Education 2025: SCHMIDT, JAMES C.

Hired in March, Schmidt became JMU’s new president in July. He was most recently chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he was recognized as a “stellar fundraiser” and brought in one of the largest gifts in that university’s history: a $70 million athletics donation.
Schmidt’s 30-year career in higher education, as well as his own education, has mainly taken place in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He received his doctorate in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota, and was vice president for university advancement at Winona State University in Minnesota.

Schmidt says that JMU has an opportunity to grow industry partnerships, collaborate with Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, and contribute to the economic success of Virginia.

JMU, the state’s fifth largest university, has plenty going on this fall, including a new residence hall’s opening, the renovation and expansion of Carrier Library, and work on the next master plan.

INTERESTING PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: The Sultanate of Oman

WHAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT ME: I’m a big Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac fan. I’ve passed that love on to my three sons, who are coming with me to their second Stevie concert in August.

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