Dukes Lead

Our Campaign

10 Years of Leading Beyond the Game

For 10 years, Dukes Lead has equipped JMU student-athletes with the skills, experiences, and relationships needed to thrive beyond competition.

Every gift to Dukes Lead helps create transformational opportunities in leadership development, career readiness, mentorship, community engagement, and personal growth for more than 465 JMU student-athletes.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dukes Lead, your generosity helps us build The Next Chapter of experiences that prepare every Duke to lead beyond the game.

Your Gift Makes an Impact

Your support of Dukes Lead helps provide student-athletes with opportunities such as:

• Leadership development programs and educational experiences

• Career readiness and professional networking opportunities

• Mentorship connections with JMU alumni and industry leaders

• Community engagement and service experiences

• Women's leadership development through RISE

• Student-athlete leadership and advocacy through SAAC

• Career treks, employer engagement, and professional development experiences

Your gift goes beyond supporting a program — it's investing in the future of JMU's student-athletes.

By the Numbers

• 10 Years of Dukes Lead

• 450+ Student-athletes served annually

• 18 Varsity programs represented

• 100% of student-athletes have had access to Student-Athlete Development programming since 2016:

• 200+ programs and educational experiences hosted

• 5,370.83 community service hours → 10,820.34 community service hours

• 657+ SAAC representatives

About Funds Raised During Diggin'Dukes

100% of funds raised in support of Dukes Lead during the Diggin’ Dukes campaign directly support the JMU Student-Athlete Leadership Program Fund, a restricted-use fund dedicated to enhancing the student-athlete experience.

Gifts to the JMU Student-Athlete Leadership Fund are used to support initiatives and experiences that advance the holistic development of JMU student-athletes. Funds are allocated by Student-Athlete Development based on program priorities and student-athlete needs.