JMU President Jonathan Alger is stepping down at the end of the academic year to become president at American University in Washington, D.C. In his 12 years at JMU, Alger increased external research funding and doubled the endowment. brnw.ch/21wHZdz

In the news: In a story covered by more than a hundred outlets nationwide, JMU english professor Brooks Hefner is quoted about how tumbleweeds have been a part of American culture. The story broke when tumbleweeds infested areas around Salt Lake City. brnw.ch/21wHHsN

In the news: Political science professor Marty Cohen spoke with TV-3 about the results of Super Tuesday and what the results mean for the November election and beyond. brnw.ch/21wHF1V
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In the news: Kinesiology professor Trent Hargens tells KCBS News in San Francisco that activity is so important to heart health that people should schedule some kind of activity each day. And age is no excuse for avoiding heart-healthy activity. brnw.ch/21wHCvg

In the news: JMU dietitian Heather Harris said eating disorders can effect people of any age and sex in an interview with Kayla Brooks for Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and that certain factors make some people more vulnerable. brnw.ch/21wHAeF

In the news: Chelsey Bollinger, a professor of literacy education, discussed the importance of literacy with KCBS News Radio in San Francisco for Read Across America Day. brnw.ch/21wHyrr

Literacy skills form the foundation of all learning, JMU professor Chelsey Bollinger says as Read Across America Day approaches on Saturday. Read Across America Day is observed annually on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. brnw.ch/21wHu3Q

As American Heart Month ends, kinesiology professor Trent Hargens encourages people to keep active for good heart health. “Physical activity and exercise are the closest things you can get to that magic pill. Exercise is medicine,' he said. brnw.ch/21wHpNv

In the news: As Baltic countries consider fortifying their borders with landmines to defend against possible attacks from Russia, political science professor Ken Rutherford says the dangers they pose to civilians makes them inhumane. brnw.ch/21wHkR3

Professor Alex Gabbin played an important role in forming a national organization for black MBA students. He said the NBMBAA has created important opportunities in education for many deserving individuals who have been historically underrepresented. brnw.ch/21wH9vy

In the news: In collaboration with a colleague at UVA, John Goetschius, JMU professor of kinesiology, will be conducting research into how ACL surgery can cause early-onset osteoarthritis. brnw.ch/21wH7eL

In the news: Brad Barnett, director of financial aid, tells The Washington Post that delays in the federal financial aid process are hurting low- and middle-income students most. A simplification of the FAFSA application was supposed to help them. brnw.ch/21wGUap

In the news: Cathy McKay, a kinesiology professor who runs the Paralympic Skills Lab at JMU, told the Daily News-Record, “The value that we place on diversity education as a campus community becomes personal for every student taking part in the lab.” brnw.ch/21wGJIL

In the news: For those who focus only on price, researching insurance premiums before purchasing a vehicle is the best option, says marketing professor Jana Parker in this WalletHub article reviewing Farmers Insurance. brnw.ch/21wGq80

In the news: Emeritus professor Pam Drake says it does not make sense most times to buy insurance from a rental car company. Check out her advice in this WalletHub article. brnw.ch/21wGnXi

In the news: In a feature on some new honeymoon trends, psychology professor Jaime Kurtz tells the New York Times that couples who plan to travel with other newlyweds should plan ahead and set expectations for the trip. brnw.ch/21wFfeR

In the news: Finance professor Jason Fink says switching from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate loan could be a good move when interest rates are high. Locking in a fixed rate provides predictability and protection from future rate increases. brnw.ch/21wFd9h

Jennifer Park Stout ('98) will be the featured speaker at Winter Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 16. Stout is the vice president of Snap Inc., the maker of the technology application, Snapchat, and had a distinguished career in government before that. brnw.ch/21wF9X0

In the news: In a WalletHub article about the best and worst cities for singles, Jennie Rosier, professor of communication studies, said, 'We like getting to know others while doing something fun, new, and interesting.' brnw.ch/21wF71m

Political science professor Manal Jamal, in an op-ed for the London Review of Books blog, states that Western media focus too often on Palestinian armed struggle and ignore non-violent resistance that has been central to Palestinian's struggle for freedom. brnw.ch/21wEOfO