James Madison University

James Madison University is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Founded in 1908, it serves undergraduate and graduate students across a broad range of disciplines, including business, education, health sciences, engineering, the arts, and the sciences. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and is classified as a doctoral university with high research activity. Known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and campus engagement, James Madison University attracts students seeking a residential college experience in the Shenandoah Valley. Its academic structure includes multiple colleges and schools that support both professional preparation and liberal arts education.

James Madison University was founded in 1908 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women, established to prepare women as teachers. Under its first president, Julian Ashby Burruss, the institution expanded its academic programs and enrollment. In 1924, it became the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg, reflecting a broader teacher education mission. The name changed to Madison College in 1938 to honor President James Madison, whose Montpelier estate is located in Virginia. During the mid-20th century, the college expanded beyond teacher preparation and began admitting men as degree-seeking students. On March 22, 1977, the institution was officially renamed James Madison University, marking its transition to a comprehensive university. In the decades since, James Madison University has developed graduate and doctoral programs and grown into a public research university serving students across diverse academic fields.