Carrier, Ronald E.

Ronald E. Carrier served as the fourth president of James Madison University from 1971 until 1998. Dr. Carrier brought many new ideas to Madison College. Under his tenure, Madison College grew from a prominently female institution holding 4,000 students to a co-ed university with 14,000 students. Dr. Carrier expanded the grounds of JMU more than 100 acres, and he is largely credited with the vision of East Campus, and the resulting expansion of the university to the eastern side of Interstate 81.

From the description of Ronald E. Carrier photograph collection, 1950-1998, bulk 1960-1985 / compiled by Kathryn Barela. (James Madison University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 767528964

Ronald E. Carrier served as the fourth President of James Madison University from 1971 until 1998. He came to Harrisonburg from Memphis State University, where he served as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Carrier family, which includes Ronald, his wife Edith, and their children Angela, Michael and Linda, resided in Hillcrest House on campus prior to the donation to JMU of “Oakview Mansion” by Mrs. Lois Poster, which became the President’s house.

Dr. Carrier brought many new ideas to Madison College. Under his tenure, Madison College grew from a prominently female institution holding 4,000 students to a co-ed university with 14,000 students. Dr. Carrier expanded the grounds of JMU more than 100 acres, and he is largely credited with the vision of East Campus, and the resulting expansion of the university to the eastern side of I-81. A total of 40 new buildings were also constructed at a cost of 210 million dollars.

The name of Madison College changed in 1977 to James Madison University. Changing the name of the college was controversial. However, the students, faculty, and alumni all voted for what name they preferred, and decided on the name James Madison University. In October, the Board of Visitors went to the Virginia General Assembly with the name change proposal. Dr. Carrier and Dr. Ray Sonner, then the Vice President of Public Affairs, lobbied for the name change and in October the bill passed through the Virginia House and Senate, and was signed by Governor Mills Godwin Jr. The name change was well received, and a new athletic facility was built, dubbed “Godwin Hall”.

From the guide to the Ronald E. Carrier Photograph Collection, 1950-1998, (Special Collections, James Madison University)

Ronald E. Carrier began his career at James Madison University in 1971 when the institution was named Madison College. He would continue on his service as President of JMU for twenty-seven years when he retired in 1998. Before he became President of JMU he was the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Memphis State University. Through out the course of his twenty-seven year service to JMU he became known for innovation and tenacity in promoting the institution. During his presidency, Madison College grew from an institution holding 4,000 students, predominantly female and education majors, to a university with 14,000 students. The applications for admission also grew from 3,800 a year to 15,000 a year, while average SAT scores rose from 987 to 1,174.

The name of Madison College changed in 1977 to James Madison University, something that not everyone wanted to do at the time. In October, the Board of Visitors went to the Virginia General Assembly with a name change proposal. A booklet titled “The Case for James Madison University” was printed in a controversial attempt, lobbied by Dr. Carrier and Dr. Ray Sonner, then the Vice President of Public Affairs, to receive a unanimous vote from the Virginia House and Senate. The bill passed through the Virginia House and Senate, and was then signed by Governor Mills Godwin Jr. The JMU community heralded the news and several places around campus were given name changes.

The increase of students and a new name were not the only changes to the institution during Dr. Carrier’s tenure. His presidency expanded the grounds of JMU by more than 100 acres that included expanding the university to the other side of I-81. A total of 40 new buildings were added to the campus, valued at 210 million dollars. The expansion on the other side of I-81 coincided with the proposal of creating a new college of Integrated Science and Technology (CISAT). Dr. Carrier was able to purchase the land with aid from the state. He then supervised and established the new college, worked with staff to create the curriculum, and ensured it met the demands of an increasing technology job market.

From the guide to the Ronald E. Carrier Collection, 1965-1998, (Special Collections, James Madison University)