HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU) –  President Jonathan Alger announced today that he will be stepping down as president of James Madison University after the conclusion of this academic year to accept the presidency at American University in Washington, D.C., effective July 1, 2024.

President Alger has served as president of JMU for 12 years, during which time the university has grown and evolved into a nationally recognized, student-centered research university. His wife Mary Ann has utilized her professional background to serve as a tireless volunteer with the Center for Entrepreneurship, Women for Madison and on many economic development and community-oriented boards and committees.

“President Alger elevated the university to a place far beyond where JMU has ever been. Under his leadership, we have turned the page into the next chapter of the history of JMU,” said Board of Visitors Rector Maribeth Herod. “JMU is no longer the hidden gem in the mountains because Jon has led us to national prominence and is leaving the university after accomplishing so much together. While Jon and Mary Ann will be missed immensely, the offerings at American University are a wonderful culmination of everything he is so passionate about.”

Throughout his tenure at JMU, President Alger has been a prominent leader in higher education across the nation and world, shaping policies and conversations. He’s been an active presence on and off campus, as well as on many national, state, and regional boards and committees. He co-taught a leadership seminar in the Honors College for a number of years and has guest-taught in many other classes. He has represented JMU on numerous national boards and received the American Council on Education Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor Award (2021) and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Standout Campus President Award in 2019.

Herod added, “We wish Jon and Mary Ann all the best in their future endeavors, as we are grateful for their many years of dedicated service to our university and community. I am confident in the current leadership that we will continue our ascent as a university to the highest achievements. This is yet another exciting time in the history of JMU, as Jon is leaving the university in an incredible place, with capable leadership throughout.”

In the coming weeks, the Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors will make a recommendation for an acting president to the full board for a formal vote. The university’s Board of Visitors will approve an acting president to start July 1 and begin executing the search process for the next president of the university. Additional information will be shared as this process advances.