Innovative music professor recognized as a Game Changer

JMU music professor Eric Guinivan, a Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist, was recognized as a “Game Changer” Saturday during the Homecoming football game with the University of Southern Mississippi for his outstanding work benefiting the university.    

He was joined in an on-field ceremony by Rubén Graciani, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Bob Kolvoord, provost, and Matt Roan, athletic director. 

In his nomination, Graciani wrote that Guinivan's “contributions to the equity workload process in the School of Music have rippled out to the College of Visual and Performing Arts as well as academic units across JMU. His commitment to access and passion for an equitable workplace continues to enrich the JMU community, making him a true game changer both in and out of the classroom.” 

Among his accomplishments, Guinivan led an initiative to livestream performances from the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, which now reaches approximately 50,000 viewers each year. 

JMU Athletics plans to recognize Game Changer honorees from each of the university’s eight colleges at home football games throughout the season.   

Previous honorees were: 

• Doreen Liccione (’92), an academic adviser in the College of Business, who was the first JMU employee recognized as a “Game Changer” during the Sept. 7 football game. 

• Professors Monica Smith-Woofter, College of Education, and Jamie Frye, College of Health and Behavioral Studies, who were recognized at the Sept. 28 game. 

• John Hodges, the technology director and an instructor for the School of Media Arts and Design, received the honor at the Oct. 10 game.  

Game Changers will also be recognized at games on the following dates:     

• Nov. 9: College of Integrated Sciences and Engineering and College of Science and Mathematics 

• Nov. 30: Honors College