James Madison University in Harrisonburg has announced that Dr. James C. Schmidt will serve as its seventh president.
The JMU Board of Visitors voted to affirm the Midwesterner’s appointment during a virtual meeting held this morning, and the public announcement was made at 11 a.m. in Wilson Hall.
Schmidt has more than 30 years of experience working in higher education and currently serves as the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He has been in this role since 2013.
Schmidt’s appointment will begin July 1, 2025.
“I am honored to serve as the next president of James Madison University,” said Schmidt. “Over three decades in public higher education has prepared me to lead this great institution into the future, and I am committed to leading JMU’s vision and strategic direction, enhancing academic excellence and research, and ensuring an exceptional student experience.”
During his tenure, UW-Eau Claire has been ranked among the top 10 regional public universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. It was named the top masters-level university for excellence in undergraduate research by the Council for Undergraduate Research in 2016 and is currently the only master’s-level university in Wisconsin among the top 20 nationally for student participation in study abroad. UW-Eau Claire has produced two Rhodes scholars since 2005 and leads master’s level institutions in Wisconsin and Minnesota in the number of Fulbright students.
Schmidt has been a stellar fundraiser and visionary for elevating academic excellence recently bringing in one of the largest gifts in Wisconsin history at $70 million. The donation will help construct an indoor athletics facility and event center. They are also set to complete a 330,000-square-foot science and health sciences building through an innovative public-private funding partnership.
Previous tenures included service as vice president for university advancement at Winona State University in Winona, Minn., and vice president for student affairs at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minn.
He holds a doctorate in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minn., and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Winona State University.
Former JMU President Jonathan Alger announced last March that he would be stepping down as president after accepting the presidency at American University in Washington, D.C.
Charlie King has served as JMU’s interim president on since July.
“It is an honor to welcome Jim into the JMU community,” said King. “I look forward to our partnership in the coming months as we will collectively work to ensure this transition continues to be seamless. I take great pride in this institution and will do everything I can to support the board and our new president during this transition.”
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Crystal Graham
