Washington, DC: Congressman Bob Goodlatte today introduced a resolution, H.Res. 1051, honoring James Madison University (JMU) on the 100th anniversary of its founding. 

“James Madison University, surrounded by the Shenandoah Valley, has proved to be a catalyst for growth in western Virginia, building on the agricultural base of the region to create a center for higher education,” said Goodlatte.

On March 14, 1908 Virginia Governor Claude Swanson signed legislation which established the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg to train public school teachers.  The school began with 209 students and a faculty of 15.  In 1938, the school became know as Madison College, in honor of America’s fourth President James Madison. In 1977, the institution became known as James Madison University (JMU).

Today JMU is made up of seven colleges and 78 academic programs, offering more than 100 degree programs on the bachelors, masters, educational specialist and doctoral levels, with total enrollment quickly approaching 17,500.  

Goodlatte commented further, “From its inception, James Madison University has been at the forefront of education. I, along with the support of the entire Virginia Congressional Delegation, am pleased to introduce this resolution honoring James Madison University for 100 years of leadership and service to the Shenandoah Valley, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the entire nation.”

 Representatives Rob Wittman (VA-R), Thelma Drake (VA-R), Bobby Scott (VA-D), Randy Forbes (VA-R), Virgil Goode (VA-R), Eric Cantor (VA-R), Jim Moran (VA-D), Rick Boucher (VA-D), Frank Wolf (VA-R), and Tom Davis (VA-R) are cosponsors of the resolution honoring JMU, which has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor for further consideration.