J
Jacksonville State University Cradled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northeast Alabama, Jacksonville State University enjoys several distinctions that set it apart from other state, regional and national institutions of higher learning. ■ On the state level, the university historically has graduated more teachers than any other college of education in Alabama. As a regional university, Jacksonville State has the highest number of accredited
From top left: Two great traditions come together to thrill a devoted fan following
programs among regional institutions in Alabama, offering more than 150 courses of study including 24 master’s degree programs, two graduate certificate programs and extensive online offerings. Meanwhile, in national news, the Princeton Review ranks the JSU College of Business among the country’s best. Jacksonville State is also one of twelve schools nationwide selected in 2009 by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for the Science Education Alliance’s National Genomics Research Initiative. From outstanding academics to campus involvement to a rich athletic tradition, Jacksonville State has it all. But the most important distinction behind the school’s sustained success is one lasting feature: its focus on the individual. “Our students come from all walks, but they share a common expectation for their educational experience,” says Dr. William
Meehan, president of Jacksonville State. “They tell us that at JSU they are more than a number. We know we’ve accomplished our mission when our students tell us they feel welcomed and are supported socially and culturally as well as academically during their time with us.”
each fall at Paul Snow Stadium on the
future of marching
STEVE LATHAM/JSU PHOTO
Jacksonville State
band for more than 50
▼
University campus. A nationally known entity, the Southerners and the Marching Ballerinas (left) have been defining the
HISTORY, INSPIRATION, INNOVATION Located in Calhoun County nearly midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jacksonville State’s rich history dates back to 1883 when it was founded as a state normal school. In 1929, the school became a four-year institution and was renamed the Jacksonville State Teachers College. The first Bachelor of Science in Education degree was awarded in 1931. Five years later, the college earned regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The teachers college became Jacksonville State College in 1957 with the creation of its first graduate program, a master’s degree in elementary education. In August 1966, the State Board of Education elevated the college to university status. In the time since the school’s founding, strong visionaries have guided Jacksonville State, establishing and nurturing a reputation for honoring the highest academic principles. Through the years, school leaders also have focused on progress and modernization to meet the changing needs of students and the world. “While beautiful historic buildings are plentiful on our cam-
years and perform for thousands each season- sending chills up the spine and tears down the face. The JSU Gamecock football team (right) has won one national championship (1992) and eleven conference championships. The bell in front of Jacksonville State University’s Bibb
Hall on the former campus. It was relocated to its new and permanent home in February 1983 as part of the university’s centennial celebration.
STEVE LATHAM/JSU PHOTO
Graves Hall was originally at Hames
▼
246 I
Alabama