Leigha Cauthen

Leigha Cauthen is the Chief External Affairs Officer at Jacksonville State University. Cauthen is a graduate of Jacksonville State University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2003. She was recognized as JSU’s Young Alumna of the Year in 2010. 
 
Cauthen will serve as liaison to city, county and state government units; evaluate pending legislation impacting higher education and advise the administration in developing responses; coordinate the university’s legislative agenda in collaboration with the university president; develop and maintain strong professional relationships with public officials at the state and federal level; and promote a positive image of the university by representing the institution in community, state and regional activities.
 
A Montgomery native, Cauthen has been active in politics and government throughout her life developing the skills to be an effective public affairs professional from an early age. Prior to returning to Jacksonville State University, Cauthen worked on two statewide campaigns and most recently served as the Executive Director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council for nearly 14 years where she developed working relationships on the state and federal political levels that will make her effective in this role.