The Center is named to honor the legacy and contributions of Challace Joe McMillin in coaching and sport psychology at JMU.  Coach McMillin started the JMU cross country and track & field programs in 1971 and football program in 1972.  He coached track teams through 1975 and football team until 1984.  Among his players were future NFL standouts Gary Clark, Charles Hayley, and Scott Norwood. 

Coach McMillin was twice selected the Virginia College Athletic Association Coach of the Year (1974 & 1975), earned the American Football Coaches’ Association Regional Kodak Coach of the Year award in 1975, and was inducted into the JMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.  Between 1971 & 2003 he taught classes in the Department of Physical Education and Health Science, became a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation Studies, and earned his Ed.D. from the University of Virginia. 

Dr. McMillin specialized in coaching education, sport sociology, and sport psychology, and instrumental in developing JMU’s nationally accredited coaching minor. He received honors and awards recognizing his teaching and service, including the James Madison Distinguished Faculty Award in 1999 and the JMU Alumni Association Outstanding Madisonian Award in 2003.  Challace is survived by his supportive wife, Mary Lou, and his two children (Lisa and Sid) and his two grandchildren (Christopher and Rachel).