36 Interesting Facts about James Madison University

Dan March 28, 2023

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg and was later renamed to Madison College in 1938, in honor of the fourth President of the United States, James Madison. In 1977, the school became James Madison University and began admitting male students.

JMU is known for its strong programs in business, health sciences, and education. The university offers more than 130 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs of study. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, and approximately 21,000 students are enrolled.

The campus of JMU is located on 721 acres of land and includes more than 150 buildings. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented numerous environmentally-friendly initiatives, such as the use of geothermal heating and cooling systems and a solar panel array.

JMU is a member of the NCAA Division I and competes in the Colonial Athletic Association. The university’s athletic teams are known as the Dukes and the colors are purple and gold. JMU has a strong tradition in football and won the NCAA Division I Football Championship in 2004 and 2016. The university also has successful programs in basketball, soccer, and field hockey.

Here are 36 interesting facts about James Madison University to give us more information about this public university.

1. JMU was originally founded as a women’s college in 1908.
2. The university was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, who was also the father of the Constitution.
3. JMU was the first university in the United States to offer a four-year program in intelligence analysis.
4. The university offers over 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
5. JMU has a student body of approximately 21,000 students.
6. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.
7. JMU has been ranked as one of the top 100 public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
8. The university is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
9. JMU is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association.
10. The university’s athletic teams are known as the Dukes.
11. JMU has a strong tradition in football and has won two NCAA Division I Football Championships.
12. The university has also had success in basketball, soccer, and field hockey.
13. JMU has a vibrant arts community, with programs in music, theatre, and dance.
14. The university has a marching band, the Marching Royal Dukes, that has performed at events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
15. JMU has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented numerous environmentally-friendly initiatives.
16. The university has a solar panel array that provides a significant portion of its energy needs.
17. JMU has a farm that provides fresh produce and meat to the university’s dining halls.
18. The university has a student-run bike shop that provides free repairs and education on bike maintenance.
19. JMU has a strong tradition in Greek life, with over 40 fraternities and sororities on campus.
20. The university has a strong commitment to community service and has numerous volunteer programs.
21. JMU is home to the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, a state-of-the-art facility that hosts a variety of performances.
22. The university has a campus radio station, WXJM, that plays a variety of music genres.
23. JMU has a partnership with NASA, providing opportunities for students to work with the agency on research projects.
24. The university has a strong program in nursing and has partnerships with numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities.
25. JMU has a program in intelligence analysis that is one of the top in the country.
26. The university has a program in sports communication that is the first of its kind in the United States.
27. JMU has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with numerous programs and resources for underrepresented students.
28. The university has a campus arboretum with over 200 species of trees and plants.
29. JMU has a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, providing opportunities for students to work with the museum on research projects.
30. The university has a strong program in hospitality and tourism management.
31. JMU has a strong program in education and has partnerships with numerous schools and school districts.
32. The university has a program in cybersecurity that is one of the top in the country.
33. JMU has a program in international business that is ranked among the top in the United States.
34. The university has a partnership with the Peace Corps, providing opportunities for students to work with the organization on service projects.
35. JMU has a strong commitment to experiential learning, with numerous opportunities for students to engage in hands-on projects and research.
36. The university has a program in environmental science that is ranked among the top in the country.

James Madison University is a dynamic institution that offers a diverse range of programs and opportunities for its students. With a commitment to experiential learning, sustainability, and community engagement, JMU provides a well-rounded education that prepares its students to make meaningful contributions to society. The university’s strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to student success make it a top choice for students from around the country and the world. JMU’s focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability ensures that it will continue to be a leader in higher education for years to come.