James Madison University is an institution of higher education in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Virginia General Assembly founded the school in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. Originally, only women were admitted. In 1938, the school was renamed Madison College in honor of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. The university began to admit men in 1946. In 1977, the school became known as James Madison University. The university’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Dukes, in honor of Samuel P. Duke, the school’s second president.
The James Madison Center is on the campus of the university. Established in 1999, the center provides information on the life and presidency of James Madison. It offers seminars and other educational programs for students, teachers, and community members.
The university’s website at https://www.jmu.edu/ offers additional information.
