Jacksonville State Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of CEPS Complex and New Kitchen Lab

04/22/2025

JACKSONVILLE - Jacksonville State University marked a monumental day in its College of Education and Professional Studies on April 15 with two special ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrating education's future and a dedicated alumna's generosity. 

The first event of the afternoon honored the opening of the Vivian Pollard Mason Kitchen Lab, a modern facility housed within the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) complex. The second celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the CEPS complex itself, located on the former Kitty Stone Elementary School site—adjacent to the hill where Jax State began in 1883. 

While CEPS faculty, staff, and students have been teaching and learning in the complex, Tuesday's events marked the formal recognition of the site as the college's new home. 

"It is fitting that this is where the original institution started back in 1883—here on the hill," said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. "As we were thinking about ways to grow the College of Education and we started our new Doctor of Education program, we realized we were out of space in the former building. What better place to teach our future teachers than in a former school?" 

The celebration also recognized the opening of the Vivian Pollard Mason Kitchen Lab, made possible by a generous gift from alumna Ms. Vivian Pollard Mason, a 1958 graduate of Jax State who earned her degree in education in home economics, now known as family and consumer sciences. The new lab will serve as a hub for hands-on learning and professional preparation for students in the department. 

"This is a testament to Ms. Mason and what she thinks of our university as we help continue to educate our students for the future," Dr. Killingsworth said during the ceremony. "Thank you, Ms. Mason, for your generous donation to Jacksonville State University." 

Mason, who spent her career teaching in the Huntsville City Schools system, reflected on her passion for cooking and the life skills students will gain in the space. "Etiquette and things of food and so on—they're not unimportant. It's very noticeable," she said. "When you get out in the world, you find out that some people do not have those skills. I hope the students who use this laboratory will learn them and carry them home and use them every day." 

Dr. Diane Best, department chair and associate professor, shared the deep gratitude of faculty and students: "In here, people are joyful and grateful. It is a great feeling to be able to walk into a space and have space. It lets the students know that people care enough to create a space like this." 

Following the kitchen lab dedication, attendees gathered for the formal CEPS ribbon cutting, which featured remarks from President Killingsworth, CEPS Dean Dr. Kimberly White, Board of Trustees Chairman Randy Jones, Vice President for Philanthropy Dr. Alan Medders, and SGA President Kaitlyn Letson.Jones praised the college as “the cornerstone of this university,” noting that Jax State graduates more teachers than any other institution in Alabama. 

Dean White recognized the transformative power of the facility. "This is where our students will have their passions nurtured, their skills sharpened, and their dreams set in motion," she said. "Whether a career in education, leadership, counseling, or professional studies, they are the future—and for us, we know Jax State students have bright futures." 

Letson emphasized the significance of the university's investment. "This is such a meaningful day, not just because we've opened a new building, but because we're investing in the future of education itself," she said. "This new complex gives those future change-makers the environment they deserve—a space built for collaboration, creativity, and connection." 

More than 18,000 of Jax State's 80,000 living alumni are graduates of the College of Education and Professional Studies. As the college begins this new chapter, its leaders remain focused on continuing its legacy of preparing educators and professionals who will make a lasting difference. 

"We appreciate all of you for being here today and supporting the College of Education and Professional Studies," said Dean White. "With pride in our past and hope for our future, we are excited to build a legacy of excellence, transformation, and innovation—together." 

For more information on Jax State’s College of Education and Professional Studies, visit www.jsu.edu/education.