Like father, like daughter: Game Changers run in Hodges family

Back in October, John Hodges ('78), the technology director for the School of Media Arts and Design, received a Game Changer award from JMU Athletics for his outstanding work benefiting students. On Nov. 30, his daughter, Sara Hodges ('03, '13M), received the honor at Bridgeforth Stadium during the third quarter of JMU's regular season football finale with Marshall University. Sara Hodges has been advising JMU Honors College students for more than 15 years, helping them navigate requirements, co-teaching their first-year seminar and mentoring student leaders.  

"Sara is a Game Changer who empowers students and helps them pursue excellence in and out of the classroom," said Bethany Blackstone, dean of the Honors College. 

Blackstone joined Sara on the field for the recognition along with Athletic Director Matt Roan and Provost Bob Kolvoord. 

JMU Athletics recognized 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.   

• Music professor Eric Guinivan, who was recognized at the Oct. 26 game. 

• Paul Henriksen, an advisor and lecturer in the College of Integrated Science and Engineering, and Brenda Wilkinson, an advisor in the College of Science and Mathematics, were honored at the Nov. 9 game.