HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – James Madison University has announced that Dr. James C. Schmidt will serve as the university’s next president. Today, March 26, 2025, the JMU Board of Visitors voted to affirm his appointment.

Schmidt has over 30 years of experience working in higher education and currently serves as the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; he has been in this role since 2013.

During his tenure, UW-Eau Claire has been ranked among the top 10 regional public universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. It was named the top masters-level university for excellence in undergraduate research by the Council for Undergraduate Research in 2016 and is currently the only master’s-level university in Wisconsin among the top 20 nationally for student participation in study abroad. UW-Eau Claire has produced two Rhodes scholars since 2005 and leads master’s level institutions in Wisconsin and Minnesota in the number of Fulbright students.

In addition to UW-Eau Claire’s national recognition, Schmidt has been a stellar fundraiser and visionary for elevating academic excellence. He recently brought in one of the largest gifts in Wisconsin history at $70 million to help construct an indoor athletics facility and event center. Even more relatable to JMU, they are set to complete a 330,000-square-foot science and health sciences building through an innovative public-private funding partnership.

Previous tenures included service as vice president for university advancement at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, and vice president for student affairs at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minnesota. He holds a doctorate in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Winona State University.

During his speech at the announcement, Schmidt said elevating JMU will come from listening. He said he wants to hear the stories on why JMU is special and what it means to be a “Royal Duke.”

“I’m thrilled to explore the passions each of you have,” said Schmidt. “Where the enthusiasm and momentum are tapped into those strengths that help JMU reach its exciting potential.”

Schmidt told a story about when he was interviewing for the position and said he went “incognito” on campus and asked students on why they chose JMU, what they love the most about JMU, and what are their plans after graduating.

“I sat back, and I listened to amazing stories about faculty, about classmates, about school spirit, about what attracted them from the northeast down to Virginia to go to school,” said Schmidt. “To make this their new homes.”

He completed his speech by saying that the speed of change coincides with the speed of trust.

“I am committed to gaining yours,” said Schmidt. “Through listening, learning, and working alongside you every step of the way. Together, we will polish this gem that is JMU. Identify ready opportunities and reach the potential that we all know is possible. Thank you and Go Dukes.”

Schmidt’s appointment will begin July 1, 2025.