James Madison University Physician Assistant Program

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Alumni,

We are hoping to honor the legacy of Jim Hammond, former Program Director, who recently passed away. In keeping with Jim’s dedication to education and mentorship, a scholarship fund has been established in his name. This fund aims to support future JMU PA students who reflect the same commitment and passion that defined Jim’s career.

We invite you to consider contributing to this scholarship fund using the link below. Gifts of any size will help ensure that Jim’s legacy continues to shape and inspire generations to come. If a specific threshold is reached, we may even be able to turn this into a reoccurring annual endowment.

Thank you for considering! -The JMU PA Program

https://give.jmu.edu/campaigns/61306/donations/new?&designation_id=a2HPd000001F07BMAS&a=13468693

The PA profession has just accomplished a major milestone: Rhode Island has become the 25th state in the PA Licensure Compact! 🎉 This officially brings the Compact to half the nation, and it fulfills a promise made by the state as part of its Rural Health Transformation Program. Read more: https://bit.ly/4gg9chu 🙌 Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants

We were so pleased to celebrate the retirement of Sharon Maiewski last weekend!

Though it is well deserved, she will be missed tremendously!

Congratulations to the Health Professions Community Partners of the Year award winners for 2026!

Athletic Training
Jackie Leonard, Athletic Training Preceptor of the Year
Todd Nieder, Athletic Training Community Partner of the Year

Dietetics
Cheryl Miller, Applied Nutrition Preceptor of the Year
Jessica Shickel, Applied Nutrition Preceptor of the Year

Health Services Administration
Yara Mahmoud, HSA Internship Supervisor of the Year
Laurie Deavers, HSA Community Partner of the Year

Occupational Therapy
Allison Titus, OT Community Partner of the Year
Alexander Wilson, OT Fieldwork Supervisor of the Year

Physician Assistant Studies
Jeanine Wilson, PA Preceptor of the Year
Colonial Heights Pediatrics, PA Clinical Site of the Year

Thanks to Sentara RMH for hosting us at a fabulous Community Resource Fair…working together for a healthier community!

Today we’re celebrating Administrative Professionals Day with a big congratulations to our very own Marissa Zane! Marissa is one of two recipients of this year’s Provost Award for Administrative Excellence, presented by the Academic Affairs Administrative Staff Advisory Council.

As the office manager for the Physician Assistant Studies program, Marissa is always a helpful, smiling presence, spreading joy across CHBS and the university. Way to go, Marissa!

Congratulations to PA student, Taylor Payne, of the Class of 2026! Last week, Taylor was presented with the Outstanding Student Partner Award from the JMU Community Engagement & Volunteer Center for his dedicated service with the Blue Ridge Free Clinic.

James Madison University
JMU College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Virginia Academy of PAs
Medical Society of Virginia
The Graduate School, James Madison University
Sentara RMH Medical Center