History, Affiliations and Rankings
James Madison University was founded in 1908 in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It was originally named the State Normal and Industrial School for Women and was later renamed Madison College in 1938 and finally became known as the James Madison University in 1977. In 1946, men were first enrolled as regular day students. James Madison University is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are here because they want to pursue knowledge and make teaching their No. 1 priority. During the first decade of the 21st century, under James Madison University's fifth President, Linwood H. Rose, the university continued to rapidly expand, not only through new construction east of Interstate 81 but also on the west side of campus. The University’s athletic affiliation is with NCAA Division I and has academic affiliations with SURA and SCHEV, alongside being accredited by SACS.
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
James Madison University’s campus is located in the Shenandoah Valley, just west of Massanutten Mountain. James Madison University's campus originally consisted of two buildings, now known as Darcus Johnson and Gabbin Halls. Today the campus has 148 major buildings on 721 acres. It has become Virginia's second most photographed location on social media sites like Instagram and Twitter, after Kings Dominion. James Madison University is considered to be a more selective university. It has an average class size of 25 students. The university offers over 130 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees through its various colleges, which include the College of Business, College of Education, the Graduate School Honors College and College of Science and Mathematics among others.
Accomplishments and Alumni
It has a 96% satisfaction rate (according to students). The University Accomplishments are the annual major accomplishments from each division of the university. This includes everything from quality programs, community engagement, and civic engagement to the diversity and national recognition. Some achievements in recent years included the College of Science and Mathematics successfully sorting grants that totalled $4.3 million in new research support. James Madison University also earned a STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education 80% of James Madison University students do undergraduate research, an internship, a practicum or student teaching while 98% of 2019 James Madison University graduates were employed, in graduate school or involved in other career endeavours within six months of graduation
Notable Alumni from James Madison University include Odicci Alexander (Softball Player), Ben DiNucci ( American Football Player), Carole Baldwin (Research Zoologist), and Chuck Taylor (Music Journalist).
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
According to the University Website, 1% of the total student population is International Students. The University’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides services, resources and assistance to meet the students, scholars and staff of James Madison University’s visa and immigration needs, alongside having programs and services to enhance their time throughout the entire campus.
The top companies that hire graduates from James Madison University are Amazon Web Services, Amazon, Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, Google and Microsoft.
