Jax State News

Angle Hall

‘My heart will always be with Jacksonville State’: Dr. Kenneth Bodiford looks back on his 32 years as director of the Marching Southerners

For Jacksonville State University’s Marching Southerners, every show matters — because any one of them can change a life. No one values this philosophy more than Director of Bands, Dr. Kenneth Bodiford, who recently announced his plans to retire at the end of the season after 32 years.

 
Like mother, like daughter: Celebrating the legacy of the Marching Southerners Ballerinas with stories that span generations

This season, there are three Ballerinas – Coral Church, Ava Nicholson, and Anna Kate Schuler - whose mothers were also Ballerinas. In Ava’s case, her aunt was also a Ballerina. It was the stories they heard growing up of the rich traditions, the honor, the excitement, the hard work, and the enduring friendships that inspired these young women to follow in their mother’s footsteps.
 
Jax State Establishes New Student Exchange Program with University of Toyama

It was a trip that defined the course of Ingrid Galinat’s career. Now, Galinat, who serves as Jax State's Director of the International House and Programs, is hoping a similar experience will have the same effect on her students.
 
Jax State Programming Team Wins Gold and Bronze at ICPC Southeast USA Division 2 Competition at Georgia Tech Site 

The Jacksonville State University Programming Team earned Gold and Bronze medals at the 2025–26 International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) Southeast USA Division 2 Competition, held at the Georgia Tech site.
 
Jax State Awarded $2.6 Million Grant to Establish One of the First Centers for Civic Education in Alabama

Jax State earns one of the nation’s largest U.S. Department of Education awards to establish Center for Leadership and American Principles.
 
Jax State Selected for National Initiative to Improve Student-Centered Course Scheduling

Jacksonville State University has been named one of only 20 regional public universities nationwide chosen to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) new Student-Centered Course Scheduling initiative—an effort aimed at removing one of higher education’s most persistent barriers to student success: the course schedule.
 
Inside Ramona Wood: How Jax State’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation Programs are Redefining Justice Education

The cadaver lab is just one of the numerous changes that promise to prepare students for a career in forensics or law enforcement.
 
Jax State Ceramics Professor John Oles Elected to the International Academy of Ceramics

John Oles, Jacksonville State University associate professor of ceramics, is among the newest members of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC). Nominated in June and officially elected in October, Oles joins 219 individual artists from 59 countries around the world in the prestigious academy.
 
A Family of Service and a Community of Learners: Jax State Public Health at the Cocky Cares Health Fair

At Jacksonville State University’s Cocky Cares for Calhoun County Health Fair, held October 7–8 at the Jacksonville Community Center, the spirit of public service was alive and thriving.
 
Jax State Partners with Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama to Advance STEAM Education

The Jacksonville State University Board of Trustees has approved an agreement with Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama to establish the Jacksonville State University STEAM Institute – Home of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama.
 
Trumpet Studio to perform at TrumpetFest 2026

Jacksonville State University's (Jax State) Trumpet Studio has been invited to perform at the prestigious TrumpetFest at Orvieto Musica in Orvieto, Italy, this June.
 
Swab to Save Lives: Jax State Partners with NMDP for Campus Marrow Donor Drive

Jacksonville State University will host a campus-wide NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) Drive from Monday, November 10 through Wednesday, November 12, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. The event aims to educate students and the community about marrow donation and provide opportunities to join the national registry through a simple cheek swab.
 
Jax State’s Center for Manufacturing Support Partners with Alabama Auto Plant to Upskill Honda Workforce

The Jacksonville State University Center for Manufacturing Support (CMS) partnered with the Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) to deliver hands-on FANUC Certified Handling Tool Operations and Programming training for Honda production equipment associates.
 
Jax State Adopts Paid Parental Leave Policy for Employees

The Jacksonville State University Board of Trustees has approved a new Paid Parental Leave Policy, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to providing a supportive and family-friendly workplace.
 
Jacksonville State University Expands Additive Manufacturing Leadership with EOS Partnership

Jacksonville State University’s Center for Manufacturing Support (CMS) today announced a new partnership with EOS North America to expand additive manufacturing education, training, and applied research. As part of the initiative, CMS has added a second EOS M290 metal 3D printer, pushing its total additive manufacturing investment beyond $3 million and further cementing its reputation as one of the Southeast’s most comprehensive university-based additive labs.