JMU alums gift more than $1M toward first-generation students

Harrisonburg, Virginia — There isn’t a better “full circle” moment for a university than cheering on alumni through their successes and then watching them make the choice to invest in the future of its students. 

Dr. Angela Reddix (’90) and her husband, Carl Reddix (’88), both graduated from James Madison University’s College of Business and have recently made a significant and impactful investment in the university. 

They have committed $1.1 million to support first-generation students at JMU. The gift names the Reddix Center for First Generation Students and also establishes the Reddix Centennial Scholarship Endowment. 

“We are delighted to leave a powerful mark on a university that has left such a powerful mark on our lives,” said Angela and Carl Reddix. “May this center be a representation that regardless of where you start, we can all reach impossible dreams.” 

“This gift is an incredible investment in JMU and will benefit countless students for years to come,” said JMU President Jonathan R. Alger. “We are honored that JMU is the recipient of this form of generosity from inspiring and innovative alumni. We have been very intentional to cultivate a supportive and inclusive community for first-generation students throughout their educational journey at JMU, and this gift is perfectly aligned with that initiative.” 

Background Information

Angela Reddix, a marketing major at JMU, is founder, president and CEO of ARDX, an award-winning health care management and IT consulting firm dedicated to improving the lives of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. 

She is also the founder of a Norfolk-based nonprofit, Envision Lead Grow, which helps aspiring girls — especially those of color — gain the skills and dedication needed to accomplish their dreams through entrepreneurship. 

In addition, she is among a group of 17 inaugural Virginia Black Business Leaders Award winners. The list, chosen by the editors of Virginia Business and published in the magazine’s February issue in honor of Black History Month, recognizes some of the state’s most accomplished Black executives.

First-Generation Students at JMU

At JMU, the total applicant pool of incoming first-year students has grown by 64% over the last two years. Specifically for first-generation students, the applicant pool has grown by 29% since last year. 

In addition, the support system provided to first-generation students has already proven to be a success with the following career outcomes that measured the Class of 2021:

• First-generation students made up 37.6 percent of the Class of 2021.
• Of those first-generation students upon graduation, 66.5 percent were working full-time and 22.8 percent were continuing their education.

The dedication ceremony to honor and celebrate this gift will be hosted by JMU at the Reddix Center for First Generation Students on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. 

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Note to media: Members of the media are invited to a dedication ceremony, where Angela and Carl will be available for an interview. Please respond to Mary-Hope Vass, University Communications, vassmg@jmu.edu to confirm your attendance. If you are unable to attend, but still wish to have an interview, please communicate that to Mary-Hope to facilitate a time.   

Media contact: Mary-Hope Vass, vassmg@jmu.edu.