Inauguration Special Edition 4.2.26 by The Breeze

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S P R E S I D E N T J I M P R E S I D E N T J I M

S S S

There’s a saying that journalism “is the first rough draft of history” — a quote often credited to Philip Graham, a coowner of The Washington Post from 1948 to 1963, though it existed long before him. This mentality informs everything we do at The Breeze, especially in creating this inauguration special edition.

During our hundred-year-long history, The Breeze has chronicled JMU’s history. From the Madison College era to the digital age, we take pride in our extensive archives. With this, our reporters have never missed covering a presidential inauguration. We are excited to not only inform our readers on what’s going on

during the event’s lead-up, but also humbled to offer future Dukes a record of their institutional history.

Thank you, as always, for picking up this paper. What you’re looking at is the 202526 staff’s last project. We’re grateful for the opportunity to have this final edition cover such a high-profile topic.

To President Jim Schmidt and his administration: We look forward to working with you to continue informing the JMU community.

For additional coverage leading up to Inauguration Day on April 8, check out our website, breezejmu.org.

We hope you enjoy reading!

Sincerely,

Eleanor Shaw

Hannah Kennedy

Sixuan Wu

‘25-’26 staff

Hannah Kennedy

Preston Comer

Emma Notarnicola

‘26-’27 staff

Meet JMU’s next leader

The origin story of JMU’s seventh president

By ISABEL LEWIS

The Breeze

Raised in a rural Minnesota town, James “Jim” Schmidt didn’t have a lot of money and had to work hard to overcome obstacles. Now, as JMU’s seventh president, Schmidt promises a bright future for those students like him.

Schmidt grew up in Houston, Minnesota — a small farming town where his mother was a schoolteacher and his father was a not-so-successful small businessman and retail worker.

“We didn't have a lot. And here, the son of a rural school teacher and a retail worker is a university president,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said most higher institutions have a “dirty little secret” to their success: They primarily take students from an already privileged background and mix them in with more privileged people. This, unsurprisingly, leads to more accessible outcomes for the more affluent students while further disadvantageing others.

Schmidt said he hopes to change that during his presidency, promising futures to more students than the already-privileged crowd by utilizing JMU’s “scrappy” side, allowing more than just advantaged students a chance at a successful future.

“One thing that I’m passionate about is students like me, who came from a family with very little money,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said that because of his family’s monetary struggles, he had to pay for all of his education himself.

“You know that we’re never going to have all the resources that Harvard and the Ivy League have, but we’re going to show that by being a little scrappy, we can actually get better results for much lower investments.”

During his undergraduate studies at Minnesota’s Winona State University, the state wanted to raise tuition prices; however, Schmidt said he couldn’t stand for that. He went straight to the Minnesota State Capitol and protested.

Though his protests were unsuccessful — and during his time at Winona State, tuition rose 146% — Schmidt said that moment taught him not to give up and pushed him to advocate for affordable tuition rates by working in higher education.

Schmidt previously served as the chancellor at the University of

Wisconsin at Eau-Claire (UWEC) for 12 years, where he worked to increase affordability and gained experience in higher education.

“You’ll find him as a tireless advocate for students and faculty,” said Michael Rindo, Schmidt’s former assistant chancellor at UWEC.

Care for students

Those who have met Schmidt all agree on one thing: His top priority is, and has always been, the students.

Schmidt has two favorite times of the year, Rindo said: move-in day and commencement, because they represent the beginning and the end of students’ academic journey.

Mary Jane Brukardt — Schmidt’s former chief of staff and executive director of marketing and communications and strategic planning at UWEC — said Schmidt cherished collaboration with UWEC’s student government, promoting shared governance of the university.

“He often says, ‘There’s only one question that I ask when I have a decision to make, and that is “is this going to benefit students?”’” Brukardt said.

Before he was hired, Schmidt came to JMU disguised in khaki pants and a sweater and asked students why they chose JMU, Schmidt said.

“I got goosebumps just thinking about that trip,” Schmidt said. However, he added that when he asked the question, “[Students] lit up because they were excited about their experience, and they wanted to share that experience with a stranger on campus.”

That’s when Schmidt knew this was the right fit. Schmidt said his favorite part of the job is meeting students, adding he makes an effort to support students by attending events and even taking note of those he missed, so he can attend them later.

Schmidt is described by his former colleagues as a tireless advocate and collaborator. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Schmidt said he makes a point to support students’ events.

Brukardt said during walks through campus, she avoided business conversations while with Schmidt because he would get distracted by constantly stopping to talk to students.

“He very seriously took students as fellow leaders,” Brukardt said. “He wanted their input, sincerely wanted it.”

Schmidt said he likes to empower all people at the university, making decisions on behalf of the institution in service of the students.

“I hope over my tenure that people will be able to say, ‘the President trusts me to make this decision, whether I’m a vice president or I’m on the front line working directly with students,’” Schmidt said.

Changes underway

Pushing for an innovative future, Schmidt said his mind is hardwired “10 to 15 years out.”

He said he plans for the university to be in the top 50 universities in the United States by 2040, adding that he strives to have employers seek JMU grads specifically, hoping to have JMU stand out in the hiring field.

“I hope that we become known as the commonwealth’s preferred partner,” Schmidt said.

One of the core ideas in Schmidt’s plan is to house twothirds of students on campus within a decade, whereas

approximately 28% of students live on campus now.

In the upcoming years, Schmidt said new students can expect to live in brand-new dormitories, and as sophomores, they can live in brand-new student apartments built on campus.

Schmidt added he that hopes to drop the current 66% acceptance rate to 54% in 15 years. He said JMU may have to become more selective as it becomes more in-demand.

Additionally, he nodded to the Madison Promise, which assures graduates they’ll be employed.

“If you shake my hand, and I give you a diploma at commencement, and a year from now, you find yourself, you’ve not found a job, or you’re not in graduate school, we’ll take you back.”

Through this program, Dukes would be able to receive free career coaching, additional undergraduate coursework or a seminar to help push graduates to be successful, Schmidt said.

“We got your back, and we’re going to be alongside you the entire way,” he said.

Before JMU

UWEC’s Pablo Center at the Confluence project was something Schmidt and Rindo collaborated on to enhance the student dormitory experience at UWEC.

The project included apartment-style dorms adjacent to campus and suite-style housing on campus, Rindo said.

Rindo said the initiative was created based on research on the relationship between retention and graduation rates, and continued on-campus living.

Another project Schmidt fronted while chancellor at UWEC was a partnership with the Mayo Clinic. This partnership allowed students to do research alongside UWEC faculty and Mayo Clinic Health System Professionals, according to the UWEC website.

Additionally, Schmidt met with the minister of education in Oman, alongside Brukardt in 2018. During the trip, Schmidt met with political figures to develop a partnership exploring undergraduate research opportunities within fields, such as Earth sciences, economics and nursing.

“I think Jim Schmidt is a visionary,” Rindo said. “I always told him he was the best boss I ever had.”

CONTACT Isabel Lewis at thebreezesocials@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Schmidt has worked in higher education since 1987, when he started as the vice president of student affairs at a community college.

Schmidt often attends sports games, such as basketball in the Atlantic Union Bank Center.

For young adults: Time is your greatest asset

For those in their 20s or just entering the workforce, one of the most common myths worth challenging is the idea that there isn’t enough money to start saving. It comes up constantly – “I’ll start when I make more,” or “I’ll get serious about it after my loans are paid off.” Those feelings are understandable, especially in those first years out of school when every dollar seems already spoken for.

But the truth is this: $10 or $20 a month, starting today, can do more for a financial future than $200 a month starting 10

years from now. That’s not an exaggeration – that’s simply how compound growth works over time. More money can always be earned, and the amount being saved can always be increased. The practical approach for someone in their 20s is straightforward: think about one meal out each month and redirect that $15 or $20 instead. Build it into your budget like a non negotiable bill – because in a real sense, it is one. Paying your future self first is the habit that changes everything. Once it becomes automatic

and consistent, it won’t even be noticeable. And 10, 20, 30 years from now, starting early will be one of the best financial decisions you’ve ever made.

Big goals ahead?

Start your financial game plan with Caleb. 540-437-7422 everence.com/virginia Caleb J.

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT SCHMIDT

AND THE JMU COMMUNITY

From all of us at EMU, who have proudly called Harrisonburg our home since 1917, we welcome you and your family to the Friendly City.

We are grateful to share a community between our two campuses and for the benefits it brings. We wish you success as you lead JMU into its next chapter and look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years ahead. Together, our institutions contribute to the vitality of Harrisonburg and to the education of its future generations.

Congratulations on your inauguration.

INTERIM PRESIDENT DYCUS AND THE EMU COMMUNITY

A New Door Opens for All of Us

The JMU Alumni Association extends its warmest congratulations to President Jim. We are proud to welcome you and celebrate your inauguration as the seventh president of JMU. This new chapter in the JMU story will inspire our community as we continue to strengthen our traditions and hold doors for Dukes everywhere.

Congratulations President Jim, Dukes from Day One. Alumni for Life.

Chappell Roan

Gogol Bordello

What does the president do?

By SIMONE DYSTANT

The Breeze

For the past year, university president Jim Schmidt has been the face of the JMU community, but his role extends beyond that of a figurehead — he’s the driving force behind overseeing Dukes and initiating university changes.

Before Schmidt, there was interim President Charlie King, who oversaw JMU for the 2024-25 academic year. King said the university president’s primary goal is to serve as a positive face for JMU while also understanding the different parts and operations.

“The job is so encompassing,” King said. “It’s seven days a week, way up into the night.”

The position requires a big-time commitment to be successful and present, King added.

Associate Director of Media Relations and Deputy Spokesperson of JMU Chad Saylor wrote to The Breeze: “the president serves as the university’s chief executive officer, with authority delegated by the Board of Visitors (BoV).”

According to Virginia law, the governing boards of Virginia universities have the power to:

• Make regulations and policies concerning the institution.

• Manage the funds of the institution and approve an annual budget.

• Appoint the chief executive officer of the institution.

• Appoint professors and fix their salaries.

• Fix the rates charged to students for tuition, mandatory fees and other necessary charges.

According to the JMU BoV’s website, there are three types of board meetings: annual, regular and special meetings. At the annual meeting, usually held in the spring, the board elects its officers for the year, according to the website.

Meetings are open to the public and are announced at least three days before the meeting on the university’s website, as outlined in Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act.

“The president submits to the board at its annual meeting a report of the fiscal and other affairs of the university,” Saylor wrote. “Special reports are submitted at other meetings as needed.”

The president informs the BoV of any matters that, in the president’s opinion, affect the university’s interest and require the board’s consideration, Saylor wrote.

The president is also responsible for appointing administrative officers, including vice presidents, and delegating to them the daily operations of JMU’s divisions, Saylor wrote.

King said the president ensures that faculty have proper resources to educate students, that dining halls are doing what they’re supposed to do, that the residence halls are clean and well managed, and that the grounds are safe and in proper order.

“The president impacts students every day,” King said.

It’s also important, King added, that the president interacts with students on campus, ensuring they know the president is there for them.

The president can also schedule meetings with the general faculty or plan a commencement meeting where they will preside, unless the BoV advises otherwise, Saylor wrote.

For the strategic plan draft, Schmidt worked alongside co-chairs to develop a strategic plan for JMU’s future based on university feedback. The plan includes expectations for students and faculty, as well as expectations for further development of the university itself.

“The president is the one who identifies what’s in the future and positions the university to be successful,” King said

CONTACT Simone Dystant at dystansl@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Duke

The presidential role requires a lot of student interaction. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Julia Tannerx / The Breeze

How Inauguration affects classes, parking and traffic

By SARA PAGET The Breeze

University President Jim Schmidt’s inauguration ceremony will commence at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, followed by a celebration ending at 5 p.m. Of course, since this event is on campus, it’ll impact parking and individual class scheduling.

The entire university community — students, faculty and staff alike — are encouraged to attend the ceremony, but even though the inauguration ceremony overlaps with many classes the university plans to hold classes as regularly scheduled, wrote interim Provost Bob Kolvoord in a letter to faculty.

Class scheduling

Class attendance policies and meetings are left up to the instructor’s discretion, allowing instructors to decide how to conduct their classes if they are in conflict with the inauguration ceremony, Kolvoord wrote.

The university has offered considerations for alternate class meetings to instructors — including moving that day’s workload to others during the semester and asynchronous class — but maintains the inauguration won’t affect university-wide scheduling.

Parking

Ballard Parking Deck will be reserved for the day of inauguration, according to JMU’s website, granting registered visitors for the ceremony with special parking permits.

The JMU Parking Services urges students who typically park in Ballard to consider alternate modes of transportation on

Wednesday. JMU’s Office of the President website includes a full schedule of the events of inauguration day and the days following, including locations and information on each.

Each event is followed by a list of suggested parking locations, with the installation ceremony’s parking recommendations being C12, D3, R4, R5 lots and the Ballard Parking Deck.

Although only Ballard is reserved, other parking lots listed may experience congestion, and commuters should plan accordingly.

Traffic congestion

Kolvoord wrote to expect increased traffic congestion around the time of the inauguration, especially near the Atlantic Union Bank Center (AUBC), where the ceremony will be held.

The roads through and around campus — including Reservoir Street, University Boulevard and Carrier Drive — are expected to experience congestion, according to the Ballard reservation announcement.

The Office of the President’s official event schedule can also be used to gauge traffic at other times during the week of inauguration based on Thursday and Friday’s events.

Students should take this congestion into account when planning for transportation, whether it be to class, the inauguration itself or somewhere else nearby, reads the Ballard reservation announcement.

CONTACT Sara Paget at tpagetsh@dukes. jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X and Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Ballard Parking Deck is reserved on Inauguration Day for registered visitors to the ceremony with permits. Ellie Campbell / The Breeze

Julia Tanner / The Breeze

Bridgewater College congratulates Dr. James C. Schmidt on his inauguration as the eighth President of James Madison University.

JAMES MADISON’S MONTPELIER!

A warm welcome to JMU’s new President, James Schmidt! In honor of our shared Madison connection, we invite you to bring the whole family to James Madison’s Montpelier, the lifelong home of the“Father of the Constitution.”

Nestled in Virginia’s wine country, and near the quaint historic town of Orange, you can spend the day touring the historic mansion and award winning exhibits, wandering miles of scenic trails, strolling through the elegant formal gardens, spotting horses grazing in the fields, and watching history being uncovered through archaeological excavations. Learn how James and Dolley Madison shaped a new nation, hear powerful stories of the enslaved community who lived and labored here, and Madison’s lasting legacy on democracy today.

Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday with us! Montpelier invites visitors of all ages to celebrate America’s founding ideals, wrestle with its complexities, and imagine the next chapter together.

Whether you’re touring the house, enjoying familyfriendly programs, picnicking on the grounds, or taking in the views of the Blue Ridge foothills, Montpelier offers something for every kind of traveler. Spend the day with us!

Come learn about the stories that built America! Plan your visit and celebrate America’s journey at Montpelier.

WHAT’S SCHMIDT BEEN UP TO?

A year in photos

26, 2025: JMU announced its seventh president would be then-University of Wisconsin at Eau-Claire Chancellor James “Jim” C. Schmidt.

March

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

May 8, 2025: Schmidt hosted an ice cream social for students at Warner Commons. During the event, a group of Dukes protested the university’s April 11 dissolution of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Annabel Dewey / The Breeze

Aug. 12, 2025: As part of JMU’s 2025 University Welcome, Schmidt addressed a crowded Atlantic Union Bank Center (AUBC).

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Sept. 9, 2025: President Schmidt welcomed Peter Levine, a professor of citizenship & public affairs at Tufts University during Constitution Day programing.

Lily Moss / The Breeze

Aug. 29, 2025: Schmidt helped cut the ribbon on the Village-area Potomac Residence Hall. Jack O’Dea / The Breeze

Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

2025-2026 timeline

March 21, 2026: Schmidt cheered on JMU women’s hoops during March Madness’ first round in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Caden Burch / The Breeze

Dec. 5, 2025: University President Jim Schmidt attended the football Sun Belt Championship where the Dukes won against the Troy Trojans.

Caden Burch / The Breeze

Oct. 7, 2025: President Schmidt attended Half Time on the Quad, celebrating the halfway point of the fall semester.

Sierra Stockman / The Breeze

Dec. 10, 2025: Shortly after JMU announced its next football head coach as Billy Napier, Schmidt welcomed the Napier family when they landed in Bridgewater. Napier also hosted his first press conference at the AUBC later that day.

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

March 25, 2026: Schmidt joined students during a celebration marking the spring semester’s halfway point.

Derrick Echols / The Breeze

CONGRATUL ATIONS ON THE INAUGURATION OF JAMES C. SCHMIDT AS PRESIDENT OF JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY!

THIS MARKS AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER FOR THE JMU COMMUNITY. AN INAUGURATION IS MORE THAN A CEREMONY — IT’S A CELEBRATION OF LEADERSHIP, VISION, AND THE SHARED COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, STUDENT SUCCESS, AND INNOVATION.

WISHING PRESIDENT SCHMIDT GREAT SUCCESS AS HE LEADS JMU FORWARD WITH INTEGRITY, INSPIRATION, AND A STRONG COMMITMENT TO THE DUKES COMMUNITY.

FROM YOUR PEPSI-COL A OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA FAMILY

G O D U K E S ! G O D U K E S !

SGA voices for students during new administrative decisions

By SAM WRIGHT

The Breeze

As students’ primary voice on campus, the Student Government Association (SGA) works closely with the university to guarantee student voices are heard during administrative decisions.

Two people in particular — senior SGA Student Body President Charlotte Bronaugh and senior Student Representative to the Board of Visitors (BoV) Sydney Stafford — work closer than most, spending a lot of time discussing decisions and the future with President Jim Schmidt and many other administrators throughout JMU.

In her position, Bronaugh said she works closely with the SGA, keeping it on track and helping it to complete projects.

Bronaugh acts as “the bridge between faculty, staff, students and admin,” she said, sharing student perspectives with Schmidt, while also keeping the student body updated on the happenings of high-level administration.

Stafford wrote in a statement to The Breeze that she represents JMU students to the BoV as it makes decisions. She added she helps plan events and works with other administrators, especially the President’s Office.

Bronaugh and Stafford wrote they have a positive working relationship with Schmidt.

“Our meetings are very productive, and he is super open to new perspectives,” Stafford wrote.

With this, Bronaugh said Schmidt makes considerable efforts to connect with students, adding a great example of this was Schmidt’s attendance of the first ever Dukes Spring Forward event

held on the Quad on March 25.

“[He] works really hard to get to know students and really interact with them,” she said.

Collaboration is essential for making decisions and getting things done in the upper levels of administration, Bronaugh said. She added that decisions are seldom made alone, and it’s important for the university and Schmidt to consider all available perspectives when taking actions of any size.

“There are so many different thoughts and perspectives and people that are a part of the decisions that are made,” Bronaugh said.

Bronaugh and Stafford have regular meetings with Schmidt to update him on the student body’s morale, they said.

“He really values student feedback and perspective, and always is asking for ways he can support the student experience,” Stafford wrote.

Schmidt wants to hold more events like Dukes Spring Forward to make students feel heard, encouraged and celebrated, Bronaugh said.

Bronaugh said Schmidt has demonstrated this effort to listen to students by visiting SGA meetings and engaging with senators.

“{Schmidt’s] really great, he’s wonderful,” Bronaugh said.

CONTACT Sam Wright at wrigh4sx@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Schmidt’s past role as chancellor of University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire creating strong sense of community

By JAMYA RIBBON The Breeze

During his previous role as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin EauClaire (UWEC) prior to becoming JMU’s seventh president, Jim Schmidt was known for creating a cordial and developing environment.

Schmidt served as chancellor at UWEC from 2013 to 2025 before resigning to become the new president at JMU.

Mary Bolog, former UWEC Student Government Association (SGA) president and 2024 graduate, said she remembered Schmidt as a present and welcoming face on campus.

“I often remember him just walking around saying hi to people,” Bolog said. “I only talked to him a handful of times, but he was [always] very kind and interested.”

As chancellor, Schmidt helped the school through its ups and downs, hosting uplifting events like an annual Pancake Night during finals week for students, Bolog said.

Bolog added JMU students should expect Schmidt to be “very approachable” on campus.

“You can expect someone who’s willing to give an ear to anyone who wants to talk with him,” Bolog said.

“You can expect someone who will listen to what you have to say and will do his best to fight for the rights of your student body.”

Bolog said she’s hopeful about Schmidt’s future at JMU and wished him good luck in his new position, restating that he was always there for students.

Schmidt’s accomplishments as chancellor were construction-based, Bolog said, something he hopes to bring to JMU as well.

His term brought in the creation of the Pablo Center at the Confluence, a performing arts venue, and the Sonnentag Center arena, which is Eau-Claire’s largest indoor event venue, as well as renovations and additions to student housing and a new science building.

Most of the renovations focused on fixing outdated parts of campus, especially the “traditional” on-campus housing, to retain students.

“[We] had a set goal to improve student housing,” former UWEC Assistant Chancellor Michael Rindo said. “A lot of our housing was quite dated and needed attention.”

Most of the projects were heavily funded, with the Sonnentag Center alone receiving $70 million in donations, Rindo said.

Schmidt also began a research partnership with the Mayo Clinic, resulting in a sports imaging and medicine facility.

The medical institution worked as an undergraduate research facility for students and athletes.

“There were so many different ways that he found to harness the power of outside institutions that would benefit the university and those outside institutions and the overall community,” Rindo said. Rindo added that he and Schmidt had both a professional and social relationship, as they got along while working on these projects, and Schmidt even hosted his retirement party.

“I always tell him he was the best boss I ever had,” Rindo said.

In regard to students’ expectations, Rindo said Dukes should anticipate Schmidt to be engaging and have great respect for students as a “student-first administrator,” especially the student government, while also supporting faculty to work independently.

“[He is] absolutely student-centered. You will find him as a tireless advocate for student and faculty,” Rindo said.

CONTACT JaMya Ribbon at ribbonjm@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @ TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @ BreezeJMU.

Senior Student Body President Charlotte Bronaugh speaks to incoming Dukes about student life at JMU. Jack Barbour / The Breeze

Dukes share thoughts on Jim Schmidt

“The thing I’d like to see him change is ... promotion of different cultural organizations.”

“I heard a lot about the 10-year plan that he has. I think that’s really awesome. He’s really trying to progress JMU.”

“ He’s all over the place. I feel like I see him around.”

“He’s basically the backbone of the university. I feel like a lot of students should be more up to date with his efforts and what he’s doing.”

“Make the Bird [scooters] more accessible to students ... something to get students from East to Main.”

“Expanding our STEM program in general would be huge.”

Summer Solis / The Breeze

Truong Truong, senior communications major

Melanie Arias, freshman biotechnology major

Hannah Gorsenger, freshman history major

Adriana Barsoom, junior health science major

Brandon Venancio, senior international affairs major

Melanie Arias, freshman biotechnology major

CONGRATULATIONS

TO PRESIDENT JAMES C. SCHMIDT ON HIS INAUGURATION AS PRESIDENT OF JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY!

After a year’s worth of work, JMU finalizes its strategic plan

By EMMA NOTARNICOLA The Breeze

In an initiative headed by University President Jim Schmidt, the Office of the President and the Strategic Planning Committee, university feedback has been compiled into a cohesive plan focused on defining and improving JMU, using AI to consolidate feedback and begin the drafting process.

The strategic plan is a comprehensive strategy for what’s going to change in the upcoming years under the Schmidt administration, according to its website.

Creating the plan

The Strategic Planning Committee — composed of 100-person vision teams, three faculty co-chairs, three logistics leads, a facilitator lead and a slew of members from the Office of the President, including Schmidt and Chief of Staff David Kirkpatrick — facilitated the plan’s creation.

Through four phases which spanned from August through April, the committee gathered information from faculty, students, alumni and other community members. This was to pinpoint the best areas the Schmidt administration should target in its plan, co-chair of the Senior Associate Vice President for Philanthropic Operations and strategic plan committee co-chair Sheila Smith said.

Since beginning his time at JMU, Schmidt has had a hand in this information-gathering process. Once he entered his role, Schmidt began the listening phase, Smith said, reaching out to and hearing these aforementioned community members.

“When [Schmidt] first arrived, he was very focused on getting out and meeting constituents on and off campus to hear from them about what they viewed as the most important about JMU and their ideas on where we should move forward,” Smith said.

Through Schmidt spearheaded, the committee gathered considerable feedback. This was primarily part of his presidential listening tour, during which Schmidt spoke on his vision for the future and engaged with Dukes and Dukes affiliates.

“[Schmidt’s] been the energy and

I think the visionary behind much of what’s moving forward in the plan,” Smith said. “[He’s] also someone who’s listening and taking note of really being intentional about wanting to maintain our culture and understanding what makes JMU so special.”

Schmidt met with over 1,180 in-person and 241 virtual listening tour participants, over 600 faculty members during individual college meetings, 272 idea forum participants, and engaged with 252 online comments. This resulted in over 220 pages of feedback and formed the draft’s basis, according to a JMU website.

To assist in sifting through data, Smith said the committee used Microsoft Copilot — a generative AI chatbot — to identify common themes throughout the numerous pages and consolidate the information. used [AI] to generate some initial drafts, but everything that was ultimately written was, of course, reviewed by humans and edited as needed by humans,” Smith said. “We did try to utilize AI just to help us. This is a very fast process, especially for the university.” this process, Smith said the committee began its “envision phase,” during which seven vision teams — a small group of JMU shareholders, according to a JMU website — analyzed the concentrated feedback in the form of information pillars. teams] were charged with specific elements of the plan and strategies for how we can be successful in those pillar areas,” Smith said.

said the committee has been refining a completed draft since March 14 to present to the Board of Visitors (BoV) in April for the “create phase.” approved, the draft will enter its final phase: implementation. Different implementation teams will create plans on how to

effectively and realistically implement the plan, Smith added.

Even after the draft’s completion, students, faculty, staff and others can comment on the drafts and provide additional feedback before it is presented to the BoV.

The pillars

The committee concentrated the feedback into five pillars to focus on and address the main issues identified.

Smith said the current final proposal has five pillars centered on improving the JMU community and campus — slightly altered from the previous draft currently displayed on JMU’s website.

“It’s important to know that while this is still taking shape and is really starting to come together,” Smith said, “it is still a draft at this point.”

The first pillar — enhancing the value, purpose and impact of a JMU education — focuses on providing the best experience possible for students to prepare them with skills needed in the workplace.

With this pillar, the strategic plan has guarantees for future employers of JMU graduates, referred to as the Madison Promise: The first part is that while in the workplace, if Dukes feel they need to further develop work-based skills, JMU will provide free additional workshops in those areas.

“I think this is a big opportunity for JMU to make a statement not just to Virginia, but nationwide to say we stand behind our graduates,” Smith said.

The second pillar — “invest in our people” — is introduced with the plan’s latest draft. Though this pillar hasn’t been officially approved by the BoV, Smith said it has been well-received.

This pillar, tied to the Reengineering Madison IT overhaul initiative — which

“[Schmidt’s] really been the energy and I think the visionary behind much of what’s moving forward in the plan.”

Sheila Smith Senior associate vice president for philanthropic operations

will modernize JMU technologically according to its website — focuses on faculty and staff, guaranteeing they’re equipped to ensure the Madison Promise while aligning with a realistic workload.

“We have a bit of a reputation at JMU that we’re always excited to do new things, but we’re not always that great at saying, ‘okay, if we start doing this, then that’s something we need to take off our plates,’” Smith said.

The third pillar emphasizes JMU’s role as a national research university. Currently, Smith said, JMU is working to expand research opportunities. JMU advanced from an R3 to an R2 research institution in the Carnegie Classification in 2022, according to a JMU article. This pillar focuses on earning the university R1 status. The classification designates universities into different levels of research programs. She added that, through this initiative, JMU hopes to eventually earn an R1 classification, the highest level in this system. Next, pillar four — becoming the preferred partner to meet the needs of the commonwealth and beyond — aims to ensure JMU’s mission, performance and programs align with the needs within the larger workforce, Smith said. Finally, pillar five is focused on creating an innovative campus community. This, Smith said, is where most of the goals centered around construction and campus development are found. Specifically, she added, it’s focused on increasing student housing, especially for sophomores

“If we move forward with the construction plans for the central campus … I think it can be very advantageous for a student population as well as for the community,” Smith said. As times change, the university must evolve as well, Smith said. This plan allows the university to fulfill this goal while adapting to its community.

“We have a history of really reaching for the stars. We started as an all-women’s teacher’s college, and we wouldn’t have transformed into the comprehensive university that we are today if it weren’t for strategic planning,” Smith said. “I think it’s important just for our continued lifeblood as a university.”

CONTACT Emma Notarnicola at thebreezeweb@gmail.com . For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

By BELLA ARIST The Breeze

Are you headed to Wednesday's inauguration and unsure what to wear? Business casual can be tricky to navigate, and it’s important to dress accordingly to the event. Here are some tips for a polished and professional look if you’re planning to ring in JMU’s seventh president:

For women, business attire could be a blouse with a long skirt or slacks. If you want to elevate the look, add a blazer. Try to avoid ripped jeans, athletic wear and revealing or loud tops. Pairing the outfit with flats or low heels adds a clean touch to the look.

For men, dress in a polo with khakis or a button-down shirt with dress pants. Add some dress shoes and a tie to make your look more formal.

Have you heard of the three-color rule? The Undone has a style guide suggesting that outfits should be made up of a dominant, secondary and an accent color.

“Keeping your palette to a maximum of three core colors, supplemented with black and white, ensures your artwork isn’t going to be too complicated for the viewer,” reads The Undone article. “Instead of the eye bouncing around, not knowing where to land, keeping it to those three colors provides a palatable piece, balanced and refined.”

If you are looking to spice up your look with patterns, be sure to match the palette within your print and don’t mix more than three colors. Keeping the color ratio cohesive is important to maintain a professional look.

Modesty for business attire “usually involves covering the shoulders, knees, and chest, and avoiding tight, sheer, or revealing clothing,” according to the website Masarishop.

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By EDISON VRANIAN & JUSTIN BRAUNSTEIN

Wearing appropriate clothing promotes respect and honor for all included at the event, the website reads.

If you are worried about having too much shoulder exposure, add a shawl or cardigan to make the outfit more modest. The length of your clothes is also key to looking professional, having tops full-length and bottoms below the knees.

Monroe Main emphasizes keeping accessories minimal. Accessorizing your look can add personality, but it’s key to balance fashion with professionalism.

“Handbags can always be a smart fashion statement, but try to avoid bringing in droopy or slouchy bags that can look careless and messy … It’s also best to wear earrings that won’t overpower your face. Diamond studs tend to look more professional than hanging hoops,” according to Monroe Main.

But what if you want a historical nod in your fit? Look no further than a Vogue article on the history of the United States’ presidential Inauguration Day, which discusses the fashion trends since 1789 worn by U.S. presidents’ wives on the national stage.

President Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, featured “the highly fashionable crinoline skirt of the mid-19th century … with ruffles and a florets pattern. She accessorized with fresh flowers,” Vogue wrote.

Jackie Kennedy’s time as first lady was shorter than others, but “her impact was unlike anything the White House had seen.” Her style was seen as youthful and innovative.