James Madison University was established in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg and became James Madison University in 1977. The Board of Visitors was established in 1964 and currently has fifteen members who serve on the board. Mr. Jonathan R. Alger serves as the sixth president of the university. During 2013, the Board of Visitors held five meetings: January 15, April 7, June 1-2, and September 29, and November 10. The Board recently made a change in their meeting schedule so going forward there will be two meetings during the fall semester and two meetings in the spring semester.

The Board has six committees that address key functions within the university: Academics and Student Life Committee, Advancement Committee, Athletic Committee, Audit Committee, Executive Committee and Finance and Physical Development Committee. All of these committees, with the exception of the Executive Committee, meet during the regular scheduled board meeting day. The committees hear reports from various staff regarding current issues, new initiatives, and compliance with requirements and/or regulations.

At their regular board meetings the board heard reports regarding the JMU X-labs, , received information on Title IX training, celebrated the National Championship of the Lacrosse team, heard from students involved with the Valley Scholars program, were informed on the university’s efforts to build a healthy community with prevention and education related to sexual misconduct, heard the report on the launch of the public phase of the comprehensive campaign, and received an update on the College of Health and Behavioral Studies.

The board approved the Master Plan for the university, approved the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Intelligence, approved the request for bonds to build the Phillips Center, adopted a resolution to reimburse itself for the construction of the Chesapeake Parking Deck, approved revisions to the Board By-Laws, approved bond request and reimbursement for new convocation center and east campus parking deck, approved the management agreement for Level III Authority, and approved the resolution regarding Open Educational Resources.

The board was informed the university that Fitch approved an AA- rating for the university.

The Rector met with President Alger for the annual evaluation and then shared the evaluation with the full board.

The Executive Committee approved the conveyance of three parcels of real property to the James Madison University Foundation.