From the president
Emma Sellers’ work with JMU’s Madison Center for Civic Engagement reflects her leadership and unwavering dedication to long-term civic engagement. In her role, Emma leads student efforts focused on supporting our local community and equipping recent immigrants with skills to engage civically. Her success is due in part to her strong partnership both on campus and within the larger Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County communities. JMU entrusts this work to its best and brightest, and Emma clearly represents us well. Emma will continue to be a catalyst for long-lasting civic engagement, serving as a role model for generations of Americans to come.
Personal Statement
As a local to the Shenandoah Valley, I have grown up with a deep understanding of the history of migration that our amazing community supports, and JMU has given me the opportunities and networks to make the impact I so desired to make. I also have several people in my life that are refugees, so I am very personally invested in supporting this community. I have worked closely with Church World Service, Village to Village, Harrisonburg High School, Every Campus a Refuge, and the Madison Center for Civic Engagement to volunteer my time and raise awareness for various refugee issues. When refugees enter this country, they leave everything they’ve ever known behind in search of a better life and a safe place to call home. I believe that it is our responsibility as community members to welcome and support them however possible.