The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, April 11, 2014, in the Board Room of Madison’s Festival Conference and Student Center.

Following is a summary of actions taken by the board and key areas of discussion at the board meeting:

• Approved the January 17, 2014 BOV meeting minutes;
• Approved committee reports from Advancement, Athletics, Education & Student Life, and Finance & Physical Development;
• Received the President’s Report presented by President Jonathan Alger;
• Received an update from Provost A. Jerry Benson on three new academic hires.  The following positions have been filled:
  • Dr. Robert Kolvoord has been appointed dean of the College of Integrated Science and Engineering;
  • Dr. Sharon Lovell has been appointed dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Studies;
  • Dr. Yvonne Harris has been appointed vice provost for research and scholarship;
  • More information
• Heard a Brand Penetration Report presented by Mr. Andy Perrine, Associate Vice President for Communications & Marketing;
• Received the General Assembly Update presented by Mr. Charles King, Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance;
• Met in Closed Session and approved the following real estate purchases:
  •  705 Locust Hill Drive for $340,000
  •  900 Forest Hill Road for $370,000
  •  901 Forest Hill Road for $265,000

Was told by President Jonathan Alger:

• that the Strategic Plan’s key facets of engagement are Engaged Learning, Community Engagement and Civic Engagement;
• that to facilitate Engaged Learning, JMU is exploring ways to expand undergraduate research opportunities, and is developing plans to increase student participation in internships and study abroad. Humanities and social science faculty participated in a training institute on using digital technologies to spark innovation in the classroom;
• that recent events on campus contributing to Engaged Learning included the Intelligence and the Transition from War to Peace Conference, the NASA Guidance Counselors Engineering/STEM Workshop and the Phi Alpha Theta Research Conference;
• that the Madison Vision Series contributes to Engaged Learning with speakers Kat Imhoff during Madison Week and Carly Fiorina on April 9. Christopher Phillips will speak on April 30;
• that JMU’s Community Engagement includes participation in the Ice House in downtown Harrisonburg, the Valley Scholars Program and Alternative Spring Break;
• that examples of JMU’s Civic Engagement include participation in the Franklin Project (public service at the national level), and an upcoming event at the Library of Congress focusing on President Madison’s legacy for our institution and society;
• that the University Health Center moved into the Student Success Center in March;
• that the Student Success Center will include space for 20 different departments and eight innovative, experiential classrooms;
• that the Student Success Center is expected to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification;
• that the JMU Swimming and Diving, Softball and Women’s Basketball teams are all having or have had successful seasons;

JMU Recognitions:

• Student Joe Balsamo is a Goldwater Scholarship recipient;
• Student Suzanne Beeckler has been named the Virginia Nursing Student of the Year.