by KIMBERLY MCKENZIE
The State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. The State Normal School for Women at Harrisonburg. The State Teachers College at Harrisonburg. Madison College. James Madison University. In the past century, JMU has transitioned from a small women’s college to a co-educational, public university.
JMU was founded in 1908 as a teacher training and industrial school for women. A legislative committee chose Harrisonburg out of 28 other cities and towns, because it was believed to be the most accessible location with the most railroad connections.
Two hundred nine students enrolled when its doors first opened in 1909. Its first 20 graduates received diplomas in 1911. At the time, tuition was $6 for the year, and room and board was $14 a month.
The university was renamed the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg in 1924. In 1938, it became Madison College in honor of the fourth president of the United States. Men weren’t allowed to enroll as regular day students until 1946. Prior to then, men were able to enroll only during the summer session and weren’t given housing on campus.
In the fall of 1976, students, faculty, staff and alumni were surveyed to select a new name for the school. James Madison University was chosen by 72 percent of those surveyed. The strongest support for the name came from students. But no matter the name, JMU will continue its tradition of excellence into its next 100 years.