James Madison University has named Dr. Leslie Durham as its new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, according to an October 14 report.
Durham, the current provost at Weber State University, is expected to begin her new position at JMU on Jan. 1, 2027, following a national search.
Durham has served as the provost at Weber State since August 2025 and held the role of interim president from November 2025 through August 2026. During her time at Weber State, she launched a comprehensive campaign, navigated a state legislative session, and established a grant program that supported over $2.5 million in faculty-driven ideas.
In her capacity as provost, Durham oversees a $110 million academic affairs budget that includes academic programs, research, student success, faculty development, and international engagement.
Before her tenure at Weber State, Durham was the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Boise State University. While at Boise State, she led more than 378 full-time faculty members, increased external research expenditures by more than 119%, and raised over $40 million in philanthropic support.
JMU President Jim Schmidt stated that Durham's collaborative leadership and experience will support the university's academic mission and the Madison Promise initiative.
Durham holds a doctorate and a master's degree in theatre from the University of Kansas, as well as a bachelor's degree in English and drama from the University of Virginia.
In a statement, Durham said she looks forward to working with JMU faculty and staff to advance the university's academic mission and create student opportunities as she returns to Virginia.
