3 minute read
Brag Sheet
TALKING POINTS
As loyal Madison readers, you are also brand ambassadors for James Madison University. This feature is a one-stop shop of JMU’s recent rankings and recognitions. Use it to brag about JMU and help spread the word!
Top award for new JMU Libraries magazine
The inaugural 2020-21 JMU Libraries Magazine won the American Library Association’s PR Xchange Award for External Communications. According to ALA, the award “recognizes the very best public relations materials produced by libraries in the past year. Entries are evaluated on content, originality and design by a team of experts in public relations, graphic design, communications and marketing.”
The JMU team that worked on the magazine includes includes Jenne Klotz, Kristen Shuyler, Heather Holsinger, Bethany Nowviskie and Emily Blake. View the issue at https://lib.jmu.edu/ about/magazine-2020-2021.
Global recognition for Hart School
The Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management’s emergence as a leader in its category has been acknowledged by CEOworld magazine, a respected voice among senior executives and other business leaders across a wide range of industries.
In its March issue, the New York-based publication awarded the Hart School a berth among the top 50 hospitality and hotel-management schools in the world for 2022.
“It’s a celebration of our faculty’s success and the accomplishments of our alumni,” said Stephanie West, the school’s director. West said outreach by student organizations at regional and national meetings is also bringing the school’s brand to the attention of the greater hospitality community.
“Add to this our experiential learning programs with industry partners and an exceptional internship program, and you have a solid foundation for educational excellence,” she said.
To arrive at its results, CEOworld surveyed 185,000 graduates, industry professionals, employers and recruiters in 96 territories between Nov. 15, 2021, and Feb. 22, 2022.
Rankings were based on seven metrics of quality and reputation: perceived globalbrands influence, recruiter responses, employer feedback, job-placement rate, admission eligibility, specialization and academic reputation.
HIGH HONORS
#3 in the U.S.for Master’ s Universities for 2021
(Washington Monthly)
#3 in the U.S.for Best Bang for the Buck Southeast Colleges for 2021
(Washington Monthly)
CoE grant will encourage first-gen, at-risk students to further education
The College of Education will receive $1.4 million over the next five years to help eligible highschool students in the Shenandoah Valley overcome social, emotional and academic barriers to achieve success in education beyond high school.
JMU will receive $1,437,685 to create a JMU Upward Bound Program at Harrisonburg High School and at Spotswood High School in Rockingham County, supporting 30 to 35 students at each school.
The program’s goal is to help first-generation college students and at-risk students find academic success and graduate from high school. Further, the program encourages enrollment and graduation from postsecondary education.
“A student’s educational opportunities should not be limited by their financial situation, family history or disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Amanda Sawyer, an associate professor of Middle, Secondary and Mathematics Education, who will oversee the program. “This program aims to support local students who want to succeed in higher education but might not have the opportunity to do so on their own.”
Students in the program participate in weekly tutoring, monthly activities and a summer program. Additionally, students have an opportunity to earn monthly and summer stipends throughout the year.
The program aims to build on the success of JMU’s wellestablished, early academic outreach initiatives, such as the Professors in Residence and Valley Scholars programs, to increase access to postsecondary education opportunities by supporting local students through public-private partnerships.
— AMANDA SAWYER, associate professor of Middle, Secondary and Mathematics Education Connect with us For a complete list of all university social media links, please visit
