JMU names 7th president in school history

JMU new president

James Madison University announced the selection of Dr. James C. Schmidt as the new university president.

Dr. Schmidt was affirmed by a Board of Visitors vote on Wednesday morning and then introduced to the public at a ceremony held in JMU’s Wilson Hall.

Schmidt brings with him over 30 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as the chancellor for University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

During his tenure at UW- Eau Claire, he helped secure the largest donation in school history of $70 million for an indoor athletics and event center and 330,000 sq ft science and health sciences building through a public-private partnership.

Academically, students excelled with UW-Eau Claire receiving recognition as a top 10 regional public university in the Midwest and has produced two Rhodes Scholars since 2005 and a number of Fullbright students.

He will begin his appointment on July 1st and succeed interim president Charlie King.

Former JMU President Jonathen Alger stepped down in 2024 to accept the same role at American University.

For more information on the selection of Dr. Schmidt, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

JMU president Jonathan Alger resigns

James Madison University announced yesterday that President Jonathan Alger will step down from his role as president at the conclusion of the academic year to accept the same position at American University.

Alger served as president of JMU for 12 years and helped continue to grow JMU into its evolved level of national recognition as a student-centered research university.

Throughout his tenure, Alger was a prominent leader in higher education across the nation and world serving on numerous boards and committees.

Under his leadership, JMU increased external research funding by 92% from 2019-2023 and more than doubled the university’s endowment.

He was also an instrumental part of the athletic department’s transition to the Sun Belt.

In the coming weeks, the Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors will make a recommendation for an acting president then the search process will begin for the next president of the University.

To view JMU’s announcement, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.