Young Alum of the Year

Matthew Alan Shaffer ('10)

Matthew Alan Shaffer, a 2010 graduate of Jacksonville State University, is making waves in both the tech industry and his local community. A native of Gadsden, Alabama, Matthew earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science with a minor in Military Science and went on to complete a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Washington in 2022.

A former preferred walk-on for the 2005 Jax State Football team, Matthew temporarily stepped away from school to complete basic and advanced training, later serving in the Alabama National Guard as an IT Specialist for the 20th Special Forces Group Support Company. Returning to campus, he reengaged through ROTC, Sigma Nu Fraternity, and competitive Ranger Challenge teams, eventually earning Distinguished Military Graduate and Computer Science Graduate of the Year honors.

After commissioning, Matthew served as an Army Signal Officer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He transitioned to civilian life through the inaugural Microsoft Software & Systems Academy class, a veteran hiring pipeline that now serves thousands. Since 2014, he has worked at Microsoft, leading innovative projects that blend AI with datacenter operations—most recently integrating ChatGPT-like technology to enhance data accessibility and customer insights.

Beyond his professional success, Matthew remains deeply engaged with Jax State as a donor and advisory board participant. He supports the Sigma Nu House Fund, the Sigma Nu Memorial Endowed Scholarship, and the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts. Locally, he coaches at Gaston High School and serves as a founding board member of the Gaston Athletic Foundation. He currently lives in the North Gadsden Community, where he enjoys gardening and raising chickens with his two cats, Arya and Sansa.

For his leadership in technology, dedication to service, and continued support of Jax State, Matthew Alan Shaffer is recognized as the 2025 Young Alum of the Year.