S4 E10: Inauguration of President Jim

In this special episode of Being the Change, host Andy Perrine welcomes newly inaugurated James Madison University President Jim Schmidt to discuss his historic inauguration on April 8, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. President Schmidt reflects on the deeply personal nature of the moment, honoring his family’s sacrifices and the legacy of past leaders, while emphasizing the university’s enduring public mission. He introduces the 'Madison Promise,' a bold new strategic plan centered on transforming JMU into a modern research university that integrates research with teaching, all while embedding 'power skills'—like civil discourse, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence—into the core curriculum. A standout feature of the plan is a job guarantee for graduates within a year, backed by data showing 96% job placement and strong alignment with career goals. Schmidt frames this not as a risk, but as a confident declaration of JMU’s value, rooted in its culture of belonging, civic engagement, and student-centered innovation. He draws inspiration from Stevie Nicks’ ethos—'Don’t be a lady, be a legend'—to challenge the university to transcend conventional models and become a category-defining institution in higher education. The episode underscores a timely convergence: as AI reshapes the workforce, human skills like empathy, dialogue, and collaboration are becoming more valuable, not less. Schmidt argues that JMU’s focus on experiential learning, community engagement, and the 'sense of belonging' are not just nice-to-haves—they are essential differentiators in a world increasingly defined by digital isolation. With the strategic plan now advancing through board approval and fundraising efforts, the episode closes with a vision of JMU as a national model for public higher education: one that prepares citizens not just for jobs, but for meaningful lives and active democracy. The tone is deeply optimistic, rooted in purpose, pride, and a belief that transformation is possible when institutions stay true to their core values.