Page "James Madison University" Paragraph 1

Founded in 1908 as a women's college, James Madison University was established by the Virginia General Assembly.

It was originally called The State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg.

In 1914, the name of the university was changed to the State Normal School for Women at Harrisonburg.

At first, academic offerings included only today's equivalent of technical training or junior college courses ; however authorization to award bachelor's degrees was granted in 1916.

During this initial period of development, the campus plan was established and six buildings were constructed.

Students compete in football, basketball, soccer, women's swimming, diving, women's volleyball, baseball, women's lacrosse, field hockey, golf, cross country, track and field, and softball.

James Madison's two national championships ranks them tied for third most national titles in Virginia.

James Madison's baseball team advanced to the 1983 College World Series, the only Division I institution in Virginia to do so besides the University of Virginia in 2009.

The JMU women's field hockey gave the university their first national title in 1994.

JMU football also won the NCAA Division I-AA national title in 2004, with a 13-2 record, and are the only team in history to win the title after playing four straight road playoff games.

Since then they have appeared in the playoffs in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011.

In 2006, considerable controversy arose after the decision to cut 10 varsity teams ( including both men's and women's teams ) was deemed necessary by the Board of Visitors to comply with Title IX restrictions.