JMU president marks first year with downtown Harrisonburg celebration

President Jim Schmidt recently celebrated more than just a birthday during Harrisonburg’s annual Block Party in the ‘Burg. As the Marching Royal Dukes played a rendition of Happy Birthday on Court Square, the event also served as an unofficial anniversary for Schmidt, who is marking his first year as the seventh president of James Madison University.

The block party is a local tradition designed to bridge the gap between the city and the university, welcoming the incoming freshman class to the downtown area. Schmidt, who previously served as chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, spent the afternoon leading students into the heart of the city and speaking from the steps of Court Square about the optimism he feels for the university's future.

Reflecting on their first year in the Shenandoah Valley, Schmidt and his wife, Kim, noted how quickly they felt at home. Despite their deep Midwestern roots, they found the local culture—with its mix of agricultural heritage and community tenacity—to be a perfect fit. Kim Schmidt shared that the warmth and ease of making friendships in Harrisonburg exceeded their experiences in other regions.

The transition follows a period of significant growth for JMU, including the university's move to the Sun Belt Conference and the completion of major facilities like the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Schmidt was selected for the role after a rigorous search process, impressing the Board of Visitors with his bold vision and the time he took to explore the campus incognito before even being named a finalist.

As the new academic year kicks off, the energy on campus and downtown appears to be at a high point. For local residents and business owners, the president’s focus on community engagement signals a continued strong partnership between the "Friendly City" and its largest institution.

Read the full story at Daily News-Record.

Summarized by My Valley Day. Original reporting by Daily News-Record.