JMU receives $500,000 gift towards investment in Madison District

JMU James Madison University

James Madison University received the first private investment of $500,000 from the Charlie Obaugh Auto Group towards the transformation of the Madison District.

The Madison District is a reimagined portion in the center of campus that will include student and athletic facilities as well as shopping, dining, and lodging.

Included with the gift is the 10 year naming rights of the Champions Parking Deck located just behind the football stadium.

The gift seeds a general expendable account with the JMU Foundation to receive charitable contributions supporting naming opportunities on campus.

JMU President Jim Schmidt said, “Gifts like this, along with other kinds of investments and partnerships, will be essential to turning our plans into reality. It is heartening to see that our campus vision is already resonating with the JMU community and beyond. I look forward to what we can accomplish together.”

For more information on the announcement, 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.