Julian Ashby Burruss (August 16, 1876 – January 4, 1947[1]) was the first President of James Madison University, although at the time of his service the university was the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. His service began in 1908 and ended in 1919 when he left JMU to become the eighth President of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His tenure at Virginia Tech lasted from September 1, 1919 to July 1, 1945. James Madison and Virginia Tech each have one building named in Burruss' honor.
| Preceded by None |
James Madison University President 1908–1919 |
Succeeded by Samuel Page Duke |
| Preceded by Joseph Dupuy Eggleston 1913 – 1919 |
Virginia Tech President 1919 – 1945 |
Succeeded by John Redd Hutcheson 1945 – 1947 |