College of Applied Sciences and Engineering | James Madison University's Be the Change

2012: What does the future hold?

January 5, 2012 by James Madison University Leave a comment

The beginning of any new year fuels speculation. What will the coming months hold? This year, 2012, has seen more than a little speculating. While no one can predict the future, some changes — some exciting changes — have already been set in motion at JMU.

Here’s a look ahead at some of the year’s most significant changes that James Madison University will see this year.

In June, the university with say farewell to its fifth president, Dr. Linwood Rose, and get to know its sixth, Jonathan Alger, J.D. The transition, carefully and thoughfully planned by the board and the Rose administration, should propel JMU into a bright future. Like his predecessors, president-elect Alger will begin to put his mark on the university. If history is any indication, the university will benefit from yet another talented leader.

JMU will change from a university with six colleges and a graduate school to one with seven colleges. Last September the board of visitors approved a new academic alignment recommendation to divide the College of Integrated Science and Technology into two new colleges: the College of Health and Behavioral Studies and the College of Applied Sciences and Engineering.

In May, when graduation returns to the newly expanded Bridgeforth Stadium, the class of 2012 will include the university’s first engineering graduates.

With the opening of the new biosciences building on the east campus this year, most of the sciences, which are currently spread all over campus, will be consolidated.

University Park, a new recreational facility, will open a few miles from campus along Port Republic Road. The new facility, part of the university’s popular and lauded UREC program, will add many exciting opportunities for students to learn and play.