James Madison University Case Study

In the early 20th century, the desire for public education grew rapidly in Virginia. There was a demand for a “normal” school, where women could become educated school teachers. Two state senators and three delegates were given the task of deciding where this school should make its home. After much lobbying, the team declared Harrisonburg, Virginia as the location this new public school would take place. James Madison University was founded as “the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg” in 1908. The first president of the school was Julian Ashby Burruss. He among the others in charge, made it that in order for the students to become adjusted to their new environment, they were given two days for registration and move-in. The school officially opened for classes on Thursday, …show more content…
In 1979 and 1983, educational specialist degrees were allowed to be granted, as were honorary doctorates. Next, the enrollment of 10,000 was achieved in 1987, expanded to 13,000 in 1997, and 15,000 by 2001, with a full-time faculty and staff of more than 2,000. During this time, President Dr. Linwood H. Rose stepped up as the president. More buildings were needed, so in 2006, the university bought the old Harrisonburg High School complex and renamed it Memorial Hall. The university continued growing in all aspects. Leading to present day, where James Madison University has President Jonathan R. Alger overlooking 19,000 students, about 1,400 faculty and the 631-acre campus with more than 100 buildings. James Madison University has the label, according to US News and World Report, of being the, “number 2 public school in the South”. On top of that, students seem to really enjoy the school, with a 91% retention rate for Freshman. All of these statistics show that the changes over the years and the ones that continue to happen are making James Madison University an amazing place to receive an education