwealth; Founder, The Gloucester Institute and adviser with the PAC. Term: 2023-2027; Governor Youngkin.
Ms. Joely K. Mauck of Fairfax, VA is a Certified Financial Planner with LPL Financial. She is a 1990 graduate of James Madison University. Term: 2025-2026; Governor Youngkin.
Mr. David A. Rexrode of Fredericksburg, VA is President of Bluestone Strategies & Consulting Group. He is a 2001 graduate of James Madison University. Term: 2024-2028; Governor Youngkin.
Mr. Steven C. Smith of Bristol, TN is President/Chief Executive Officer of K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. He is a 1979 graduate of James Madison University. Term: 2023-2027; Governor Youngkin.
Mr. Michael A. Stoltzfus of Bridgewater, VA is President and CEO of Dynamic Aviation. Term: 2022-2026; Governor Youngkin.
Ms. Nikki Thacker of Richmond, VA is the Government Relations Manager at Reed Smith LLP. She is a 2011 graduate of James Madison University. Term: 2024-2028; Governor Youngkin.
Mr. Jack L. White of Fairfax Station, VA is Partner, McGuireWoods LLP. Term: 2022-2026; Governor Youngkin.
Ms. Nicole P. Wood of Doswell, VA serves as Senior Director of State Advocacy for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). She is a 1996 graduate of James Madison University. Term: 2023-2027; Governor Youngkin.
Dr. David C. Kirkpatrick of Staunton, VA is Vice President and Chief of Staff, as well as an associate professor at JMU. He serves as secretary to the Board of Visitors.
Ms. Sydney Stafford is the non-voting Student Representative to the Board. She is a junior from Bristow, VA. Term: 2025-2026.
Dr. Kathy Ott Walter is the speaker of the JMU Faculty Senate and serves as the non-voting faculty representative to the board.
Key Officials at JMU 2025-2026
Central Administration
Dr. James C. Schmidt, President
Dr. David C. Kirkpatrick, Vice President and Chief of Staff
Dr. Bob A. Kolvoord, Interim, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Nicholas L. Langridge, Vice President for University Advancement
Dr. Timothy M. Miller, Vice President for Student Affairs
Ms. Towana H. Moore, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dr. Anthony Tongen, Vice President, Research, Economic Development and Innovation
Ms. Melinda J. Wood, Vice President, Enrollment Management
College Deans
Dr. Traci Zimmerman, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Letters
Dr. Samantha Prins, Dean, College of Science and Mathematics
Dr. Mike Busing, Dean, College of Business
Dr. Ruben Graciani, Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Dr. Sharon Lovell, Dean, College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Dr. Mark L'Esperance, Dean, College of Education
Dr. Fletcher Linder, Dean, University Studies
Dr. Bethany Blackstone, Dean, Honors College
Dr. Bethany Nowviskie, Libraries and Educational Technologies
Dr. Jeffrey Tang, Interim Dean, College of Integrated Science and Engineering
Dr. Linda Thomas, Dean, The Graduate School
Others
Mr. Matt Roan, Director of Athletics
Dr. Kathy Ott Walter, Faculty Senate/Faculty Rep. to Board of Visitors
