JMU professor receives Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery award 

Laura Katzman, professor of art history, has been awarded the 2024 Director’s Essay Prize for Scholars by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. 

Art history professor receives Smithsonian Institution award

Laura Katzman receives $3,000 and will present lecture on Oct. 15

Costa Rica study abroad explores wellness, community, longevity

Students and faculty “pura vida” in Costa Rica through academic, cultural and physical activities centered around understanding longevity and wellness.

European study abroad enriches perspectives on health care systems

From Spain to the Czech Republic, JMU students studied health care systems through clinic visits and cultural experiences

JMU signs agreement with Alamein International University

On July 25, JMU Interim President Charlie King signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alamein International University (Egypt).

Update on Crowdstrike outage

Message from Interim President Charlie King

Faculty Spotlight: Weiming Hu

From lively classroom discussions to collaborative projects like developing a data dashboard for the Hillside weather station, Hu fosters a rich learning environment.

JMU MFA graduate named VMFA Visual Arts Professional Fellow

Yulin Yuan (’24M) of SADAH’s MFA program received a 2024-2025 Visual Arts Professional Fellowship from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

JMU students engage with European policymakers

For the 6th consecutive year, JMU students participated in the Schuman Challenge at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States

Ethical Leadership and Professionalism from Italy to Africa

The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa team shares their advice on leadership and professionalism in an ever-changing workplace with the EUPS 2024 cohort.

Santi Apostoli

Marisol Powell ('24) writes about her experience living in Florence and visiting the city's most ancient religious sites.

Fostering Innovation in the Middle East

Alexandra Wilson Tuman ('24) interviews Christina Craver ('12) about her experiences living and working in Dubai, to highlight the benefits and challenges of living and working abroad.

Letter from the Director

Our alumni survey speaks to how our graduates value their time in this program.

Modeling the Way with Model EU

Noah Buracker ('24) shares his perspective on serving as the High Representative/Vice President during the 2023 Model EUP Simulation and embracing cultural exchange and international networking.

Bridging Skies and Borders

EUPS alumna, Liz Hammer ('14), the Chief of Air and Space at the U.S. Embassy in London, shares her insight on professional growth and career development from across the pond.

JMU faculty partner with African universities through a fellowship

Three JMU faculty members received support from the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program to partner with African higher education institutions.

JMU international students and faculty travel to Washington, D.C., for the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival

At the end of March, a group of more than 30 JMU international students and faculty hopped on a bus and traveled to Washington, D.C., to experience the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Charting a new course

A collaborative approach enhances the 14th Annual Interdisciplinary African, African American & Diaspora Studies (AAAD) Conference.

Inaugural Elev8 Ethics speaker navigates ‘catastrophe ethics’

Author, speaker and bioethicist Travis Rieder encourages finding the common ground between saving the world and giving up.

Saluting an uncommon colonel

Frances Weir (’49) paved the way for generations of Army women.

JMU study abroad program receives national recognition at Forum Awards

The Center for Global Engagement announces a JMU study abroad program winning a national award from The Forum on Education Abroad

Intelligence Analysis students participate in the Intelligence Studies Consortium

JMU was the only university to send IA undergraduates to the ISC conference.

A Better World Together exhibit promotes environmental stewardship ahead of Earth Day

This immersive showcase, on display through May 9, serves as a beacon of hope, urging students to consider their role in shaping a sustainable future.

Distinguished graduates say adaptability is the hallmark of good leadership in the modern age

Verizon senior executives share insights on leadership.

School of Theatre and Dance welcomes guest award-winning director Reneltta Arluk

Presenting “The Birds: A Modern Adaptation of Aristophanes’ Comedy” by Yvette Nolan April 9–13 in The Studio Theatre

Army veteran keeps women’s military contributions alive

Amelia Underwood (’13M) teaches classes on leadership and American military history as well as an Honors course, American Women at War.

Boca Tuya, the New York dance phenomenon, lights up the Forbes stage April 13 and 14

Drawing inspiration from diverse influences, Boca Tuya offers a unique and exhilarating experience that transcends borders and cultures.

Trailblazing alumna gives JMU largest cash gift

The estate of a 1949 graduate is giving nearly $6 million to JMU, the largest cash gift in the university’s history.

Music student named distinguished recipient of esteemed 23-24 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award

Haven Kahn leaves behind a legacy resonating with his peers and mentors alike.

IIE and U.S. Embassy Bangkok select JMU for 2024 IAPP Thailand cohort

For the next nine months, JMU will develop new educational partnerships in Thailand.

Students tackle real-world U.S. security issues abroad

Hacking for Diplomacy participants pitch their ideas to officials at the Department of State.

Students inspired by Smart Cities Conference in Indonesia

The conference united students and educators from 60 countries for workshops, lectures and cultural experiences.

Turning the first page

Rachel McRady (’11) promotes her debut novel in a place she loves.

Nursing partnership with Ghana set to strengthen nursing fields here and abroad

Ten students in JMU’s School of Nursing visited Ghana over winter session for a ten-day study abroad that will impact their futures as nurses and global citizens.

Still reaching for the moon

JMU professor Mark Rooker’s artistic mission fell short of the moon, but the experience has been out of this world.

JMU accepted into State Department refugee program

JMU will welcome two refugee students from Africa as part of the university’s acceptance into a new State Department program.

Kinesiology majors fulfill internship requirements in Australia

Students in Kin481: Study Abroad Internship have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Australia. 

JY Zhou appointed NAFSA 2026 conference committee chair

Dr. JY Zhou, Executive Director of JMU's Center for Global Engagement, has been appointed as Chair of the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference Committee.

JMU to host international conference on accountability in Washington, D.C.

On Feb. 7–9, JMU’s Washington Center will play host to the Accountability in African Public Policy and Administration conference.

Engineering professor inspires global climate solutions through innovative education

Justin Henriques’ new course brings together students from the U.S. and Kenya, and will focus on climate change and peace.

Threading memories

SADAH Director MiKyoung Lee reflects on the past 15 years of her practice with 20 artworks in a solo exhibition at Princeton University's Art Museum.

Strength on and off the court

Professor alumna incorporates disability sport in kinesiology curriculum.

JMU to recognize December 2023 graduates

James Madison University will hold Winter Commencement at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Atlantic Union Bank Center.

ISAT alum applies biotech skills to defense intelligence career

Kelly Davidhizar's career spans the globe thanks to the diverse skill set she learned in ISAT.

English professor Brooks E. Hefner gives talk in Morocco

English professor and director of Graduate Studies Brooks E. Hefner spoke at the Tangier American Legation Museum in Morocco.

The Picture of a Journey to Florence

New EUPS professor at JMU Florence campus, Christine Bakker, PhD, shares her professional journey, her experience working for the European Commission, and how she came to live in Florence, Italy full-time.

A Window into the Consulting World

Married JMU alumni, Mr. Richard Shapiro and Mrs. Alexis Shapiro stop by Florence, Italy to lead a consulting workshop and share their professional advice with the EUPS cohort.

JMU Duke Puts Down Roots in Italy

JMU Semester in Florence alumnus, Mr. Andrew Spannaus, speaks with students about his experience living in Milan and building a successful international career.

Il Conventino

Across the Ponte Vecchio, this historical social hub bridges cultures and communities.

A Changing Environment

The EUPS program ensures students are ready to enter the rapidly changing job market with practical experience.

Letter from the director of EUPS

Executive Director Charles Blake discusses the current cohort, upcoming alumni events in March and May 2024, and the varied ways in which alumni contribute to the EUPS program.

Graduate student prepares to advocate for change in Papua New Guinea

Doreen Philip’s story of determination to give back to the community and become a source of empowerment for village women in Papua New Guinea.

CISE embraces the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals

CISE integrates the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals into coursework and research initiatives.

Hunting the ghost ship: How an IA professor tracked the SPARTA IV

Intelligence Analysis professor Giangiuseppe Pili and his team utilized open-source data collection to analyze and identify the transportation of military cargo by the Russian SPARTA IV.

Bella Bledzki: JMU English major at Oxford

Bella Bledzki, a senior English major with a minor in Creative Writing, is currently studying abroad in Oxford through the Center for Global Engagement at JMU.

Ending veteran homelessness

JMU ROTC graduate lays the foundation for Operation Renewed Hope

JMU Student Shares Stage with Alger in Japan

Bella Santos ('25) shares her experience talking to university leaders in Hiroshima, Japan

Harnessing the potential of AI

Artificial intelligence’s potential to spark fear and confusion can easily overshadow its potential for improving lives.

The promise and the pitfalls of AI

JMU is proceeding with caution as it assesses the AI landscape.

Halloween can provide a new outlook on life, says JMU professor

Halloween is often seen as something that can scare people and keep them away, but what if the script were flipped.

Student showcase: Thriving in Anthropology

For students Cheyenne Sewell (’23) and Casey Brewer (‘23), and many others like them, anthropology means everything from connecting to the local community to taking on the world

U.S. State Department releases Open Doors® Report

Funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Open Doors® annually presents a comprehensive report on the mobility of students in U.S. higher education, both inbound and outbound.

ISSS hosts international students for annual Thanksgiving meal

In a tradition dating back over 10 years, ISSS hosted international students for a Thanksgiving meal.