Completed Event: Softball at Southern Miss on April 3, 2026 , Loss , 0, to, 5



9/19/2017 5:03:00 PM | Administration
HARRISONBURG, Va. – Dr. Ronald E. Carrier, fourth president of James Madison University, passed away on Monday surrounded by family and friends.
A legendary figure in the history of the institution, Dr. Carrier was instrumental in the growth of the athletics program. He was an advocate for athletics serving as a vehicle to achieve university growth and create a more vibrant campus culture. He ushered in Division I Athletics, orchestrated multiple facilities projects such as Bridgeforth Stadium and the JMU Convocation Center and worked side by side with Director of Athletics Dean Ehlers to oversee a golden age in sports achievement that included victories on the national stage by multiple sport programs.
Those successes in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s laid the foundation for the success achieved by JMU student-athletes today, including two football national championships, a field hockey national championship, multiple nationally-ranked programs and two years running of claiming the best overall departmental winning percentage in Virginia.
JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said, "JMU Athletics would not be what we know today without Ron Carrier. His presence in our community will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family now and in the coming days."
James Madison University and JMU Athletics will continue to honor the legacy of "Uncle Ron" in a variety of ways over the coming days and weeks.
Ronald E. Carrier, 1932-2017It's hard to imagine JMU without Dr. Carrier, but his impact on this university will never be forgotten. For those who have expressed an interest in making a gift in Dr. Carrier's memory, the Carrier family has asked that any financial contributions be directed to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Fund: j.mu/carrier
Posted by James Madison University on Tuesday, September 19, 2017