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Records an interview with Daphyne Saunders Thomas, who describes her educational experiences in a segregated and desegregating public school system in southwest Virginia and her college experience at a predominantly white institution, including participation in Black student organizations and recruitment activities. The interview documents her role beginning in 1976 as a minority recruiter for Madison College, including travel to secondary schools, engagement with guidance counselors and prospective students, and efforts to promote the institution to Black students. Discusses institutional priorities to increase enrollment of minority and male students, as well as challenges related to financial aid, internal admissions decision-making processes, and allocation of resources. Addresses interactions with students, faculty, and administrators, including accounts of student concerns about campus climate and discrimination, and describes informal support networks among Black students and staff. Additional topics include housing barriers in the local community, early diversity initiatives, and the development of student organizations and administrative support structures. The interview was held in Wilson Hall at James Madison University.

Records the first part of an interview with Deborah Tompkins Johnson, documenting her experiences as a student at Madison College beginning in 1974. The interview describes her transition to campus life, including residence in Eagle Hall and early academic experiences in the communications program (radio, television, and film), including studio work and internships. Johnson details her participation in the Black Student Alliance (BSA), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Contemporary Gospel Singers, with discussion of activities such as Black Emphasis Week programming, step shows, performances, and events such as a student-organized fashion show. The interview recounts student advocacy efforts for institutional change, including demonstrations, meetings with administrators, and requests for increased representation across faculty, curriculum, and student services, as well as the establishment of a Minority Affairs coordinator role. Additional topics include student social life, residence hall dynamics, dining, participation in campus events, and graduation. The interview was held in Wilson Hall at James Madison University.

Records the second part of an interview with Deborah Tompkins Johnson, exploring aspects of her career and contributions as a distinguished alumna. Topics include her service on the Board of Visitors between 1998-1994, her memories of the growth and transformation of JMU in the early 1990s, and her involvement in alumni organizations. She also discusses her reappointment by President Alger nearly a decade after her earlier term ended. She reflects on the President's task Force on Racial Equity, which she cochaired, and shares her thoughts on how the experiences of contemporary students compare to her own days at Madison College.

Records an interview with Janis Smith Wilson, who recounts her early education in segregated schools and subsequent experiences with desegregation in Staunton, Virginia, and her enrollment at Madison College. Wilson describes campus life as part of a small cohort of Black students, including residence hall experiences, social networks, and academic work in business and data processing. Discusses participation in student activities such as dance theater and details the founding of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on campus, covering topics such as organizing efforts, institutional requirements, and administrative support. Addresses relationships among Black students, strategies for building community, and participation in social and cultural activities both on and off campus. Additional topics include travel, financial constraints, changing campus conditions during the transition to coeducation and increased enrollment, interactions with faculty, and engagement with the Harrisonburg community. The interview was held in Roanoke, Virginia.

Records an interview with Saranna Tucker Rankin and James D. Rankin, Jr., who recount their childhoods and primary and secondary education in segregated and newly integrating school systems in Virginia, including experiences in Hampton and Shenandoah County. The interview documents their decisions to pursue higher education and enrollment at Madison College, describing academic experiences in the social work program, financial considerations, and patterns of commuting and residence. Discusses campus life during early coeducation and desegregation, including interaction with campus dining and social spaces, participation in intramural sports, and involvement in early Black student social networks. Recounts participation in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and outreach activities, as well as interactions with faculty and administrators. Addresses perceptions of campus climate, student protests, and the broader context of social change in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including the Vietnam War and civil rights activism. Additional topics include social relationships and post-college transitions. The interview was held in Wilson Hall at James Madison University.