JMU Offers Graduate Program in Roanoke

HARRISONBURG - Roanoke-area residents can now earn a master's degree in public administration from James Madison University. 

JMU Outreach Programs has formed a partnership with the Roanoke Higher Education Center (RHEC) after gauging the community's educational needs and interests. "The MPA program is in demand in the Roanoke area," said Carol Fleming, director of Outreach Programs. "We're excited that JMU can deliver graduate-level instruction using new distance-learning technology." 

The MPA program fills a void in course offerings, according to RHEC Executive Director Tom McKeon. "We are pleased to have James Madison University join the Roanoke Higher Education Center," McKeon said. "Bringing JMU's degree programs and other academic resources to the Center broadens educational opportunity in our region by meeting needs in areas not already covered by our other institutional members." 

The Roanoke MPA program will be lead by Dr. Gary Kirk, assistant professor of public policy and administration at JMU. "The MPA program at the RHEC is an excellent way for JMU to contribute to the development of current and future leaders for the public and nonprofit sectors in the Roanoke Valley," Kirk said. "Together with our existing MPA program in Harrisonburg, the RHEC program will enable us to cultivate professionals with the administrative skills, political savvy, and public service ethic necessary to lead constructive change in Virginia communities." 

RHEC Open House 
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 4-6 p.m. 
WHERE: Claude Moore Education Complex, downtown Roanoke 
WHAT: Representatives from JMU and other institutions will provide information regarding degree programs, professional development, corporate training and lifelong learning opportunitites. The event is free. Learn more at http://www.education.edu. 

For more information about JMU, contact Jamie Marsh in JMU's Office of Public Affairs at 540-568-4908 or by e-mail marshjs@jmu.edu. 

For more information about RHEC, contact Carla James, director of academic and student services, at 540-767-6010 or by e-mail Carla.james@education.edu.