HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The James Madison University Board of Visitors voted today to rename one building in honor of JMU’s sixth president and will rename two streets on campus in honor of long-time employees who will this spring.
The JMU Board of Visitors voted Friday to honor outgoing JMU president Jonathan Alger along with Donna Harper, vice president of access and enrollment management, and Jeff Bourne, director of athletics.

According to a JMU press release, Spotswood Hall will be renamed ‘Alger Hall’ in honor of outgoing university president Jonathan Alger. Alger will step down after serving as JMU’s president for 12 years as he transitions to a new role as president of American University this summer.

Spotswood Hall will undergo significant renovations, and upon completion, reopen under Alger’s name as the future home of the Madison Center for Civic Engagement. ‘Alger Hall’ is expected to open in 2026, although a timeline for the building’s renovations has not been finalized, according to the release.

JMU Board of Visitors Rector Maribeth Herod said Alger prioritized civic learning culture during his time at JMU.

“This honorary naming couldn’t be more fitting to [Alger’s] passions and provides a natural opportunity to recognize his wonderful years of service and dedication to our university and celebrate the positive trajectory the university has seen under his leadership,” Herod said.

In addition, two streets will be renamed after Donna Harper, vice president of access and enrollment management, and Jeff Bourne, director of athletics, who will retire at the conclusion of the spring 2024 semester.

“It is an honor to be able to name streets after Jeff Bourne and Donna Harper,” Harper said. “[Bourne’s] visionary leadership and [Harper’s] unwavering dedication have been instrumental in shaping the university. Both leave a legacy of excellence and inspiration. On behalf of the Board of Visitors, we express our deepest gratitude for their exemplary service and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.”

The pedestrian path that runs the length of Greek Row, near Newman Lake, will be named ‘Donna Harper Lane.’ Harper served as a sorority advisor for more than 40 years and started her career at JMU in Greek Life.

She is retiring after 47 years of service at JMU, most recently as the vice president of access and enrollment management.

East Campus Drive, which serves as the primary entrance to the Atlantic Union Bank Center, will be renamed Jeff Bourne Way. The center was the most athletics capital project that Bourne oversaw during his time as JMU’s athletics director.

Bourne’s achievements as athletics director include leading the university’s athletics program to the Sun Belt Conference and multiple NCAA Conference championships during his 25-year career at JMU.