Jonathan R. Alger - 2013
Jonathan R. Alger is the sixth president of James Madison University, having taken office on July 1, 2012. He previously served as senior vice president and general counsel at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and has also held prior positions at the University of Michigan, American Association of University Professors, the U.S. Department of Education, and a major international law firm. Jonathan is a nationally recognized scholar and speaker on higher education policy and law, and has taught courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. At the University of Michigan, he helped to coordinate two landmark admissions cases on the educational benefits of diversity, and he has worked with institutions across the country in developing and implementing diversity programs. He is a member of the American Bar Association’s Accreditation Committee. He is a graduate of Swarthmore College and Harvard Law School.
Since joining NACUA in 1996, Jonathan attended nearly every annual conference (17 in total) and 19 CLE workshops. He has been an active speaker, moderator, and discussion group leader at nearly 60 educational programs. He has volunteered on nearly 20 committees and has written 5 articles for The Journal of College and University Law, a legal compendium, and a NACUANOTE. In 2004 – 2007, Jonathan served on the NACUA Board of Directors. He also served as the first vice-president and president-elect from 2008 – 2010. Most recently in 2011 - 2012, Jonathan served as NACUA president.
Jonathan’s NACUA colleagues describe him as one who generously shares knowledge and experience through countless presentations and writings. His colleagues note that Jonathan has distinguished himself as a model “NACUAite”. He has become a vocal and persuasive advocate for NACUA, for the attorneys who practice in higher education, and for the relationships between universities and their legal representatives. He is unfailingly gracious, keenly intelligent, articulate, and has a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor.
NACUA is pleased to recognize Jonathan R. Alger as a Life Member of the Association in recognition of his outstanding service and his sustained and substantial contributions to NACUA and the field of higher education law.