Post Author: Amanda Castellano
On March 22nd, 2013, Governor Godwin of Virginia signed the bill that turned Madison College into James Madison University. The name change, Dr. Carrier recalled, had been proven to be popular through many surveys sent out to students and alumni (Interview, April 2nd 2013). Many recognized that, in order to expand Madison College and improve its academic success, it needed to be recognized as a certified university.
This name change was the culmination of all of the changes that had occurred to Madison College since the start of Dr. Carrier’s presidency. Without the changes to the student body, administration, academic curriculum, and the introduction of a football program, Madison College might never have achieved university status.
Dr. Carrier had realized his dream of turning Madison College into a regional institution and he wasn’t even done with his first decade as president. Carrier would stay on as president of James Madison University until 1998. Many more changes occurred throughout that time such as the introduction of the CISAT program, the development of East Campus, and the construction of the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. These changes have allowed James Madison to grow into a nationally recognized institution known for its strong academics, personable campus, and the high value it places on its students. Without the dramatic changes that occurred throughout the 1970’s that were a result of Carrier’s leadership and vision, James Madison would not be the institution it is today.
I went to Madison 1974-78 and have an update to the story of how we changed from Madison College to JMU
It is about Michael Anestos, a student at the time:
Note: I also have a picture of Michael, Carrier and Gov Goodwin if I could sent that:
Student Body President Michael Anestos worked closely with President Ronald Carrier to lobby Richmond for James Madison University status in 1977
Traveling often to the State Capitol, they ran into much resistance – some from UVa grads in the VA State Senate – but Presidents Anestos and Carrier (attached pictured with Governor Godwin) did finally succeed.
The following year, Madison grads of 1978 ( I was one) had the choice to graduate from either Madison College or be part to the first graduating class of the newly formed James Madison University.
There is more to this story, but that is the overview.
I would like to see additional information on the “From Madison College to James Madison University” page concerning the work both Carrier and Anestos did to lobby the Virginia State Government in 1977, helping to create JMU.