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 2019, the Board of Visitors held four meetings: February 8, April 26, September 13, and November 15.

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 university’s strategic response to the needs of the Commonwealth; a General Assembly update; information on the programs and experiences of students and faculty in the College of Science and Math and the College of Arts and Letters; the programs and benefits of the JMU ROTC program; the mission and activities of Professional and Continuing Education; and participated in an enrollment discussion. In addition, at each board meeting the President provides an update on events, accomplishments, trends and issues and significant recognitions.

The board approved the naming of a new residence hall for Paul Jennings; approved easements related to construction; approved no increase for the 2019 and 2020 summer tuition and fees; approved the following education majors: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Inclusive Early Childhood Education, Middle Grade Education, Special Education, Secondary Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; approved the Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology; approved resolutions related to the Tech Talent Investment Program and the Performance Pilot agreement; approved the Six-Year Capital Outlay Plan; voted to hold in abeyance the Madison Pledge related to tuition and fees; approved the 2019-20 budget; real estate purchases; the Six-Year Plan; revisions to the Faculty Handbook; revisions to the Board Manual; and an honorary degree in humanities.

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