HARRISONBURG, VA — The James Madison University (JMU) community is mourning the loss of Benjamin T. “Ben” Delp, a respected educator, mentor, and advocate who served as Director of Federal Relations and Communications at JMU.

Ben passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to higher education, public service, and community engagement. Throughout his distinguished career, he worked tirelessly to support faculty, students, and the broader community, embodying the values of scholarship, service, and leadership.

In his role at JMU, Ben leveraged university resources to identify research and scholarship opportunities for both faculty and students. He cultivated strategic relationships with government entities, universities, and private-sector partners, ensuring that JMU’s research capabilities were widely recognized and promoted.

Ben was also instrumental in supporting the university’s Intelligence Analysis degree program, offering lectures, mentorship, and guidance that helped shape the careers of countless students.

His expertise in energy and cybersecurity issues was reflected in his contributions to The CIP Report, as well as in co-authoring chapters in well-regarded homeland security textbooks, including Understanding Homeland Security: Policy, Perspectives, and Paradoxes (2007) and Homeland Security: Principles and Practice of Terrorism Response (2010).

Ben’s commitment extended far beyond the walls of JMU. He served on the Commonwealth of Virginia Information Technology Summit (COVITS) Advisory Board, lending his knowledge to critical discussions about technology and public policy.

Locally, he volunteered on the Harrisonburg Walk to End Alzheimer’s Planning Committee and led an annual Thanksgiving food drive benefiting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, demonstrating his dedication to giving back to the community.

A proud JMU alumnus, Ben earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science as an Honors Scholar and his Master of Public Administration as a Fellow with the Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance.

His academic achievements were matched by his personal commitment to mentorship, fostering the growth of students and colleagues alike through guidance, encouragement, and professional insight.

Colleagues describe Ben as a tireless advocate for higher education, a mentor who invested deeply in the success of others, and a visionary who understood the importance of connecting research and scholarship to real-world applications.

His passing leaves a profound void at JMU and in the Harrisonburg community, but his influence endures through the countless individuals he inspired, taught, and supported.

Family, friends, students, and colleagues remember Ben not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to helping others.

In celebrating his life, the community reflects on a man whose work advanced knowledge, strengthened institutions, and improved lives. His legacy as an educator, mentor, and civic leader will continue to resonate, honoring his commitment to service, scholarship, and community.

Benjamin T. Delp will be deeply missed, yet his contributions to JMU, Harrisonburg, and the broader field of public policy and homeland security will remain a lasting testament to his remarkable life.