James Madison University Selects Jonathan R. Alger As Sixth President
The James Madison University Board of Visitors has unanimously selected Mr. Jonathan R. Alger to serve as the next president of James Madison University.
“We desired a leader who values our student-centered focus, emphasis on teaching and is committed to the full development of the individual. We needed someone with an appreciation for the historical strengths of the University and one willing to invest time to understand our distinct institutional culture. Today, in Jon Alger we feel we have found the individual who best encompasses such values and is well positioned to lead our university into the next century,” said James Madison University Board of Visitors Rector, James Hartman.
Alger is now the sixth president of James Madison University in its 103-year history. Alger comes to James Madison University by way of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where he currently serves as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
“JMU has had a remarkable history of successful presidents who have guided the University through tremendous growth and change. This legacy reflects a strong institution with a clear sense of identity and purpose. Working with the entire University community, I will strive to continue, and build upon, that powerful tradition. I am deeply honored and humbled with this opportunity to serve James Madison University,” said Alger.
The selection comes following a comprehensive and successful search process over the past 11 months. The search committee, which was appointed by the James Madison University Board of Visitors, was assembled following last year’s announcement by JMU President Linwood Rose of his retirement in June of 2012.
“As chair of the search committee that recommended Jon Alger, and as a committed alumnus I couldn’t be more excited that Jon will be our next president. I’m extremely proud of the search committee, our process, our search firm, the quantity and quality of candidates and the outcome,” said Presidential Search Committee Chair, Joseph Damico.
While President Rose was needed in Richmond and unable to attend, he provided a letter of encouragement to Alger stating: “We all look forward to your leadership and the application of your special talents, interests and abilities. Judith and I stand ready to support and assist wherever and whenever we may be helpful.”
Updates:
President-elect Visits JMU (April 6, 2012)
Jonathan R. Alger met with James Madison University faculty, staff and student leaders during a two-day visit to campus April 5-6, his first official visit since being named president-elect. READ MORE >
Message from President-Elect Alger to faculty, staff and students (Jan. 17, 2012)
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
As a new year begins, I want to thank you all for your gracious and warm welcome to the James Madison University community, and to give you a brief sense of transition plans for the coming months.
Mary Ann, Eleanor and I have been and continue to be taken with your notes, letters and words of encouragement. Madison’s reputation as an especially close and supportive campus community is widely known, and now I have experienced it for myself. We very much look forward to joining you this coming summer.
As I said in my acceptance speech, President Rose has set the stage for an exciting next chapter in the university’s history. Transition activities are well under way, and we are actively involved in a series of briefings on each division of the university, and on issues related to Richmond and Capitol Hill. I still have much to learn about the university, but I can tell you that the more I discover, the more excited I become about the privilege of leading Madison.
Although eager to get to campus and begin work, I am committed to seeing several major projects through at Rutgers and at the state level in New Jersey. Once I arrive on campus in July, I plan to meet with students, faculty and staff as a part of a listening tour with important constituencies of the university. As you may remember from my speech in November, it is my hope to position James Madison University as the standard for the engaged university in the 21st century. To accomplish this vision, there is no better place to start than to engage with you.
Finally, I want to express my immense gratitude to Dr. Rose, who is helping to facilitate a smooth transition and who has generously offered to host receptions for me to meet with you prior to my start date. Plans are under way for me to come to campus to meet with the faculty and staff and with students on April 5th and 6th. I look forward to meeting many of you at that time. Until then, have a terrific semester.
Sincerely,
Jon Alger
President-Elect
