James Madison University, often referred to as JMU or simply Madison, is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in the United States. Established back in 1908, the school was renamed in 1938 to honor James Madison, the fourth president of the United States.
Over the years, it has grown from its humble beginning as a normal school and teacher’s college into a well-rounded university. Nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, it sits just to the west of Massanutten Mountain.
Ever since its inception as a University, James Madison University has harbored some of the brightest minds of the United States. From TV personalities to sportstars, their alumni list shines bright with success. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 most notable alumni of James Madison University.
What Is James Madison University Known For?
James Madison University (JMU) has built a reputation for its solid academics, lively campus atmosphere, and a commitment to student involvement and community. One of its charming traditions is the practice of “holding doors” for fellow students and alumni, which really reflects the friendly spirit of the university.
James Madison University Notable Alumni: Top 10
1. Lindsay Czarniak
Credit: Wikipedia
Lindsay Ann Czarniak is a well-known American sports anchor and reporter. She used to be a sideline reporter for NFL games at Fox Sports. After dedicating six years to WRC-TV, which is NBC’s station in Washington, D.C., Czarniak made the leap to ESPN, where she became a SportsCenter anchor in August 2011. She wrapped up her time at ESPN in 2017.
2. Jim Acosta
Credit: Youtube
Abilio James Acosta is a well-known American broadcast journalist. He spent nearly two decades at CNN, from 2007 to 2025, where he made a name for himself as the chief White House correspondent during both the Obama and Trump administrations. Acosta really caught the public’s eye with his fiery exchanges with President Donald Trump during press briefings. In January 2021, he took on the role of anchor and chief domestic correspondent for CNN. However, on January 28, 2025, he wrapped up his time at CNN with his final broadcast, choosing to leave rather than accept a different timeslot for his ‘CNN Newsroom’ show.
3. Tamera Young
Credit: Youtube (JMU Sports)
Tamera “Ty” Young is a former basketball player from the U.S. who now serves as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky. She played college basketball at James Madison University and was picked 8th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2008 WNBA draft. After a stint with the Dream, she was traded to the Chicago Sky, where she played a key role in their journey to the WNBA Finals in 2014. Later, she returned to Atlanta before being traded to the Aces in 2018.
Also Read: Life After College
4. Phil Vassar
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Phillip George Vassar Jr. is a well-known American country music artist. He burst onto the country music scene in the late 1990s, where he made a name for himself by co-writing hit singles for a variety of country stars. Some of his notable collaborations include songs for Tim McGraw like “For a Little While” and “My Next Thirty Years,” Jo Dee Messina with “Bye, Bye” and “I’m Alright,” Collin Raye’s “Little Red Rodeo,” and Alan Jackson’s “Right on the Money.” In 1999, his talent was recognized when the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) honored him as the Country Songwriter of the Year.
5. Glennon Doyle
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Glennon Doyle is a talented American author and a passionate queer activist, celebrated for her impactful books like Untamed, Love Warrior, and Carry On, Warrior. She’s also the brilliant mind behind the online community Momastery and the founder and president of Together Rising, a nonprofit organization run by women that provides vital support to women, families, and children facing tough times. She is one of the most famous alumni of James Madison University.
6. Jennifer Morgan
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Jennifer Morgan is a prominent American technology executive who currently serves as the CEO of UKG. Before stepping into this role in July 2024, she made history in 2017 by becoming the first American woman to join the SAP Executive Board. Not only that, but she also broke barriers as the first female Chief Executive of SAP and the first woman to lead a company listed on the DAX index.
7. Levar Stoney
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Levar Marcus Stoney is an American politician who held the position of the 80th mayor of Richmond, Virginia, from 2017 to 2025. As a member of the Democratic Party, he also served as the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2014 to 2016, making him the youngest member of Governor Terry McAuliffe’s administration.
8. Ross Copperman
Credit: Grammy
Ross Copperman is a talented American singer-songwriter and record producer who has even snagged a Grammy nomination. After making a name for himself in the UK music scene, he made the leap to Nashville, Tennessee, to dive into the world of country music. Over his career, he penned an impressive 41 No. 1 hits, including Billy Currington’s “Don’t It,” Luke Bryan’s “Strip It Down,” Keith Urban’s “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” and Kenny Chesney’s “Get Along.”
9. Christina Julien
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Christina Marie Katrina Julien is a talented Canadian women’s soccer striker currently playing for the German club 1. FC Köln, as well as representing the Canada women’s national soccer team. She showcased her skills at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and brought home a gold medal from the 2011 Pan American Games. Additionally, Julien was selected as an alternate for the 2012 Olympic squad.
10. Nina Willner
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Nina Willner is an American author known for her nonfiction work, as well as a former intelligence officer and a passionate human rights advocate. Her debut book, “Forty Autumns: A Family’s Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall,” narrates the incredible true story of her mother’s daring escape from communist East Germany at just 20 years old. It also highlights the large family she left behind behind the Iron Curtain and their emotional, four-decade-long journey to reunite. During the Cold War, Willner served as a U.S. Army intelligence officer, where she led secret missions in Soviet-controlled East Berlin.
Also Read: What Age Do You Graduate College?
The Legacy of James Madison University Notable Alumni
James Madison University has a remarkable lineup of graduates who have truly made their mark in a variety of fields. Whether it’s influential politicians, thriving business leaders, celebrated entertainers, or skilled athletes, the notable alumni of JMU are actively shaping the world with their impressive accomplishments.
Their achievements are a testament to the university’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and innovation. As JMU keeps evolving, its alumni network is sure to grow, further enhancing its reputation as a place that nurtures talented and impactful individuals.
Feature Image Credit: JMU
