Former Student-Athlete, Arthur Moats, Makes Significant Financial Gift to University

HARRISONBURG, Va. – A longtime supporter in passion and spirit for his alma mater, former James Madison football student-athlete Arthur Moats ('12), now a member of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, and his wife Shonda this week made an unprecedented $300,000 financial gift to the university.

"This donation will have a huge impact on not just JMU but the city of Harrisonburg as well," Moats said. "With that being said, we take great pride in knowing we're truly making a difference in the valley area and ultimately improving it. The fact that we get to support JMU Athletics in the process is icing on the cake."

The Moats Family gift sets a new standard in university giving as it directly impacts three distinct areas of support. Among the $300,000 gift, part will provide for an endowed scholarship for the university's studio art program as well as a full scholarship level annual fund gift to the JMU Duke Club. In addition, a significant part of the gift will support JMU's fundraising efforts for a new Convocation Center. In recognition of the Convocation Center gift, the strength and conditioning area in the Plecker Athletics Performance Center will be named in honor of the Moats Family.

"It is difficult to find anyone with more purple pride than Arthur Moats," JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said. "The gift by Arthur and Shonda Moats raises the bar in terms of giving to the university across multiple areas and generosity by a former student-athlete. It is important to note that Arthur's support for this university and the community reaches far beyond his family's financial support. He has been a frequent visitor over the years and a close friend and advocate. When we talk about providing the model student-athlete experience at JMU, one need look no further than Arthur Moats for a living example."

In addition to the significance of the Moats' gift supporting multiple areas, it is the largest gift to the university by an alumnus under the age of 30. The portion of the gift supporting the Duke Club at the full scholarship level is also the only current annual fund gift at that level by a former student-athlete.

Moats competed for JMU during the 2006 through 2009 seasons with a standout career that culminated in 2009 by earning the Buck Buchanan Award as the nation's top defensive player. Moats led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss and led all defensive linemen with 90 total tackles. He also added 11 sacks as part of his First Team All-America season. He did not miss a game in his career, registering 218 tackles, 48.5 tackles for loss, 29 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two touchdowns.

In 2010, Moats was a sixth-round selection of the Buffalo Bills in the NFL Draft. He logged four seasons with the Bills while playing in 59 games with 20 starts. Moats signed as a free agent with the Steelers in 2014 and has made 19 starts in 26 total games. During his six-year pro career, he has 110 tackles, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

A model athlete in terms of community engagement, Moats was the Bills' 2013 nominee for the NFL's Man of the Year honor for his work with multiple Buffalo-area non-profit organizations. He was also the organization's Ed Block Courage Award recipient in recognition of fighting adversity through injury and displaying courage on and off the field. He has also been involved with the NFL's Play 60 program and has hosted free football/cheerleader skill camps near his home in the Tidewater area of Virginia.

With Pittsburgh on its off week, the Moats family will be the guest of JMU Athletics for this weekend's home football regular season finale vs. Villanova on Saturday at noon.

73950 — Moats pictured at one of his many community involvements (Photos from Pittsburgh Steelers)

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