Jax State Students Participate in Higher Education Day 2024
02/27/2024
JSU students joined a thousand of their peers at the Alabama State House on Feb. 22 for Higher Education Day. Photo courtesy of the Higher Education Partnership.
“Alabama’s universities shape the state’s economy and must be supported," said Gordon Stone, executive director of the Higher Education Partnership, which organizes the event. "Our more than 180,000 students are valuable to the state’s thriving economy.”
The day began with a parade demonstrating the unique spirit of each of the state's public universities, including a marching band, banners, flags, mascots and students. SGA leaders from each university signed a statewide pledge as a collective show of strength and delivered their message to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth during lunch on the lawn of the State Capitol.
During lunch, attendees heard from key decision makers across the state, including Lt. Gov. Ainsworth, both majority and minority party leadership in the House and Senate, the chairs of the state’s budget committees and other key legislative leaders. The event empowered students and other university leaders to voice their support for higher education to legislators.
"Out of all three years I have attended, this year was very special because I was gifted the opportunity by the other SGA presidents to serve as the University Student President’s Council chairwoman," said JSU SGA President Tierra Thatch. "This allowed me to speak in front of all of our 14 public universities, lieutenant governor, state senators and representatives about how amazing higher education is and share my story on why JSU should be poured into and advocated for along with the other 13 universities."
Each year, Higher Education Day reminds state leaders that Alabama universities provide more than an education - they prepare the future leaders of the state, improve quality of life and bond the fiber of the state’s economy. Through countless degree programs, Alabama’s public universities equip graduates with the necessary skills, experience and credentials to embark on careers and impact the world.
Serving more than 180,000 students, Alabama’s universities are directly involved in workforce development and career training through hands-on instruction, groundbreaking research and innovation, and world-class learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Those with a bachelor's degree make, on average, $1 million more over the course of their careers than those without a degree.
“As Alabama prepares to build a landscape that is competitive in the knowledge-based economy of the future, it is crucial to empower universities to train and equip graduates with the skills to compete for the best jobs and to lead in the future,” Stone said.