Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is known and loved by travelers from across the map for its spectacular scenery and access to fun. That said, it’s also a destination with a rich history and a continued focus on higher education. One of the nation’s great universities, James Madison University, sits within the Shenandoah Valley and welcomes students with a passion for learning through its doors year after year.
A Brief History of James Madison University
Since its founding in 1908, James Madison University has continued to be a place where academic minds grow and thrive. This public university hosts a world-class faculty and revolves on a platform of long-prioritized student engagement as well as the passionate pursuit of knowledge. The university was officially established by Virginia Governor Claude A. Swanson as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. Julian Ashby Burruss was named the first president of the school in 1908. The first 20 graduates of the school received diplomas in 1911 and in 1924 the institution was renamed State Teachers College at Harrisonburg. Enrollment passed 1,000 students in 1938 and the name was officially changed to Madison College. With the ability to award specialty degrees in 1977, the college would take on the name of James Madison University that same year.
An Innovative Approach to Education
Today, James Madison University remains an educational heartbeat in the Harrisonburg, Virginia area. The university hosts 139 programs of study and welcomes over 20,000 undergraduate students annually, alongside over 2,000 graduate students. Nearly 1,500 instructional faculty lead the way to higher learning at JMU which is also an integral part of the Sun Belt Conference for athletics. This NCAA Division I school is often recognized for its large public university resources paired with a smaller, welcoming community atmosphere. Within the College of Arts and Letters, students can study everything from Anthropology and Communications to History, English and International Affairs just to name a few. The university also hosts a College of Business, a College of Health and Behavioral Studies as well as programs focused on science and mathematics, performing arts, and hospitality.
Enjoy a Getaway to Virginia
No matter when you make your way to the Shenandoah Valley in the name of vacation fun, booking luxurious accommodations to top it all off is always worth your while. Reach out to the team at Vacation Properties Made Simple today to learn more about our exciting portfolio of options and how we can help you turn travel plans into a reality.