HARRISONBURG, VA (James Madison University) — James Madison University (JMU) has named Dr. Leslie Durham, current provost at Weber State University, as the university’s new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs following a comprehensive national search. 

“Dr. Durham brings the kind of experience, vision, and collaborative leadership that will serve JMU well as we continue advancing our academic mission and the work of The Madison Promise,” said JMU President Jim Schmidt. “She has a strong record of championing student success, supporting faculty, growing research, and building partnerships that connect academic excellence with real-world opportunity. I am grateful to welcome her to JMU and excited for the work ahead under her leadership.” 

Durham has served as provost at Weber State since August 2025 and as interim president from November 2025 through August 2026. During her tenure, she advanced key strategic priorities, including launching a comprehensive campaign, navigating a state legislative session, and creating a grant program that supported more than $2.5 million in faculty-driven ideas. As provost, Durham oversees a $110 million academic affairs budget spanning academic programs, student success, research, international engagement, and faculty development. 

“I am honored to be named provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at James Madison University,” said Durham. “JMU’s commitment to student success, academic excellence and public impact resonates strongly with me. I look forward to the opportunity to return to Virginia and collaborate with JMU’s extraordinary faculty and staff to advance The Madison Promise and create transformative opportunities for all Dukes.” 

Durham previously served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Boise State University, where she led more than 378 full-time faculty members, grew extramural research expenditures by more than 119%, raised more than $40 million in philanthropic support, and launched interdisciplinary programs and schools that prepared students for an evolving workforce. 

Durham holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in theatre from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in English and drama from the University of Virginia.  

The university anticipates she will begin her role at JMU January 1, 2027.