Board receives update on university success

President's report: Majority of students satisfied with JMU

The vast majority of JMU students are satisfied with their college experience, announced President Linwood Rose during his report to the Board of Visitors Friday.

President’s Report

JMU has maintained top rank in U.S. News and World Report, Rose said. For the 11th year in a row, JMU is ranked No. 1 for public, masters-level-universities in the south. Sponsored program funding has climbed to $22 million through a 5 percent increase. "Truly an amazing number," Rose said.

The student-to-faculty ratio currently stands at 15.6 to 1, Rose said. Students reported on the annual satisfaction survey that "95 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with their JMU experience," he said.

"In the end, that is what its all about."

Construction projects for the Robert and Frances Plecker Athletic Performance Center, A3A chemistry and physics building and Harrison Hall renovation all are expected to be completed in 2005.

"We can focus together in making this institution even better," Rose said.

Centennial Strategic Plan

Mark Warner, senior vice president for student affairs and university planning and analysis, spoke about the Centennial Strategic Plan. Warner said six elements of the plan require strategic focus, while there are 23 others that need continued commitment.

"Each division has different priorities," Warner said. The six areas that require concentrated focus include, diversity, financial resources, private support, graduate programs of distinction, professional development and institutional planning.

Budget Request

Charles King Jr., senior vice president for administration and finance, presented the 2004-’05 budget request. King said many of the budget requests will be handled centrally by the secretary of education.

George Johnson, director of the school of media arts and design, presented a report on the progress and success of the program. Johnson was accompanied by several SMAD students. Johnson said the program has technology integrated into all concentrations outreach training for the community, and is the only university in the nation to be an Apple certified training center. "It is a growing major, but it is limited by resources, staff and equipment," Johnson said.

Senior Heather Geikie, a SMAD major, said, "I feel very confident about going into the workforce." She explained that the program has prepared her for the real world and the professors know what future employers are looking for.

Committee reports also were given from athletics, audit, development, education and student life and finance and physical development. The board will meet again on Jan. 7, 2005.

Charles H. Foster Jr. of Richmond was elected as rector. Foster served previously as vice-rector. Meredith Gunter of Charlottesville was elected vice-rector. Donna Harper was re-elected secretary of the board. Helen R. Blackwell of Arlington, Robert L. Testwuide III of Vienna and former rector Joseph C. Farrell of Richmond all left the board as of June 30.