Jax State President

It’s a great day to be a Gamecock!

There’s nothing quite like the first day of classes and seeing our campus full of students again. Whether today marks your first college class or the beginning of your final year at Jax State, I hope you’ll make the most of every opportunity ahead.

Have a great semester, Gamecocks — and welcome home!

Thank you to all of the Jax State faculty, staff and volunteers who helped welcome and move in more than 2,200 students over the last four days!

It takes a tremendous team effort to make Move-In successful, and I appreciate everyone who gave their time to help our students and their families get settled and ready for the year ahead.

Welcome home, Gamecocks! We’re glad you’re here!

Today we had the privilege of welcoming Wendy Bailey and Jax State alumnus Dan Roberts from Chick-fil-A to The Friendliest Campus in the South as part of our Administrative Support Training.

Their insights on hospitality, culture, and customer service reminded us that every interaction matters. Chick-fil-A has long set the standard for creating exceptional experiences, and we appreciate Dan, Wendy, and our friends at Chick-fil-A for sharing their expertise with our team.

Most importantly, thank you to our administrative support professionals. You are often the first smile, the first voice, and the first helping hand our students, families, alumni, and guests encounter. Your professionalism, kindness, and commitment to serving others are essential to who we are as a university.

Jax State wouldn't be The Friendliest Campus in the South without you.

Yesterday marked a historic moment for Jax State as we officially cut the ribbon on the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts.

This facility represents more than a new venue, it is an investment in our students, our community, and the future of the arts in Northeast Alabama. We are proud to honor Randy Owen’s legacy while creating a space that will inspire creativity, learning, and unforgettable experiences for generations to come.

A special thank you to Randy Owen for his continued commitment to Jax State, our students, and the communities we serve. His belief in the power of education, music, and opportunity helped make this day possible.

Thank you to everyone who played a role in bringing this vision to life. The future is bright at Jax State.

Proud to be part of the grand opening of the Jacksonville State STEAM Institute—Home of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama.

What stands out most is the opportunity this creates for students across our region—to experience hands-on learning, to think differently, and to begin to see what is possible for their future.

At Jax State, we believe in opening those doors early. This center does exactly that.

Grateful to our partners and everyone who made this vision a reality.

We are proud to have Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan on campus this week as we celebrate a special moment for our Marching Southerners. Being selected to participate in the 138th Rose Parade Presented by Honda is a tremendous point of pride for our university and a reflection of the talent and dedication of our students, along with the rich tradition of the Marching Southerners.
It feels especially fitting that this year’s theme, “Welcome,” brings you to the Friendliest Campus in the South.
We are grateful for the opportunity and hope you enjoy your visit and our hospitality.

I’m excited about what this new Aviation program means for our students and for the future workforce of our region. The aviation industry continues to grow, and Jax State is positioning students for high-demand, high-paying careers in a field with tremendous opportunity across Alabama and the Southeast.

Jax State Launches Bachelor of Science in Aviation, Beginning Fall 2026 ✈️

Your career as a professional pilot starts at Jax State.
Small cohorts. FAA-certified flight training. Real-world, career-ready skills. This isn’t just learning to fly — it’s building a long-term aviation career.

To read more about this exciting new program click the link below!
https://www.jsu.edu/news/articles/2026/03/jax-state-launches-bachelor-of-science-in-aviation-beginning-fall-2026.html

We are deeply grateful to Congressman Rogers for his continued support of Jacksonville State University and the work we are doing to strengthen our state.

This $10 million investment allows us to expand two of our programs that are leading the way in meeting our state’s workforce needs. It will enhance our Center for Manufacturing Support and our Law Enforcement Training Center in ways that directly support industry growth and safer communities across Alabama.

Big News!

Jacksonville State University will receive $10 million in federal earmarked funding secured through Congressman Mike Rogers’ office, a significant investment supporting advanced manufacturing initiatives and expanded law enforcement training.

To read more click the link below!⬇️
https://www.jsu.edu/news/articles/2026/02/jacksonville-state-university-to-receive-10-million-in-federal-funding-through-congressman-mike-rogers-office.html

Congratulations to Dr. Farrah Hayes and the incredible team at Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama on earning the Chairman’s Award at today’s Etowah Chamber Annual Meeting.

We’re proud to partner with Challenger Center and grateful for the opportunity to have a presence in Etowah County as we work together to expand STEAM education and inspire the children—and future leaders—of our region. We can’t wait to see their vision come to life when Challenger Center opens its doors later this year. Well deserved!

What a night in Montgomery! Congratulations to Head Coach Charles Kelly and his team on a hard-fought 17–13 win over Troy in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.

And to our Gamecock faithful — thank you for turning Cramton Bowl into a home field advantage and helping us renew this rivalry. Whup Troy!