For Randy and Debra Jones, giving back to Jacksonville State University is more than philanthropy—it’s about creating lasting change. As rst-generation college students, they worked tirelessly to earn their degrees, balancing jobs while pursuing their education. Now, as devoted supporters of Jax State, they are using their success to open doors for future generations. eir most recent contribution, a Charitable Remainder Trust, is another milestone in their legacy of giving. is trust not only provides lasting support for the university but also bene ts the donor, ensuring that Jax State will thrive for years to come.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the Joneses were named Jax State’s Philanthropists of the Year at the university’s 8th annual Red Tie Dinner and Auction in February 2025. eir generosity and leadership have le a lasting imprint on campus, reinforcing their belief that education has the power to change lives.
Neither Randy nor Debra had the traditional college experience. “I worked digging ditches during the day and went to school at night,” Randy recalls. “I knew how important that degree was. I knew that’s one thing I could do that would be mine forever.” A er graduating, he built a successful insurance business from the ground up, working long hours, even on weekends, to establish himself. His deep appreciation for Jax State came later, thanks to a connection with a couple who would become dear friends—Ken and Jenny Howell. eir sel ess, giving attitude and their dedication to the Jax State inspired Randy and Debra to get more involved.
at reintroduction led to a deeper connection with the university. “We started coming back to campus, meeting people, seeing the impact we could have,” Debra shares. “ e more involved we got, the more we realized how special Jax State is.”
e Jones’ philanthropic journey began with a story that made a profound impact on them and their community. In 2006, 17-year-old volunteer re ghter Alethea Nixon tragically lost her life when a re truck she was on ipped o% a bridge on its way to respond to a re. Moved by her story, Randy led a fundraising e%ort to establish an endowed scholarship in her name. Jax State agreed to match any funds raised, turning the Alethea Nixon Marshall County Alumni Scholarship into a lasting tribute to her memory.
eir giving didn’t stop there. Understanding the challenges faced by transfer students—having both transferred to Jax State themselves—they established a scholarship for transfer students, ensuring that those making the transition from community college had the nancial support to continue their education.
“ ese students o en get overlooked,” Randy explained. “ ey’re working, raising families, trying to better themselves and make an impact. ey are o en forgotten about, and we wanted to make sure they had the help they needed.”
In addition to their philanthropy, Randy has played a key role in shaping the university’s future as Chairman of the Jax State Board of Trustees. He speaks with immense pride about the board, describing it as a group de ned by three core values: passion, humility, and integrity.
“One of the rst things I did as chairman was start the Audit Committee,” he said. “I wanted to be able to look a hardworking family in the eye and assure them we’re being good stewards of their money. I made Greg Brown the Chairman of it, and the work he and auditor Skip Clark have done has been fantastic. We developed a matrix to ensure nancial transparency and good stewardship of resources, and that matrix has even been sent by the Department of Education to other schools as a model.”
His leadership has helped guide Jax State through a period of tremendous growth, from expanding academic programs to enhancing campus facilities. He and Debra have also relished the friendships they’ve formed along the way, calling their involvement with Jax State “one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.”
For Debra, the motivation to give is simple: “Lead by example. You can’t ask others to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself—whether that’s giving your time, your talents, or your resources,” Debra says. at philosophy is evident in every aspect of their commitment to Jax State.
“When you start getting involved, you realize how good it feels,” Debra says. “It’s about being part of something bigger, something that changes lives.” Jax State isn’t just their alma mater. It’s a place they continue to build, shape, and support—one student, one scholarship, and one act of generosity at a time.
Gifts that Pay you for Life
Transfer securities, cash, or other property to the Jacksonville State University Foundation and we’ll manage the investment of the assets and pay an income to you, your designated bene ciaries, or both. Receive payments for the rest of your life or, in some cases, up to a certain number of years.
Charitable Remainder Unitrust
You may be concerned about the high cost of capital gains tax with the sale of an appreciated asset. Perhaps you recently sold property and are looking for a way to save on taxes this year and plan for retirement. A charitable remainder unitrust might o%er the solutions you need.
Bene ts of a charitable remainder unitrust
• Receive income for life, for a term of up to 20 years or life plus a term of up to 20 years.
• Avoid capital gains on the sale of your appreciated assets.
• Receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for the charitable portion of the trust.
• Establish a future legacy gi to the JSU Foundation.
How a charitable remainder unitrust works
• You transfer cash or assets to fund a charitable remainder unitrust.
• In the case of a trust funded with appreciated assets, the trust will then sell the assets tax-free.
• e trust is invested to pay income to you or any other trust bene ciaries you select based on a life, lives, a term of up to 20 years or a life plus a term of up to 20 years.
• You receive an income tax deduction in the year you transfer assets to the trust.
• Jax State bene ts from what remains in the trust a er all the trust payments have been made.
Other considerations
• A charitable remainder unitrust pays you income that re ects the value of the trust’s assets. Your income has the potential to increase over time as the trust grows in value.
• ere are several unitrust payout options to meet your needs. e best payout option may depend on the nature of the asset used to fund the trust. We would be happy to work with you and your tax advisor to determine which payout option is best for you.
Charitable Gift Annuity
rough a JSU Foundation Charitable Gi Annuity (CGA), you can create a legacy that has a lasting impact on Jax State and future Gamecocks while receiving income for life. In exchange for your gi of cash or appreciated securities, the JSU Foundation will pay one or two people (who you designate) a xed percentage of the gi (the annuity) for life; the amount of the annual annuity will depend on the individual’s age and other factors. Typically, you name yourself and one other person (o en a spouse) to receive the income; however, others may be designated if you wish. A CGA might help you plan for your retirement, provide supplemental nancial support for aging parents who have limited income or assist siblings who are struggling nancially. Once those receiving income have passed away, the JSU Foundation receives the remainder of your gi to support an area of the university that is important to you.
Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust
If you are tired of the uctuating stock market and want to receive xed payments, a charitable remainder annuity trust may provide you with the stability you desire. A charitable remainder annuity trust pays a xed amount each year based on the value of the property at the time the trust is funded.
Bene ts of a charitable remainder annuity trust
• Receive xed income for life or a term of up to 20 years.
• Avoid capital gains tax on the sale of your appreciated assets.
• Receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for the charitable remainder portion of your gi to the JSU Foundation.
How a charitable remainder annuity trust works
• You transfer cash or assets to fund a charitable remainder annuity trust.
• In the case of a trust funded with appreciated assets, the trust will then sell the assets tax-free.
• e trust is invested to pay xed income to you or any other trust bene ciaries you select based on a life, lives or a term of up to twenty years.
• You receive an income tax deduction in the year you transfer assets to the trust.
• e JSU Foundation bene ts from what remains in the trust a er all the trust payments have been made.
May 2025 Gift Annuity Rates
Why Join the Heritage Society?
Our personal legacies are o en di cult to fathom and even harder to measure. When we stop to think about the good we have done, thoughts may turn to family and those we love and serve. Still, it is hard to know how far the rings will travel out from the handful of pebbles we threw in the big pond.
Some among us are more intentional about building a lasting legacy. ese thoughtful and passionate donors invest in that which is important to them and give of their time, their wisdom, and their resources. For those investors who believe strongly in the mission of Jax State, a planned gi holds special signi cance. A planned gi endures. It is intentional. It is designed to provide a