Presidential transition update - Dec. 13, 2024

Dear JMU community, 

On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I am pleased to share an update on our progress as we work diligently to identify the next leader of James Madison University. 

At this stage, search committee members are thoroughly reviewing and rating the candidates under consideration. These ratings will then be synthesized by our search firm, Russell Reynolds Associates, into a composite evaluation. This vital step ensures a comprehensive and fair assessment of each candidate’s qualifications and alignment with JMU’s needs and aspirations. 

Looking ahead, the next major milestone in the process will be for the search committee to discuss candidates and determine who will be invited for the first round of virtual interviews. Following these virtual interviews, we will identify a subset of individuals to advance to the in-person interview phase. The strongest of these candidates will be referred to the full JMU Board of Visitors for their consideration. 

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the members of the Presidential Search Committee for their tireless commitment and the many hours spent reviewing candidate materials. Your dedication is instrumental to ensuring the success of this process and the future of JMU. 

The selection of James Madison University’s next president is one of the most consequential decisions we will make as a community. Identifying the right individual to guide JMU’s future is critical to maintaining and enhancing our tradition of excellence, innovation and service. We are committed to finding a leader who embodies the values of JMU and is ready to lead us boldly into the future. 

Thank you for your continued support and interest in this important process. We will provide further updates as the search progresses. 

Kay Coles James

Chair, Presidential Search Committee

Member of the JMU Board of Visitors