#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 1 9/10/15 10:47 AM : president’s letter

DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,

Greetings from Bibb Graves Hall! I university. I look forward to working with am honored to join the Gamecock family you and the entire Gamecock family as we as 12th president of Jacksonville State strive to bring JSU to even greater levels of University. excellence. Thank you for your continued From the first moment I stepped foot support. on the JSU campus, I knew it was a special place. From its beautiful setting and Go Gamecocks! friendly people to its excellent programs and strong traditions – JSU is truly a “GEM” for our state and nation. It is a blessing and a privilege to serve John M. Beehler, Ph.D., CPA you as your president. On page 4, you can President learn more about my background and perspectives on higher education and the

GREETINGS GAMECOCKS!

It is an exciting time here on campus are happening in your life so we can share as our new freshman class begin their your successes. Thank you for all you do journey as Gamecocks! We hope you will to promote JSU. I hope to hear from you join us for our Halloween Homecoming soon. on Saturday, October 31! The schedule of events is included on page 43. Go Gamecocks! I would like to thank those of you who completed our recent online survey. Your feedback is important to us. I want you to know that we heard you and are looking at ways to incorporate your ideas Kaci Ogle ’95/’04 and suggestions. Director of Alumni Relations We always want to hear from you! Let us know about all the amazing things that

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 2 9/10/15 10:47 AM GEM OF THE HILLS 2013 COLLEGIATE ADVERTISING AWARDS GOLD WINNER

JSU PRESIDENT contents John M. Beehler, Ph.D., CPA VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Charles Lewis, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Tim Garner ’69 DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Kaci Ogle ’95/’04 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND EDITOR Buffy Lockette COORDINATOR OF PUBLICATIONS Mary Smith ’93 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Morgan Christopher ’10 STAFF WRITERS Angie Finley, PR Specialist Heather Greene, Writer Katie Cline, Student Writer Christina MacDonald, Student Writer PHOTOGRAPHER Steve Latham COPY EDITOR 4 Bill Hubbard ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:

Darren Douthitt ’88/’97/’00 PRESIDENT

Andrea Clayton ’83/’86 VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Reynolds ’85 TREASURER

Nancy Turner 8 12 14 16 RECORDING SECRETARY Kaci Ogle ’95/’04 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Alan Renfroe ’88/’07 JSU ALUMNUS 2 president’s letter ASSISTANT DIRECTOR 8 creates masters Gem of the Hills is published by the Division 18 around campus of University Advancement: 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 A “STORIED” HISTORY 24 sports © 2015 Jacksonville State University 12 for jsu student media phone: (256) 782-5404 or 877-JSU-ALUM 34 with alumni fax: (256) 782-5502 email: [email protected] web: jsu.edu/alumni GIVING BACK 46 alum notes 14 by paying it forward 245-15 University Publications 9/15 JSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and does not discriminate based on age, religion, race, color, sex, veteran’s status, national origin, or disability. Pursuant to Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Director of Government Relations, 101 Bibb Graves Hall, phone 256.782.5278 is the UNIVERSITY PAST INSPIRES NEW LOOK coordinator for Sec. 504/ADA. Jacksonville State University is 16 accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for the marching southerners Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s, educa- tional specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033- 4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Jacksonville State University.

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 3 9/10/15 10:47 AM Meet Dr. John Beehler JSU’s 12th President BY BUFFY LOCKETTE PHOTOS BY STEVE LATHAM AGICAL THINGS HAPPEN ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS. LIKE THE ROGUE MSNOWBALL THAT CHANGED JOHN BEEHLER’S LIFE. “One day, while I was walking across campus after a snowstorm, out of nowhere a snowball hit me in the chest,” Beehler said. “I looked up and there she was with a great big smile on her face. She got my attention and the rest is history.” Beehler is now Dr. John Beehler, the new president of Jacksonville State Univer- sity. The woman who threw the snowball – then a collegiate softball and basketball player – is now Dr. Pamela Beehler, JSU’s new First Lady. There’s rarely snow on the campus of Jacksonville State, but Beehler says he feels at home here. A graduate of Penn State, he grew up in the foothills on the other side of the Appalachians. The first in his family to attend college, he feels a strong connection to what he calls the “soul” of JSU. “To me, there is something very spiritual about JSU,” Beehler said. “It has a very important mission that is uplifting to all its constituents and will lead to the growth and development of the region and its citizens. Simply stated, the friend- ON THE liness is deeply rooted in JSU’s culture COVER and reflects a loving, caring attitude in developing students for their future careers and life.”

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 4 9/10/15 10:47 AM Beehler took over the reins as 12th that provided an ideal family environment. I was born to be a university president,” president of the university on July 1, fol- We were taught that everything was pos- Beehler said. “This type of encouragement lowing a nationwide search led by Atlanta- sible in America with hard work and faith. put the idea in my mind and, thereafter, based firm Diversified Search. He follows As the first born, it was expected that I I proceeded to take on increasingly more Dr. William A. Meehan, who retired after would do well in school and extracurricu- responsible positions in academic admin- 40 years of service to the university, 16 as lar activities and would go to college. Since istration to get the diverse experience its president, on June 30. my parents never graduated from college, in higher education needed to become The new president comes to JSU they wanted me to graduate and have the a president. A key factor was the sup- with 34 years of higher education experi- opportunities that they never had. I have port and encouragement of my wife, Dr. ence, 20 years in leadership roles. Most always been very proud of my parents and Pamela Beehler, a career academic who has recently, he served as dean of the School never wanted to disappoint them. I felt a always believed in me.”

“My tagline is ‘It’s not all about me, it’s not all about you, it’s about all of us – the Jacksonville State University Gamecock Family’.”

of Business at Robert Morris University big responsibility to graduate from college Beehler met the “love of his life,” in Pittsburgh. He previously served as and be successful.” the girl with great aim, while they were founding provost and vice president for Upon earning his bachelor’s degree, undergraduates at Penn State. The couple academic excellence and student success Beehler landed a job at one of the world’s married shortly after graduation 38 years at the University of North Texas at Dallas, top accounting firms. To speed his climb ago and the First Lady has had a success- associate provost for economic initiatives up the corporate ladder, he decided to go ful academic career in her own right. She and dean of the Haile/US Bank College back to college and pursue an MBA. He holds a Ph.D. in human performance of Business at Northern Kentucky Univer- taught classes to pay for graduate school from Indiana University and is an expert sity, dean of the W. Frank Barton School and, to his surprise, discovered a love for on brain performance and concussions. of Business at Wichita State University, teaching. Instead of returning to the cor- She spent her entire career as a tenured and associate dean at the University of porate world, he went on to earn a Ph.D. professor of kinesiology and exercise Texas at Arlington. and launched a career in higher education. science, including eight years as a depart- A certified public accountant, Beehler More than 13 years and several teach- ment chair. The couple has one daughter, has significant experience in college and ing awards later, Beehler took on his first Kristin, who is a West Point graduate and university accounting and auditing. He leadership role in academia when his peers a captain in the U.S. Army with deploy- earned a Bachelor of Science in account- at the University of Texas at Arlington ments in Iraq and Kuwait. ing from Penn State and an MBA in elected him chair and president of the Fac- Becoming JSU president is a role finance and a Ph.D. in accounting and ulty Senate. He had a talent for diplomacy, Beehler has prepared himself for through taxation from Indiana University. and one of his mentors took notice. experience and training. In 2011, he “I never imagined as a student that “After seeing me take on various completed a yearlong program specifically someday I would be university president,” leadership roles, one of my early men- designed for aspiring university presidents, said Beehler. “I grew up in a small town tors specifically told me that she thought the American Academic Leadership

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 5 9/10/15 10:47 AM Institute’s Executive Leadership Academy. to attempt to make sweeping changes Just weeks into his new presidency, He is also a graduate of the Harvard Insti- overnight. He plans to immerse himself Beehler’s humble and low-maintenance tutes of Higher Education Management in the university’s culture during his first attitude, respectful demeanor and positive Development Program. year and gain a better understanding of its energy was already putting the campus that Beehler comes to JSU with respect challenges and opportunities before mak- hasn’t seen a leadership change in 16 years and admiration for its culture and tradi- ing any major structural shifts. A servant at ease. He gained admiration from em- tions, as well as ideas for helping move the leader with a collaborative nature, he ployees and students alike when he moved university forward in today’s challenging wants to develop a collective vision for the into a residence hall instead of cooling his higher education market. university with the entire JSU family. No heels in a hotel suite while needed renova- “Institutions like JSU must focus on matter the road ahead, he wants to ensure tions are being made to the President’s students and mission and in some ways JSU doesn’t lose sight of what makes it House this fall. behave more like private institutions,” special. “I am excited about serving JSU and Beehler said. “That is, we must realize that “We should not change JSU’s friendli- our region,” Beehler said. “My tagline is enrollment, retention, progression and ness and traditions of excellence,” Beehler ‘It’s not all about me, it’s not all about graduation rates are extremely important said. “We should always strive to be the you, it’s about all of us – the Jacksonville as well as securing private support to best in what we do. JSU should not lose State University Gamecock Family.’ I truly supplement the decreasing amount of state sight of its focus on students and their believe this and would hope that all of us support. We must be strategic and develop development as educated, ethical, and would adopt this mantra and work for the key niches that differentiate us from our responsible professionals, leaders and betterment of all.” competition. We need to increase the use citizens. A focus on their development of technology to meet student needs and educationally, culturally, socially, physically to be more efficient and effective in what and spiritually will always lead to better we do.” professionals, leaders and citizens. This, in While Beehler came to JSU ready turn, will benefit our region, state, country to lead on day one, it is not his style and the whole world.”

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 6 9/10/15 10:47 AM MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

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FALL 2015 : 7

#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 7 9/10/15 10:47 AM JSU Alumnus Creates Masters

BY KATIE CLINE

ACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY DOESN’T JUST CREATE EXCELLENT ALUMNI, IT CREATES MASTERS. THROUGH THE MASTER OF FINE ARTS PROGRAM, ARTISTICALLY GIFTED STUDENTS ARE PREPAR- ING FOR CREATIVE CAREERS – FROM ART DIRECTOR TO COLLEGE ART PROFESSOR – LED BY ONE OF JJSU’S OWN ALUMNI, SETH JOHNSON.

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 8 9/10/15 10:48 AM Without JSU, Seth Johnson would Officially launched in 2011 after years of never have been born. His parents met on careful planning, JSU’s program is the campus in the 1970s, fell in love, and got only one in Alabama that focuses in visual married. When he was a senior in high communication design – a new and evolv- school, the college he had heard about his ing industry where designers use technol- whole life offered the promising young ogy, design and social awareness to solve artist what every student wants: a full problems that inform, educate and elicit scholarship. responses from end users. “I went all four years on a full art “Graphic design is typically solving a scholarship,” Johnson said, “and I loved it. problem for a client,” Johnson explained. JSU was the perfect size. Art departments “It’s some form of visual communication. can be too big in that they lack the The term ‘graphic design’ was coined in individual attention. They can also be too 1929, but from 1929 to now a lot has big in that all the disciplines are separated, changed. We’re not just making posters almost segregated. JSU was the perfect size. anymore. The more accurate term is ‘visual You got a lot of great attention from your communication.’ It includes web design, faculty members.” motion graphics, television, broadcast, Johnson graduated from JSU in 1999 the Web and print media. To say it’s just with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic graphic design is kind of limiting.” design. He went on to receive his MFA The 60-hour MFA program integrates in graphic design from the University of both research and studio components, Tennessee and has been nominated for assisting students in developing a three Emmy awards, including one for professional portfolio by the completion of his work on the reality TV show “Brush their degree. In just three years, students Country.” are qualified to teach at the university level Along with his television and design or to advance in their specific field, such work, Johnson secured a teaching position as web design or illustration. at Middle Tennessee State University. He “Our ideal student would be someone had been at MTSU for 12 years when he who was a graphic designer who wants got a call from one of his former professors a career change,” Johnson said of the JSU Alumnus informing him that JSU was in search of MFA program’s targeted demographic. a new art department head. Excited at the “They have professional experience. They prospect of working for the university that might be in Atlanta, Birmingham or Creates Masters shaped his professional career, Johnson Chattanooga and they’re ready for a career applied, interviewed, and was offered change.” the job. So, in 2014 – 15 years after he Jamie Runnells, associate professor graduated – Johnson returned to his alma of graphic design and coordinator of the mater where he now serves as a professor MFA program, said the program provides of graphic design and head of the art its students flexibility. “You could mix and department. match from all sorts of areas,” she said. “It still has that homey feel to it,” he “If you wanted to take a course in web said about JSU. “I wasn’t on campus two design and motion type and the moving days, and I walked by the president and he image and the history of photography, all immediately knew my name. It really was of those things are valid, so you can really like coming home.” tailor the degree to your needs.” In addition to teaching, Johnson The MFA is a terminal degree, mean- works closely with JSU’s MFA program to ing it is the highest degree one can pursue help students reach their full potential. in fine arts. Therefore, graduates are

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 9 9/10/15 10:48 AM qualified to become college art professors “I had always wanted an advanced or even, like Johnson, department chairs. degree,” recalls Robertson, “and over the The program also prepares students for years I had tried a couple of times and for more careers in advertising, marketing, enter- started degree programs and they just INFORMATION tainment and other industries. weren’t satisfying. When I found out “The types of careers that our about the MFA program at Jacksonville, I students can pursue with an MFA thought, ‘It’s time. It’s time for me to go VISIT THE MFA WEBSITE from JSU would be obviously in design back.’ In the undergraduate program, it’s education, but also as an art director,” said a lot of payoff. ‘How do I make this work? www.jsu.edu/mfa Johnson. “With our vicinity being both How do I create this type of experience?’ close to Birmingham and Atlanta, there But in the master’s program, you’re really are numerous opportunities.” reaching into the theory, the science, the Susan Cowan Robertson is one history, the understanding of why you are student who has taken advantage of JSU’s doing what you’re doing.” unique and individualized program to help further her career. She was the first graduate of the MFA program back on THE MFA PROGRAM IS ENROLLING August 8, 2014. Since then, the program STUDENTS NOW. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE has enrolled several more talented AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED STUDENTS. students and graduated an additional three.

Liberty Mutual is a proud partner of the JSU National Alumni Association

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 10 9/10/15 10:48 AM Liberty Mutual is a proud partner of the JSU National Alumni Association

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FALL 2015 : 11

#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 11 9/10/15 10:48 AM A “Storied” History for JSU STUDENT MEDIA

BY KATIE CLINE

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 12 9/10/15 10:48 AM The presses are still hot and the air- “People need to know what’s going The station debuted on Monday, waves are a-buzzing on the campus of Jack- on,” Cunningham said. “People have a September 29, 1975 at noon with Led Zep- sonville State University, where student- great desire to know what’s going on – on pelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” run media is celebrating a combined 120 their block, in their town, in their region, “We sat around at my place, a years of production this year. The campus in their state, in their nation and in their bunch of us,” Sandefer remembers, “and newspaper, “The Chanticleer,” celebrated world. Our Founders set up from the very thought, ‘What song will they be playing a its 80th anniversary in March and the beginning a system that would give all of gazillion years from now?’ So, we’re listen- radio station, WLJS, 92-J FM, is celebrat- us – any of us, not just the journalists – ing to music that’s popular in the 70s, and ing its 40th this September. the right to say anything that we could we’re thinking that this Led Zeppelin song With such long and illustrious lega- find out. Anything that we thought every- is pretty cool, so we signed on with that.” cies, JSU’s communication department one should know, we had the freedom to Now, every year on WLJS’s anniver- has seen more than a few greats walk its say. And they saw that as very important. sary, the station pays tribute to that first halls. Radio stars Rick Burgess and Bill The press is named in the First Amend- broadcast by playing “Stairway to Heaven,” Bussey – better known as “Rick & Bubba” ment right up there with religion, so we’re and even though it hasn’t been a “gazil- – entertained college audiences in the seen as very basic to the way that Ameri- lion” years since that fateful night when 1980s before taking off as one of the most can Democracy is supposed to work.” the song was chosen, it is most certainly a popular radio shows on air today. Former Jeh Jeh Pruitt, a sports anchor and song that has persevered through the ages, editor of “The Chanticleer” Mai Martinez reporter at WBRC, Fox 6 in Birmingham, much like WLJS itself. is a news anchor and reporter at CBS fondly recalls his days with “The Chanti- Sandefer said he has nothing but Chicago. cleer” in the early and mid-1990s. He said happy memories of his time at the station. There seems to be no stopping the his favorite memories are “All of those “The best buzz you could get was when outpouring of talent from JSU’s com- late nights the day before we printed, that phone lit up – and we had two or munication department, but none of this when we worked together as a team. We three lines back then – all lights lit up and would be possible without the daring stayed there some nights until 2 or 3 in flashing,” he said. “People were listening students who pioneered the newspaper the morning. It was the best. To work to you. And you’re just involved in their and radio station decades ago. with hardworking people who wanted the life at that moment playing music.” First published in 1934 as “The Tea- paper to be the best was a joy.” To celebrate the station’s 40th an- cola” – a combination of “teachers” and Pruitt recommends all aspiring jour- niversary, WLJS plans to air a special pro- “college,” JSU’s newspaper underwent nalists at JSU work for “The Chanticleer.” gram on Sept. 29 at noon – 40 years to the several name changes before becoming “If you are serious about being a minute that the station first signed on air. the weekly periodical students and faculty journalist,” Pruitt said, “you need to be On Oct. 2, all former station employees know today. After “The Teacola,” it was a reporter for this newspaper. It is one of and volunteers are invited to a celebra- renamed “The Collegian” in 1957 before the best tools that got me ready for the tion at 5 p.m. at the International House. finally becoming “The Chanticleer” in real world. It can help you do the things Meanwhile, the current WLJS staff needs 1967. “Chanticleer” is a fitting name for a you need to do to be in media. ‘The Chan- your input into a special music project newspaper whose university mascot is the ticleer’ was my foundation.” called “The Top 40 of the Past 40.” If you Gamecock. The word literally means, “a An equally successful branch of JSU’s worked at the station while you were at name given to a rooster, especially in fairy student media has been its radio station, JSU, nominate songs for the project and tales.” WLJS, 92-J. Founded by student Mike share your memories on the Facebook Last March, “Chanticleer” staff, facul- Sandefer in 1975, WLJS, which stands for Page, “WLJS 40th Anniversary.” ty and alumni gathered in Self Hall to cel- “We Love Jax State,” began with a lowly It is hard to imagine JSU without ebrate 80 successful years and hundreds of 10 watts broadcasting from inside Bibb “The Chanticleer” and 92-J. For genera- publications. Among those in attendance Graves Hall via a radio antenna on top tions, the newspaper and radio station was Ben Cunningham, managing editor of of the Houston Cole Library. Today, the have been a source of information, “The Anniston Star.” Cunningham first 6,000-watt station broadcasts out of Self entertainment and pride for students and came to JSU in 1994 but took four years Hall with a $100,000 antenna on top of alumni alike. Here’s to another 120 years off from school from 1997 to 2001 to Chimney Peak that was donated in 2011 of JSU student media! serve in the U.S. Air Force. He returned by Clear Channel Communications of in 2001, and from 2001 to 2003 served as Birmingham. the editor-in-chief of “The Chanticleer.” FALL 2015 : 13

#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 13 9/10/15 10:48 AM Giving Back By Paying it Forward BY BUFFY LOCKETTE PHOTO BY STEVE LATHAM

Dillon Everett never had the oppor- ROTC program, received the Maj. Dwayne Danleigh McDaniel, a senior major- tunity to meet Janis Rhodes, long-time Williams Memorial Scholarship. Upon ing in secondary education, was awarded secretary of the JSU Department of graduation she will be commissioned into the Harry and Jean Cottingham Scholar- Drama, who spent her career enthusiasti- the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and ship. The 2012 Homecoming Queen is cally supporting the dreams of theatre hopes to become a medical service officer. highly involved on campus, which she said students. She lost her battle with cancer She said the scholarship helped her get the was made possible by scholarships that in the summer of 2011, just before Everett most out of her education. prevented her from juggling multiple part- enrolled at JSU. “Through this experience, I have met time jobs. She is president of her sorority, “I hear she was such an amazing some of my best friends, gone to Thailand, Alpha Omicron Pi, and is a Marching woman,” Everett said and had a college experience that I could Ballerina, JSU Ambassador and Gamecock But Rhodes continues to make a differ- never have dreamed of,” Padgett said. “I Orientation Leader. She aspires to be a ence in the lives of JSU students through am so proud of the leader and speaker I middle or high school math teacher. the Janis C. Rhodes Memorial Scholar- have become. I look forward to my future “Without the organizations I have ship, which was established in her memory and being able to say that JSU was a huge been part of, I would never be where I am to support outstanding drama students stepping stone for me.” today,” McDaniel said. “This university like Everett. It is one of 186 endowed The Dwayne Williams Memorial has done more for me than I have done scholarships currently offered through the Scholarship was established by JSU alum- for it, and for that I am forever grateful.” JSU Foundation. na and former employee, Pearl Williams, To learn how you can establish or On February 23, Everett was able to in memory of her son, Dwayne, who was contribute to a scholarship, contact meet Rhodes’ husband, Dr. Gene Rhodes, killed at the Pentagon on September 11, the JSU Foundation at 256-782-5306 or and thank him for his support at the an- 2001. The scholarship is for full-time 800-231-5291, ext. 5306. For a complete nual Founders Day scholarship luncheon. undergraduate ROTC cadets and students list of scholarships, visit our website at Nearly 150 guests gathered on campus to enrolled in the College of Commerce and www.jsu.edu/foundation. honor scholarship donors and recipients, Business Administration. as well as members of the Heritage and Tara Martin, a junior majoring in Founders Societies. marketing, is a recipient of the A.W. Bolt Donors were able to see how their gifts Scholarship, which was established by Bir- are making an impact on the next genera- mingham attorney A.W. Bolt to support tion of leaders, while students had the op- students of high academic achievement. portunity to get to know their benefactors Martin was orphaned at a young age and and express their gratitude. is putting herself through college. She The Foundation awarded more than works as a resident assistant on campus $577,000 in scholarships over the 2014- and volunteers with the Boys and Girls 2015 academic year to deserving students. Club. After graduation she hopes to earn Emerald Padgett, a senior majoring in a master’s degree and become a successful exercise science and a member of the entrepreneur.

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 14 9/10/15 10:48 AM Meet the JSU Development Team!

University Development recently added two new development officers to its team and both are JSU alumnae: Christa Davis and Kim Dalesandro. Davis, who holds a BELOW: (Left-Right) bachelor’s in health and business management, brings more than 25 years of experience Christa Davis, development officer; Bill Nash, development in marketing, public relations, publications and advertising to JSU – most recently as vice * officer and campaign manager; president of marketing for Peachtree Planning. Dalesandro earned a B.S. in biology from Brenda Holt, secretary to the JSU and has spent the past 15 years with BBVA Compass. director; Earl Warren, director To accommodate the growing development family, the university recently purchased of University Development; and and renovated a historic property on Pelham Road, located next to Waffle House, and Kim Dalesandro, development designated it the Development House. Stop by and visit or call 256-782-5605 to speak officer. with the team about how you can support JSU. In September, our team of callers will kick off the 2015 Phonathon. Last year pledges and responses to the Phonathon cam- paign totaled nearly $200,000. Your patience and kindness on the phone means a great deal to our student callers. Remember, together we can make a difference for JSU!

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 15 9/10/15 10:48 AM university’s past inspires NEW LOOK for the marching southerners

BY ANGIE FINLEY PHOTO BY KATY NOWAK

When the Marching Southerners rounded white collar, which the designer down on the band throughout the game, and Ballerinas take the field this fall, fans said represents the “gentlemen” of the everyone will be much more comfortable!” will experience an all-out assault on their south. This was a feature of the South- Bodiford explained. senses as the signature Southerners sound erners uniform from the 1980s. On the The new uniforms were the inspira- is complemented by new uniforms that pay right sleeve is the JSU logo featuring the tion for this year’s Southerners produc- homage to the past. feathered U; on the left is the Southerners tion, “Celebration.” Bodiford said the To develop the new uniform – the signature “S.” White gauntlets and a red uniforms were designed to “Highlight first for the Southerners since 2005 – JSU shako with a white 14-inch plume and mir- JSU’s bright and promising future while Director of Bands Dr. Kenneth Bodiford rored accents complete the ensemble. still paying homage to iconic people of the provided designers Michale Cesario and The nearly all-black drum major past that served as building blocks for our Fred J. Miller Inc. of Miamisburg, Ohio uniforms will be equally striking on the university.” with as many photos of past Southerners field. Their style is very close to the band There’s a saying in the Southerners uniforms as possible. His instructions were uniform, featuring the white flap, a red alumni group, the Grey Echelon: “Once simple: incorporate hints of the Southern- sequin baldric, black pants, jacket and sha- a Southerner, Always a Southerner.” ers’ rich history with a fresh contemporary ko. The color guard also has new pre-game This esprit de corps is very much taken look. Bodiford said they nailed it. uniforms, highlighted by a red and black into consideration when new shows and “The upper left side of the uniform ombré vest with the JSU logo in white looks come together. It is this blending is a throwback to our uniform from the across the chest. For pregame, the Balleri- of cherished tradition and musical and 1970s; the white flap is from the 1960s; nas will wear their traditional “Santa” suits marching innovation that lead to spectacu- and, finally, the sequins represent our made out of the same red material as the lar halftime shows that are destined to be current look,” he said. “The new red is new jackets. They will have a show-specific imitated, but never duplicated. just a touch brighter than the old uniform, costume for halftime. Blow, Southerners! which will look amazing under the sun Perhaps the most attractive feature and stadium lights.” of the new uniforms is what spectators The pants of the new uniform, or won’t see but band members will feel: the “bibbers” as they’re referred to in the band uniforms are much thinner and machine world, are similar to a one-piece body washable. They are constructed out of suit that extends over the torso and the moisture wicking 11.5-ounce polyester shoulders. This garment ensures that the gabardine rather than the typical heavy “band pants” will not slip down during a wool materials of past uniforms. “Since we performance. The jacket is trimmed with a have all-day games and the sun is bearing

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 16 9/10/15 10:48 AM FALL 2015 : 17

#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 17 9/10/15 10:48 AM around campus

Outgoing JSU President Bill Meehan HONORED WITH LASTING GIFTS

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 18 9/10/15 10:48 AM around campus

LEFT: In honor of his 40 years of service, the JSU trustees have changed the name of * Stadium Tower to William A. Meehan Hall and named Dr. Meehan a President Emeritus.

While the legacy of 11th JSU and a coffee table book chronicling his proclamation from Alabama Gov. Robert President Dr. William A. Meehan will time at JSU. Bentley. As an undergraduate at JSU in undoubtedly stand on its own in the years During the celebration, Dr. Charles the 1960s, Meehan was one of the first ahead, prior to his retirement on June 30 Lewis, vice president for university ad- members of Delta Chi. He is also a former took steps to guarantee he will be remem- vancement, also announced the creation advisor for the fraternity. bered for his many contributions to the of the Dr. William A. Meehan Endowed At their quarterly meeting on April institution he served for more than 40 Scholarship – which had already ac- 20, the JSU Board of Trustees surprised years. cumulated $42,000 before the public Meehan with the largest gift, a resolution On April 3, friends gathered on cam- announcement. renaming Stadium Tower “William A. pus to congratulate and celebrate Meehan Former Alabama Secretary of State Meehan Hall” in his honor. The building at a retirement party in the Stadium Club. and JSU Trustees Chair Jim Bennett was officially dedicated at a formal ribbon Among the gifts Meehan received were a ended the fete with the unveiling of the cutting ceremony on July 20. Family, key to the City of Jacksonville, a resolution official Meehan presidential portrait, friends and former colleagues of Dr. from the U.S. House of Representatives, which will hang in the boardroom of the Meehan gathered around as JSU President an American flag that flew over the U.S. Houston Cole Library. John Beehler along with the Trustees led Capitol during one of Meehan’s visits On April 13, the JSU Faculty Senate the ceremony in Meehan’s honor. Earlier to D.C., a resolution signed by all 35 honored Meehan with the planting of an that day, the board named Meehan a Alabama senators, inscribed bricks to be oak and installation of a bench in front President Emeritus. installed along the Alumni House walkway of Bibb Graves Hall. The next day, Delta for Meehan and First Lady Beth Meehan, Chi fraternity honored Meehan with a FALL 2015 : 19

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JSU Robotics Team Captures National Title

The JSU Robotics Team brought went to Illinois State University while gain in the classroom,” Marbut said. “It home a national title at the 14th Annual the University of Northern Iowa came in prepares them for real-world deadlines that Association of Technology, Management, third. have to be met out on the job.” and Applied Engineering Student The winning team included: Blake JSU offers undergraduate degrees Robotics Competition in St. Louis, Mo. Ray, president; Jojo Barnes, vice president; in applied electronics engineering and earlier this year. It was JSU’s second win Justin Caswell, treasurer; Tina Civitello, applied manufacturing engineering. While since the team was established just four secretary; Drew Coffman; John Hill; Kacy traditional engineering programs tend years ago. Holsonback; Damarcus Lawson; Josie to teach the student to develop the latest The 17-member team had to de- Mangum; Steven Martinez; Sinh Nguyen; technology, JSU trains students to imple- sign a robot capable of competing in John Norton; Joy Packard; Chris Pender; ment, or apply, the latest technology for four Olympic events, including football, Aaron Rissler; Dexter Vernon; and Ryan today’s companies. without manual adjustments. Weighing Wise. To give back to the community, the in at less than 120 pounds and sporting Housed within the Department of JSU Robotics Team hosts the Alabama a JSU logo and glowing red undercar- Technology and Engineering, the team is State VEX Robotics Championship each riage, “Optimus Rooster” was designed advised by department head Terry Marbut year for elementary, middle and high to lift barbells, kick field goals, complete and instructor Phillip Dean. While the school students. Team members also a 20-yard dash, and collect golf balls on a team is mostly comprised of applied volunteer at qualifying tournaments held marathon course. engineering and computer science majors, at local schools throughout the year. The Scores from competition were membership is open to all JSU students. champs will travel to Pittsburg, Pa. in combined with points for overall design, Marbut believes that participation is a November to defend their title. If you are a poster session and audience voting. At great way for students to prepare for their an alumnus who lives in the area please the end of the day, the JSU team captured future careers. come out and cheer them on! Learn more first place as well as the Best Fabrication “We think it gives our students lots of at www.atmae.org. and People’s Choice Awards. Second prize practical experience beyond what they can

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JSU’s Accreditation Reaffirmed Through 2024

The board of the Southern reaffirmation review and site visit every University and the value that we offer our Association of Colleges and Schools 10 years. In years past there have always students and community. Thank you so Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) been items to be addressed and a request much for all of your hard work in making has reaffirmed JSU’s accreditation for 10 for a one-year follow up report. This year’s this reaffirmation possible.” years, through 2024. Accreditation is qual- excellent report gives JSU a reprieve until ity assurance in higher education based 2019, when the university will be required upon standards set by peers. To success- to submit its Fifth-Year Interim Report to fully complete an accreditation review, an SACSCOC. At that time, JSU will also institution or program must provide suffi- submit a final report on “Fast Forward: cient instructional and support services for Using 21st Century Tools to Promote students to achieve their educational goals. Critical Thinking,” the university’s quality State universities like JSU are regionally enhancement plan (QEP), which should accredited, and SACSCOC is one of eight be winding down at about that time. regional accrediting bodies for colleges In a memo to his staff, then JSU and universities in the U.S. President William A. Meehan said, “This The process of preparing for reac- is another significant milestone in the creditation is intensive and involves progress that all of you have been able the entire campus. JSU must undergo a to make in improving Jacksonville State

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 21 9/10/15 10:48 AM around campus JSU Mourns Passing of Ninth President and University Photographer

Dr. Theron E. Montgomery

Dr. Theron E. Montgomery, ninth While Montgomery retired nearly 30 president of Jacksonville State University, years ago, his impact continues to be felt passed away on February 10, 2015 in on campus. During his administration, Calhoun County. He was 90 years old. departments began seeking individual A Spartanburg, S.C., native, accreditation for their specific programs Montgomery played an instrumental role and the athletic teams excelled, receiving in JSU’s development throughout his 36- the All Sports award, which honored the year tenure. Arriving on campus in 1950 outstanding program in the Gulf South under the administration of President Conference. The university also purchased Houston Cole, he initially served as a soci- the historic Roebuck home, which offers ology instructor. He was promoted in 1955 alumni a place to gather when they return to dean of the university and, in 1971, as to campus. The university’s student com- vice president for academic affairs. He as- mons facility – the Theron Montgomery sumed the presidency on July 1, 1981, and Building – is named in his honor. remained in the office until his retirement in 1986. we want you to

Opal R. Lovett support jsu rotc Opal R. Lovett, who saw Jacksonville English instructor Opal A. Lovett - at the State University through two name December 2001 commencement in honor changes and worked for 36 years to cap- of their lifetime achievements and service Purchase your ROTC Alumni Polo today! ture decades of life and growth at his alma to the university. The couple established mater as the university’s photographer, the Lovett Scholarship at JSU for deserv- passed away on January 11, 2015. ing students majoring in history, English, Visit the ROTC website and click on the Native to Sylacauga, Lovett began or art. Mrs. Lovett passed away in 2006. working at JSU in 1950 after earning a B.S. in history and English from the university in 1948. As university photog- ROTC Alumni tab for ordering information. rapher, he was instrumental in provid- ing photographs for “The Chanticleer”, “Mimosa”, and public relations releases. Lovett retired from the university in 1986. www.jsu.edu/rotc President Meehan presented a meritorious service award to him and his spouse - JSU #cockyrotc 22 : GEM OF THE HILLS

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Purchase your ROTC Alumni Polo today! Visit the ROTC website and click on the ROTC Alumni tab for ordering information.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Twelve Jacksonville State Gamecocks Jermaine Hough and DeBarriaus Miller outstanding football program and facili- were named to the 2015 Preseason All- made up half of the backfield. Senior ties to a national audience, as well as our Ohio Valley Conference Football Team at punter Hamish MacInnes also grabbed excellent game day atmosphere and the the league’s annual Media Day on July 20, preseason honors on special teams. Marching Southerners. when the Gamecocks were also picked to Junior quarterback Eli Jenkins and “We are also pleased to play on repeat as champions in 2015. junior wide receiver Josh Barge were on ESPN3 the following week on the road, The Gamecocks, who ran through the the offense. Senior tight end Bo Brummel, which should allow our fans, alumni league with a perfect 8-0 record in 2014, junior center Casey Dunn, senior guard and supporters the chance to watch the received all but two first place votes by the Adam Wright and sophomore tackle Gamecocks if they are not able to travel league’s head coaches and sports informa- Justin Lea were also on the Preseason All- to the game,” Seitz added. “We are also tion directors, who are not allowed to OVC’s offense. happy that we may have the opportunity vote for their own teams. They topped the JSU has been picked as high as No. 4 to appear on ESPN3 an additional three preseason poll with 128 points, 21 points in the FCS preseason polls after posting a times this season as a wild card selection.” ahead of second-place Eastern Illinois. 10-2 record that saw them ranked as high Fans of the Gamecocks can order They also dominated the Preseason as No. 2 before earning the No. 3 national their five-game home season tickets All-Conference Teams, grabbing 41 percent seed in the FCS Playoffs a year ago. online at www.jsugamecocksports.com of the 29 available spots. JSU placed six JSU’s home opener against Tennessee or by calling the JSU ticket office at on the Preseason All-OVC Offense, five State on Sept. 19 was the first of two (256) 782-8499. on Defense and one on special teams. back-to-back weeks of great exposure for Senior defensive lineman Devaunte Sigler, the Gamecocks, as both that game and who was named the league’s Defensive the Sept. 26 matchup against UT Martin Player of the Year in 2014, was voted as the on the road were nationally televised on Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for ESPN3. 2015. “This is a great opportunity and na- Fellow defensive linemen LaMichael tional exposure for our football team and Fannin and Chris Landrum joined Sigler university,” said interim athletics director up front on the Preseason All-OVC Greg Seitz. “We are thrilled that we will Defense, while senior defensive backs have the opportunity to showcase our

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GAMECOCKS CLAIM 4TH OVC TITLE Jacksonville State clinched its fourth FCS playoff game. The Bearkats held the Ohio Valley Conference football crown on No. 3 Gamecocks scoreless in the second November 15 with a gritty 27-20 victory half to claim a 37-26 victory, ending the over Eastern Illinois before a crowd of Gamecocks’ hopes of a repeat quarterfi- 14,925 at Burgess-Snow Field. It was the nals appearance. The Gamecocks’ season ninth consecutive win for the Gamecocks, ended with a 10-2 record for head coach their second-longest winning streak since John Grass in his first year. moving to Division I in 1993. The victory STAY UP TO DATE WITH earned the Gamecocks the OVC’s auto- ALL THE LATEST matic bid to the FCS playoffs. NEWS AND SPORTS It was the first time since JSU joined the OVC in 2003 that the Gamecocks won INFORMATION AT the conference after being selected as the preseason favorites. It was the first outright championship for the Gamecocks since 2004. JSU also won the OVC title in 2003, 2004 and 2011. After a bye week, the Gamecocks host- ed Sam Houston State at Burgess-Snow Field on December 6 in a second-round JSUGamecockSports.com

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2015 GAMECOCK FOOTBALL

DATE OPPONENT TIME

SEPT. 5 AT CHATTANOOGA 5 PM SEPT. 12 AT AUBURN 11 AM SEPT. 19 TENNESSEE STATE 1 PM (BAND DAY/RED DAY) SEPT. 26 AT UT MARTIN 2 PM OCT. 17 AT TENNESSEE TECH 6 PM OCT. 24 AT AUSTIN PEAY 4 PM OCT. 31 EASTERN KENTUCKY 1 PM (HOMECOMING/FAMILY DAY) NOV. 7 EASTERN ILLINOIS 1 PM NOV. 14 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 1 PM (HALL OF FAME) NOV. 21 MURRAY STATE 1 PM (SOUTHERNERS REUNION)

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JSU CHEERLEADERS,COCKY PLACE 10TH AT NCA COLLEGE NATIONALS

Stand up and holler for JSU’s year at nationals,” said Donna Callan, Kiesler, Brett Langston, Jamon Phillips, Cheerleaders and Cocky, who recently manager of athletic marketing and promo- Jeremy Wynn, Lauren Ashmore, Brooklyn placed 10th in the National Cheerleading tions and cheerleader administrator. “JSU Bean, Alexis Byers, Brittany Cates, Association College Nationals in Daytona was well-represented. We appreciate the Hannah Cronan, Tori Frederick, Justice Beach, Fla. The squad competed April support from athletics, the university and Gray, Kaiyla Isbell, Alicia Kittles, Leslie 8-12 in the small co-ed division, where the community. Hats off to head coach Puckett, Breana Whitten, Kelsey Wilson, they placed tenth out of 18 teams. Dave Almeida for all his hard work!” and Cocky! “We are so proud of this team and This year’s squad consists of: Dylan what they have accomplished their first Burns, Jay Harris, Sam Harris, Karl

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JSU RIFLE FINISHES 5TH AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Jacksonville State rifle team The Gamecocks collected their ninth 2015 OVC Air Rifle Athlete of the Year. posted the third-best mark in the air overall Ohio Valley Conference title on Cole Tucker, Samantha Bullard and Dan rifle competition at the 2015 NCAA February 8 at their home range, and McCall were named the OVC Air Rifle Rifle Championships on March 14 and the fourth conference crown in a row. First Team. Bullard and Brent Book also maintained fifth place in the overall stand- Jax State is led by six-time OVC Coach were named to the OVC Smallbore First ings. It was the Gamecocks’ 14th NCAA of the Year Ron Frost. Frost shared the Team. Championship appearance and their best 2015 OVC Coach of the Year honor with finish since the 2011 season, when they Murray State’s Alan Lollar. finished fourth among the final eight At the OVC tournament, sopho- teams. more Brandon Muske was named the

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BECOME AN OFFICIAL JSU LICENSEE + VENDOR

Jacksonville State University contracts Apply for a License JSU sends bid requests to vendors with Learfield Licensing, to manage its In order to produce products bearing the electronically. Bid responses from ven- licensing services. marks of any Learfield Licensing client, dors must still be submitted in sealed, According to Mary Smith, manufacturers must apply for a license. hard-copy form. The State of Alabama Coordinator of Publications, “The JSU Our application packet provides you with Competitive Bid Law does not allow for licensing program is designed to ensure a comprehensive overview of the licensing electronic bid responses. that the Jacksonville State name and process, the application itself, and a list of To see a list of current bid oppor- trademarks are used appropriately, all of the accounts we manage. tunities, visit the Purchasing website, consistently, in good taste and with From there, one can download the www.jsu.edu/purchasing/current-bids. high-quality reproduction, and to avoid license application. For more information, misrepresentation of Jacksonville State contact Mary Smith at [email protected]. Non-Bids University to the public. Companies that wish to sell goods For purchases that do not require a bid Our goal is to establish a cooperative and services to JSU can do so through contract, campus departments may select relationship with licensees to assist the Procurement and Fixed Assets office. the vendor of their choice. It is the respon- in the further development of a market There are two ways JSU purchases goods sibility of the vendor to keep the contact of officially licensed products of and services—bid and non-bid. information on file up to date. Pamela Jacksonville State.” Findley, Director of Procurement and For information about licensing, Bids Fixed Assets, says that while the university go to Learfield Licensing (www.learfieldli- The State of Alabama Competitive is bound by bid law and must abide by censing.com) and click on the Bid Law requires that like items cost- all applicable rules and regulations, JSU “licensing” link at the top of the page. ing $15,000 or more in a fiscal year is always open to doing business with Vendors, even though approved be bid. The State of Alabama Finance alumni. “JSU is proud of the continued and on the purchasing list, are not au- Department bids contracts that JSU can relationships we have with our alumni and tomatically licensees. They must still use for items such as furniture. JSU is also we appreciate opportunities to be part of apply for a license in order to use JSU able to purchase from various purchasing their business success,” she said marks. consortiums if the contracts from these For more information, call the consortiums comply with the state bid law. Procurement and Fixed Assets office at Some examples of items for which JSU 256-782-5152 or visit their website at issues bids are paper products, sports www.jsu.edu/purchasing. medicine supplies, bus transportation, certain equipment, and some services. Prospective vendors are invited to submit their name, mailing address, email address and type of products or services provided to [email protected].

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 30 9/10/15 10:48 AM THIS IS JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY. THIS MAKES IT AUTHENTIC. Do not be fooled by imitations. Buy only authentic JSU products.

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STADIUM CLUB LOBBY ABOVE: (Left-Right) Danny and Ro Bryant, Ruby Rose, Heather, Mark and Samuel Royce GETS NEW NAME * Saltzman.

“Get an education, sons, they can’t Born in 1918, Mutt Bryant finished University and served as a Church of take it away from you.” sixth grade at Ohatchee before he was put Christ minister for 52 years. Danny This was the advice that Samuel behind a mule and given a field to plow. received a bachelor’s degree in business in Royce “Mutt” Bryant gave his sons Ronald, After serving as an Army infantryman in 1969 from JSU, where he was a founding Danny and Dennis. Now, when visitors Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Tokyo during member of Delta Chi. He spent his career enter the lobby of the JSU Stadium Club, World War II, he used his GI benefits to in the oil business. Dennis graduated they’ll see something else that can’t be build a career as an electrician. While he from JSU in 1976, earned an MBA from taken away—the legacy of a father who and his wife Margie (Chastain) raised their Syracuse University and had a distin- championed his sons’ higher education. sons, Mutt worked hard in various found- guished military career. Thanks to a generous gift of $100,000 ries. He eventually retired from Anniston by Danny and Ro Bryant, the fifth floor Army Depot. entrance of Stadium Tower has been All three sons followed their father’s renamed the Samuel Royce “Mutt” Bryant advice and earned their college degrees. Lobby in his honor. Ronald attended Freed-Hardeman

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NEW ADDITION FOR 2016 SEASON WOMEN’S SAND VOLLEYBALL

At its April 20 quarterly meeting, players. The first team to win three of five the Jacksonville State Board of Trustees matches is the winner. The sand volleyball approved the addition of Women’s Sand season, which is a minimum of eight and Volleyball as the Gamecocks’ 17th varsity maximum of 16 dates, begins on March 1, sport. The Gamecocks will field a team 2016. The NCAA Championships will be beginning in the spring of 2016 in what is held the first week of May. one of the NCAA’s fastest growing campus In the 2015 season, the NCAA had VISIT THE GAMECOCK sports. At the recent NCAA Convention 42 Division I schools and six Division II SPORTS WEBSITE FOR in Washington, D.C., the NCAA voted to schools sponsoring sand volleyball. Of the SCHEDULE INFO. approve sand volleyball as the 90th NCAA 48 Division I and Division II programs, 22 Championship. are in the southeast, with UAB, Georgia The Gamecocks will compete with the State and Mercer the closest to JSU’s same players and coaches on their indoor campus. The Gamecocks will be the only volleyball team, which plays its season program in the Ohio Valley Conference during the fall, and will use the sand court with sand volleyball and will compete as adjacent to Stephenson Hall. In sand an independent. JSUGamecockSports.com volleyball, teams consist of five pairs of

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Law Partners Buttram and Hopper DISCOVER THEY HAVE MORE IN COMMON THAN JUST THEIR PROFESSION

BY HEATHER GREENE

Of the many perks of attending JSU, ee in the financial aid office. He received completed all the science and math classes perhaps the most important is the lifelong the Daugette Award in 1972. necessary for medical and dental school. I connections formed between students and Buttram was not the first member attended the Samford School of Pharmacy alumni spanning generations and repre- of his family to graduate from JSU. His for a while. I was accepted to attend both senting diverse backgrounds. grandmother, Dessa Robertson, graduated the Greenbriar School of Osteopathic One such connection happened from the Jacksonville Normal School in Medicine in West Virginia and the Uni- between Dean Buttram and Chad Hopper, 1922 and subsequently taught 1st through versity of Louisville School of Dentistry. In JSU alumni from different generations 11th grade in Calhoun County. He mar- the end, I chose to become a lawyer.” who are not only partners in the same law ried JSU alumna Kathy Roe Buttram, In 1978, Buttram earned his law de- firm but also recipients of JSU’s prestigious a former reporter for the “Birmingham gree at Samford University’s Cumberland Daugette Award. The award is given to the News” and assistant business editor at the School of Law. After practicing from 1978 graduating male with the highest GPA in “Orlando Sentinel”. She is currently a suc- to 1998, President William J. Clinton each class. cessful advertising consultant in Centre. nominated him for a vacancy on the U.S. A native of Gadsden, Dean Buttram JSU attendance continues to be part District Court for the Northern District of earned three degrees between 1972-1975. of the Buttram family tradition. Buttram’s Alabama. The U.S. Senate unanimously “I could not get enough of the ‘Friendliest son H. Dean Buttram, III, earned his un- confirmed the nomination in October Campus in the South’,” he laughed. dergraduate and master’s degrees at JSU. 1998. He served four years before return- Buttram was active on campus, serv- After earning a doctorate at the University ing to private practice in 2002, when he ing as a SGA senator and interim SGA of Alabama, he returned to JSU where he rejoined his former partner Bill Hawkins president in 1973, chairing the Greek is now a criminal justice professor. and a new partner and JSU graduate, homecoming parade in 1972, serving as a “JSU prepared me for any career I Chad Hopper. charter member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity chose to pursue,” said Buttram. “While Soon after, Buttram and Hopper in 1971, and working as a student employ- obtaining my graduate degrees, I also found themselves discussing fond memo-

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ries of JSU when they discovered they were degree from the University of Alabama. Hopper and his wife, Brooke Reynolds both Daugette Award winners. “I am very proud of my time at JSU,” Hopper, have two children: Cade, 9; and “I have known Chad all of his life Hopper said. “I met friends that I still Anna, 5. Mrs. Hopper is a kindergarten and followed his academic career as he stay in contact with and that I treasure. I teacher at Centre Elementary School. attended and graduated from JSU and enjoyed all of my classes, especially classes Hopper still maintains his connection to completed law school,” Buttram said. “We with Mr. Floyd Kirby in the accounting his alma mater and tries to make it to at learned that both of us were Daugette department. The education that I received least one JSU football game a year. Award winners several years ago while hav- at JSU was second to none and made law “I love coming back to campus to see ing a friendly argument about which one school an easy transition for me. Many of how much has changed,” he said. “I am of us was the smartest. We continue that my favorite memories were associated with grateful for all that the university did for argument to this day. The nerve of the guy the Baptist Campus Ministries.” me, and I can’t imagine a better place to to even think such a thing! I feel like we In 2000, Hopper began his law prac- attend school.” were both destined to be attorneys, and be- tice with attorney Bill Hawkins in Centre. ing JSU graduates brings us together with Together, the three formed Buttram, a special camaraderie that I believe only Hawkins & Hopper, LLC. JSU can lead you to.” “Dean and I both have a great sense ABOVE: Chad Hopper (left) Chad Hopper graduated from JSU in of pride as it relates to our alma mater and Dean Buttram at their law 1997, summa cum laude, with a bachelor’s and the educational foundation that we offices in Centre. in accounting. Twenty-five years after But- received at JSU,” Hopper said. “Since I * tram, he received the prestigious Daugette grew up in Centre, I always knew that Mr. Award. As an undergraduate, he was active Buttram was a proud graduate of Jackson- in Baptist Campus Ministries and intra- ville State, prior to working with him.” mural sports. He went on to earn his law

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From Alabama Days to Arabian Nights ONE GRADUATE’S JOURNEY TO THE PALACE

BY HEATHER GREENE

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Growing up in Glencoe, Alabama, “Our MSN programs are offered As with all her graduate students, Leah Bryn Thornhill had no idea that life totally online,” Peinhardt explains. “All Peinhardt’s hope for Thornhill is that she would take her to a Saudi Arabian palace. of our MSN students take their classes continue to find professional success. “She After graduating from JSU in 2003 online, but participate in advanced clinical has a heart for nursing and a heart for the with a B.S. in nursing, she found herself practice as a nurse in the city or area where Saudi people,” said Peinhardt. “She is an working as a nurse at a hospital in Riyadh, they live. In Leah’s case, that is in Riyadh, ambassador for community health, preven- Saudi Arabia. One individual noticed that Saudi Arabia. She has shared that she has tion of disease, improvements in health she was independent, strong-willed and a heart for women’s health and children’s care, and lastly for JSU. I appreciate Leah a critical thinker and invited her to work health and a desire to work to improve and the difference she is making and will in the palace. Today, she is a registered health care education and prevention prac- make in the future. She embodies a global nurse for the King of Saudi Arabia and tices in the kingdom. She wants to learn health outreach. The JSU College of Nurs- his immediate family members. Her job advanced nursing skills to plan community ing is now a part of that global initiative!” has afforded her the opportunity to travel programs to expand and improve best Interested to see where a nursing and meet two U.S. presidents, a pope, practices in the health care systems where degree could take you? Learn more the Queen of England, and many more she lives.” about JSU’s undergraduate and gradu- interesting faces. As JSU’s MSN program is entirely ate nursing programs by visiting While across the globe, Thornhill is online, its students are located across the www.jsu.edu/nursing. pursing a Master of Science in nursing world – a fact Peinhardt keeps in mind from JSU, concentrating in community when interacting with all of her students, health. While both of her parents were col- including Thornhill. lege graduates, she is the first in her family “She is halfway around the world from to go on to graduate school. JSU, living and working in a culture that is LEFT: Leah Thornhill with “It’s funny,” Thornhill said. “I never very different from our Southern culture,” the Saudi King and President George W. Bush. knew growing up I actually had a choice of Peinhardt said. “I am mindful to not only * not attending college.” respect Leah as a student, but also of the In addition to juggling the duties of fact that she is living and studying in an being a nurse to a royal family and a gradu- area of the world which is very different ate student, Thornhill is also mother to from the residential JSU community three children – ages 10, 12 and 14 – with here.” one on the way. Her husband, Dr. Jose De- Thornhill exuberantly affirms that she Feo, also works at the palace as a veterinar- loves her job. ian for racehorses. “I chose nursing because I always knew Dr. Rebecca Peinhardt, professor and I wanted to practice and be in the medi- director of graduate nursing programs at cal profession,” Thornhill said. “I chose JSU, has had the opportunity to frequently nursing because it’s such an open field for interact with Thornhill over the past year growth and change in many directions and of her graduate studies, keeping up-to-date you can experience many things in nurs- on Thornhill’s progress and encouraging ing. When you find what you love, the sky her along her journey. is the limit.”

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Cortlyn Watson CROWNED MISS JSU 2015

BY CHRISTINA MACDONALD

Lights shining, adrenaline pumping, year and have this opportunity so early!” Stricklin – the first runner-up in the 1979 crowds cheering. No, we’re not talking Watson has been competing in pag- Miss America pageant – is now a wife, about the Super Bowl, although it is an eants since she was just six months old and mother, and a vocal instructor at her alma elite, competitive, dream-come-true for par- has grown to love the pageant atmosphere. mater. Heather Whitestone McCallum, ticipants. We’re talking about the Miss Ala- For the 20-year-old, it has literally taken a who was the first hearing impaired woman bama pageant. This summer, JSU nursing lifetime of hard work to achieve this goal. to ever be crowned Miss America, earned major Cortlyn Watson fulfilled a lifelong “It has always been a dream of mine the title in 1995. She is now a motiva- dream by representing the university at the to compete in Miss Alabama, so as soon as tional speaker and lives with her husband event as Miss JSU 2015. they announced me as the winner of the and three sons on Saint Simon’s Island More than just sequins and hairspray, Miss JSU pageant and it finally soaked in in Georgia. Jamie Langley, Miss Alabama the prestigious Miss Alabama pageant gives my first thought was ‘Wow, this is real. I’m 2007, is now a TV anchor and reporter at young women of distinction the oppor- going to compete on the Miss Alabama Montgomery’s WAKA, CBS-8. tunity to earn college scholarships while stage!’” Watson follows a long line of remark- gaining interview skills and self-confidence. JSU is no stranger to exceptional able young women to hail from Jackson- Along with the coveted title and tiara young women with big dreams like ville State University and represent the comes the opportunity to represent the Watson. Since 1971, seven former Miss school on the Miss Alabama stage. Plan state at the Miss America pageant. JSUs have gone on to be crowned Miss to come back to campus this winter to see Watson – who hails from Cleveland, Alabama: Ceil Jenkins Snow, 1971; Jane the crowning of Miss JSU 2016. If history Alabama – was crowned Miss JSU in Rice Holloway, 1973; Julie Houston Elmer, is any indication, a future Miss America January as just a freshman in an impressive 1977; Teresa Cheatham Stricklin, 1978; could be in our midst! display of talent, grace and poise. Tammy Little Haynes, 1984; Heather “I knew going into my freshman year Whitestone McCallum, 1994; and Jamie that I was going to compete for the title Langley, 2007. of Miss JSU,” Watson said, “but I never More than 35 years after she wore the thought I would actually win my freshman Miss Alabama crown, Teresa Cheatham

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Gamecocks Helping Gamecocks MENTORSHIP PROGRAM CONNECTS ALUMNI AND STUDENTS

Want to give back to your alma mater search for jobs and for employers to post while training the next generation of free job and internship announcements. If you are an alumnus leaders in your field? Become an alumni “This online program will remove considering becoming mentor through the Offices of Alumni most of the manual process and make it Relations and Career Services. quicker and easier to search for and create a mentor, Mitchell has Mentoring programs are becoming an alumni/student relationship,” said Kaci a word of advice: an essential part of most universities in Ogle, director of Alumni Relations. today’s job market. For students, the pro- While JLink is a great service, it is only “While your contribution gram provides first-hand knowledge about one of career development opportunities their chosen profession and gives them a now provided by JSU. From day one, fresh- is significant to the competitive edge through networking op- men – particularly undecided majors – are student, the real reward is portunities and job leads. For alumni, it’s encouraged to meet with Career Services a chance to stay in touch with their alma to complete a career assessment. The office the satisfaction you mater and a resource for finding the best provides the Myer-Briggs Personality Inven- will gain from making interns and graduates. tory, resume and cover letter critiques, and JSU alumnus Keith Mitchell (’76), information on internships and co-ops. a difference at a critical co-founder of Mitchell, Hartley & Bechtel Career fairs and etiquette dinners are held time in the student’s life.” Advisers, LLC, recently served as a mentor on campus each year to further provide to a senior business student. He wishes he students with the tools they need to start had participated in such a program when their careers. Alumni on the job market CONNECT WITH JSU AND he was graduating from JSU. can also take advantage of resume and “As I think back on my senior year and cover letter critiques, career counseling NEARLY 20,000 ALUMNI graduation, I know that I would have ben- and career fairs. ON LINKEDIN! efitted from having someone who could To learn more about these pro- have provided guidance and perspective as grams, visit www.jsu.edu/alumni and I was embarking on my career,” Mitchell www.jsu.edu/careerservices. Ques- said. “The alumni mentoring program tions? Contact Kaci Ogle in Alumni seemed like a way to give back to the uni- Affairs at 256-782-5405 or kogle@jsu. versity in a tangible and practical way.” edu or Becca Turner in Career Services Starting this fall, alumni and current at 256-782-5485 or [email protected]. JSU students can register online for the www.linkedin.com/ mentoring program – uploading bios and company/jacksonville- resumes and searching for mentees or mentors through JLink. The online portal state-university is also the place for students and alumni to

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OF THE YEAR

AWARD WINNERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED AT HALFTIME OF THE HOMECOMING GAME ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

Steve May ’81 Robin Harris Boyles ’84/’91/’98/’13 Brett O. Socha ’08

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR ALUMNA OF THE YEAR YOUNG ALUM OF THE YEAR STEVE MAY ’81 ROBIN HARRIS BOYLES ’84/’91/’98/’13 BRETT O. SOCHA ’08 Steve May earned his B.S. in management/ Robin Harris Boyles earned a B.S. in music Brett O. Socha earned a B.S. in marketing from marketing from JSU in 1981 and continued his education from JSU in 1984, followed by a JSU in 2008. Upon graduation, he began his education at Florida Tech, receiving an M.S. B.S. in early childhood education in 1991. She sales career in the wireless technology industry in management and information technol- returned to JSU to earn an M.S. in early child- at Verizon Wireless in Birmingham. He earned ogy in 2003. May served in senior manage- hood education in 1998 and an educational an executive M.B.A. from Colorado Techni- rial roles with Cintas, General Electric and specialist degree in early childhood education cal University in 2010. In 2014, he accepted a Boeing before beginning his career with Jack in 2013. Boyles has dedicated her life to educa- regional sales position with GE Oil and Gas Daniels in 2003 as strategic sourcing manager. tion and has been employed by the Jacksonville in Midland, Texas, for the Permian Basin in In 2005, he was promoted to director of the City School System for the past 23 years as a West Texas and New Mexico. He was respon- company’s Lynchburg Homeplace, where he is first grade teacher. She was a presenter at the sible for more than $12 million in revenue oversees marketing. His responsibilities include 2015 JSU CORE Academy and since 2014 has within the first year of being with the company. receiving 270,000 visitors a year and manag- served as an adjunct instructor at Gadsden Socha stays connected to his JSU fraternity, ing more than 130 employees at the distillery. State Community College. She is very active in Kappa Sigma. The former chapter president An active philanthropist both professionally her community, serving as a Relay for Life team has served as an advisor and member of the and personally, he was honored with the 2013 captain for Team Megan and coordinating the Lambda-Gamma of Kappa Sigma Scholarship Servant Leadership Award from the Tennessee Team Megan event, Paws for a Cause. She has Foundation, district president for Alabama, Association of Community Leadership. He also been a member of the First Baptist Church and alumnus advisor for the chapter at Texas serves on the board for the Retail, Hospitality, of Jacksonville since 1984 and involved with Tech University. He currently serves as com- Tourism Management school at the University EaglePoint Church children’s ministry since missioner of the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes of Tennessee and on the Board of Visitors for 2010. Boyles and her husband, Marty, reside Day of Service, which focuses on giving back to the JSU College of Commerce and Business in Jacksonville and have three children who military men and women. Socha and his wife, Administration. May is an alumnus of the are also Gamecocks: Shelli (’10), Hali (’12) and JSU alumna Brittany (Greene) (’09), reside in Kappa Sigma Fraternity at JSU. He and his current JSU student Calli. Midland, Texas. wife, Nell, reside in Lynchburg and have two grown children, Chris and Josh.

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JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

AASSOCIATION

BG Timothy J. Daugherty ’88 Gena Estes Christopher ’79

MILITARY ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR OUTSTANDING FACULTY/STAFF ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR BRIG. GEN. TIMOTHY J. DAUGHERTY ’88 OF THE YEAR ROTC ALUMNI CHAPTER Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Daugherty was selected GENA ESTES CHRISTOPHER ’79 The ROTC Alumni Chapter, led by president, for active duty as a second lieutenant in the Gena Estes Christopher earned a B.S. in Col. Chuck Buxton (’91) represents more than field artillery branch from JSU ROTC in secondary education from JSU in 1979 and 1,500 JSU graduates who have completed the 1989. He earned a Bachelor of Science in an M.A. in education from the University of necessary coursework and rigorous training to criminal justice. He is a 2000 graduate of the Alabama at Birmingham in 1983 – both with receive commissions into the U.S. Army, Army Army Command and General Staff College concentrations in English. She served as an Reserve or the Army National Guard. Since and a 2011 graduate of the U.S. Air Force War English teacher for the Mountain Brook and beginning its scholarship program in 2003, College with a Master of Science in strategic Piedmont school systems before joining the fac- the ROTC Alumni Chapter has awarded more studies. In addition, he earned a Master of Sci- ulty at the JSU English department, where she than $209,000 in scholarships to deserving ence in business administration from Central served for more than 20 years. Christopher is cadets. Col. Buxton and his wife Maya (Lenox) Michigan University. During more than 25 currently director of JSU’s Faculty Commons, (’93) reside in Duluth, Georgia and have two years of service, Daugherty has commanded where teaches other faculty how to integrate daughters: Meghan and Abigail. units at every echelon from battery to brigade, innovative active-learning teaching strategies which included duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, into the classroom. She served as a Gamecock To nominate someone for the 2016 Orientation advisor for 11 years and as a JSU Outstanding Alumni of the Year, Germany, Bosnia and Kuwait. His awards and complete the form at www.jsu.edu/alumni decorations include but are not limited to the ambassador in China at Taizhou University. Legions of Merit (with one oak leaf cluster), the Among her awards and honors, Christopher Nomination deadline for 2016 alumni Bronze Star Medal (with four oak leaf clusters), received the Earlon and Betty McWhorter Out- of the year is March 1, 2016. the Meritorious Service Medal (with three standing Teacher Award in 2012, the Dean’s oak leaf clusters), the Army Commendation Award for Institutional Service in the College Medal (with five oak leaf clusters), the Army of Arts and Sciences in 1996 and 2004, and the Achievement Medal (with five oak leaf clusters), Distinguished Service Award from Associa- and the Air Force Achievement Medal. He is tion of College English Teachers of Alabama currently serving as the Deputy Commanding in 1998. She and her husband, Odell, have General for the 4th Infantry Division at Fort four grown children and nine granddaughters. Carson, Colorado. He and his wife, Becky Within her immediate family, there are eight (Bassett)’88 are the proud parents of three JSU alumni, six completed degrees, and three children: Madeleine, Katherine, and Jacob. members employed at JSU. The Daughertys are currently stationed at Fort Carson, Colo. FALL 2015 : 41

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UPCOMING EVENTS & REUNIONS

SEPTEMBER 26 Fab 40s/Nifty 50s Luncheon

OCTOBER 2-3 JSU Gymnastics Teams WLJS, 92-J Alumni Baseball Alumni

OCTOBER 30 Class of 1965 Golden Gamecocks ROTC Alumni 60s Group STAT/SAA 10-year anniversary

NOVEMBER 13-14 Cheerleader Alumni

NOVEMBER 20-21 Marching Southerners Alumni Student Alumni Association to Celebrate th REGISTER ONLINE FOR ALL 10 Anniversary EVENTS AT WWW.JSU.EDU/ALUMNI The Student Alumni Association – formerly known as Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow – will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a reunion of former and current members on Oct. 30, 6 p.m., at the Alumni House. Founded in 2005 as Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT), the organization changed its name to the Student Alumni STAY UP TO Association (SAA) in 2013 and has become one of the fastest growing organizations on campus. The reunion is free and open to all members. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. DATE RSVP at 877-JSU-Alum or [email protected]. Catch up on all the latest All Former Athletes Now Invited to Join the J-Club alumni news and events at It’s not just football anymore! Members of the J-Club voted this year to realign www.jsu.edu/alumni the alumni organization, originally open to only former football players, to include all former JSU athletes, coaches and support staff. As an official alumni chapter of the JSU Don’t miss out on important National Alumni Association, the J-Club’s mission is to support JSU’s student-athletes information. We need your and keep them engaged with the university after graduation. Interested in joining the e-mail address. Please e-mail J-Club? Call 877-JSU-Alum or e-mail [email protected]. us at [email protected]. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Forms Alumni Chapter This summer, the JSU National Alumni Association approved the creation of a new alumni group for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Royce Woodruff (’94/’04) and Leroy Wiley (’11) represented the alumni of the fraternity during the board meeting. Over the past year, the organization met all of the board’s requirements to become an established chapter. Woodruff will serve as the chapter’s president and sit on the alumni board. The organization is in the process of locating all of its former members. If you were a member of the fraternity, please e-mail your contact information to [email protected] or call 877-JSU-ALUM. A reunion is planned for November 14.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST HOMECOMING JSU vs. EASTERN KENTUCKY

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY 6:00 PM CALHOUN COUNTY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS WINE TASTING 8:00 PM HOMECOMING PEP RALLY | JSU STADIUM

FRIDAY NOON CLASS OF 1965, 50 YEAR GOLDEN GAMECOCK REUNION HOUSTON COLE LIBRARY 5:30 PM 60S GROUP ANNUAL REUNION | MCCLELLAN 6:00 PM ROTC ALUMNI BANQUET | HOUSTON COLE LIBRARY 6:30 PM STAT/SAA 10 YEAR REUNION | ALUMNI HOUSE

SATURDAY 8:30 AM 1955 REFRIGERATOR BOWL TEAM REUNION | ALUMNI HOUSE 8:30 AM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING | TMB 9:00 AM-10:00 AM DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSES: CCBA, COMMUNICATION, HONORS HOUSE 9:00 AM-12:00 PM HOMECOMING OPEN HOUSE | ALUMNI HOUSE 10:30 AM HOMECOMING PARADE 1:00 PM JSU VS. EASTERN KENTUCKY KICKOFF HALFTIME ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AND HOMECOMING COURT RECOGNITION

SUNDAY 2:00 PM UNITED NATIONS DAY TEA | INTERNATIONAL HOUSE

For the latest homecoming information and updates, visit www.jsu.edu/alumni and like us On Facebook at www.facebook.comJSUAlumniAssociation.

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 43 9/10/15 10:48 AM with alumni GAMECOCKS GO BRAGH! Just days after St. Patrick’s Day in March, 26 JSU alumni and friends traveled to The Emerald Isle with the JSU Alumni Association for a Taste of Ireland tour with Collette Vacations. The seven-day journey included overnight stays in Dublin, Killarney and Cong. The travelers kissed the Blarney stone, toured the Guinness Storehouse and Tullamore Dew whiskey distillery, walked the shores of the beautiful Dingle Peninsula and the Cliffs of Moher, and even stayed overnight at Ashford Castle. Interested in traveling abroad with your fellow Gamecocks? The Alumni Association is organizing a trip to Tuscany for March 2016. To make your reservation, contact Kaci Ogle at 256-782-5405 or [email protected].

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 44 9/10/15 10:49 AM Join the JSU National Alumni Association JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY and discover tuscany! A ASSOCIATION March 17-26, 2016

Itinerary at a Glance Day 1 Overnight Flight Day 2 Atahotel Villa Pamphili or Grand Hotel Fleming, Rome Day 3-8 Hotel Ercolini and Savi, Montecatini Day 9 Grand Hotel Fleming, Rome 10 Days 13 Meals (8 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners) trip Highlights Rome | Assisi | Basilica of St. Francis Double $3,699 Book Now & save Montecatini Terme | Lucca Single $3,999 Gothic Line | San Gimignano Triple $3,669 $200 per person Winery Tour | Florence To make your reservation contact Kaci Ogle | 256-782-5405 | [email protected] or Robbie Ginn at R&R Travel Service 256-831-2323 | [email protected]

*All rates are per person and are subject to change. Price includes round trip air from Hartsfield Intl Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, and hotel accommodations and transfers. Not included in price is cancellation waiver and trip insurance of $260 per person.

san gimignano vineyards *For bookings made after September 18, 2015 call for rates.

#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 45 9/10/15 10:49 AM alumnotes ALUMnotes BIRTHS 2000-2010 *Timothy Brandt Thomas ’11 and Kristi *pictured below Hillary Flemmons ’05 and William H. Darnell ’12, November 8, 2014, Glencoe, Hardwick, March 21, 2015, Anniston, Ala. Ala. Mrs. Thomas is employed by Alacare 1990-1999 Mrs. Hardwick is employed by Col. Robert Home Health and Hospice as a registered *Chris Thomas Dempsey ’95/’99 and L. Howard State Veterans Home, Pell City, nurse. Mr. Thomas is employed by Pure Heather McFall Dempsey ’99/’08, Ala., as director of admissions. Performance as the director of marketing Jacksonville, Ala., welcomed the birth of and communications. He played football their second daughter, Ruby Catherine, Vanessa Marie Bonner ’08 and Antonio for JSU. on March 21, 2014. They have an older Thomas, January 3, 2015, Jacksonville, daughter, Ada, who is six. Mr. Dempsey is Ala. Mrs. Thomas is an analytical chemist Anna Lee Murphy ’13 and Caleb Scott employed by the Calhoun County Board at American Process, Inc., in Georgia. Duke, May 2, 2015. Mrs. Duke is em- of Education. He was a member of the ployed by B&B Health Services. Baptist Campus Ministry, served on the *Gilbert David Allen III ’09/’11 and SGA and as a peer counselor and was a Jennifer N. Nix ‘09/’11, January 3, 2015, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon at JSU. Mrs. OBITUARIES Montgomery, Ala. Mrs. Allen was a JSU Dempsey is employed by the Jacksonville (Unless otherwise noted, the following Ambassador and GO Leader and member City Board of Education. She was also a information was taken from newspaper of Delta Sigma Theta. Mr. Allen was also member of the Baptist Campus Ministry. obituary notices) a GO Leader and member of Alpha Phi Alpha. JSU FACULTY/STAFF Justin Edward Casey ’09 and Michelle Gussie Lou Dodson, Athens, Ala., January Moreland Casey ’10, Jacksonville, Ala., 2011-2015 22, 2015. She was retired from the build- had a baby girl on July 31, 2014. Mr. Casey Christopher Blake Jennings ’11 and ing services department. was a member of Sigma Nu and serves as Morgan Elizabeth Cox ’13, December 13, president of its alumni association. 2014, Jacksonville, Ala. A summa cum William Brice Hay ’77, Jacksonville, Ala., laude graduate, Mrs. Jennings is employed December 6, 2014. He was an Air Force WEDDINGS as lead dietitian at Gadsden Regional Vietnam veteran. Mr. Hay began his career *pictured below Medical Center. Mr. Jennings is employed at JSU in 1975 and retired as director of by Ohatchee High School as the head var- purchasing in 2001. 1980-1989 sity baseball coach and an assistant varsity Doris Louise Bolton ’89/’92 and Leroy H. football coach. Karen Rebecca Johnson, Piedmont, Ala., Gunter, April 19, 2015, Smyrna, Ga. Mrs. December 23, 2014. She was employed at Gunter is employed by the Department of JSU for over thirty-five years as secretary the Treasury, Atlanta, Ga. for the physical plant.

46 : GEM OF THE HILLS Ruby Catherine Dempsey (left), Gilbert David Allen III ’09/’11 and Jennifer N. Nix ‘09/’11 (middle), Timothy Brandt Thomas ’11 and Kristi Darnell ’12 (right)

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Heinrich H. Mueller, Jacksonville, Ala., Edna S. Turner, Jacksonville, Ala., date of Charline Weeks Young Deerman, April 3, 2015. Mr. Mueller was retired death unknown. She was retired. Tuscaloosa, Ala., November 24, 2014. She from the physical plant. retired from Teledyne Brown Engineering Ina Faye Ryan Weaver, Moundville, Ala., after eighteen years as an accountant. Martha Ellen Brown Reaves, Jacksonville, April 29, 2015. She had worked at JSU for Ala., October 24, 2014. Mrs. Reaves was fifteen years. John E. Isenhower III, Leeds, Ala., March retired from JSU but had been a very 2, 2015. He was a member of the Kappa smiling and friendly face in the intramural Gayner D. Williams ’66, Carrollton, Ga., Alpha Order. sports office as secretary to Mark Jones for date of death unknown. The alumni over ten years. office was notified by her son that she is Harriette Elizabeth Keen Jacobs, deceased. She was retired from JSU. Warrenton, Ga., October 10, 2014. She James A. Reynolds, Owens Cross Roads, had been a member of the Marching Ala., February 28, 2015. He was a retired Nadyne May Yates, Jacksonville, Ala., Ballerinas. professor of physical education. January 29, 2015. She had retired from JSU in 2000 but had also been a cook George Thomas Mayne, Anniston, Ala., Donald R. Schmitz, Rainbow City, Ala., and manager of several restaurants in April 2, 2015. A former Marine, he served March 31, 2015, after a prolonged illness. Jacksonville over the years. during the Bay of Pigs-Cuban Missile Retired, Mr. Schmitz had served as dean of Crisis and served two tours in Vietnam. student affairs for over twenty years. After ATTENDED ONLY OR DATE OF He retired from the Anniston Army retiring, he taught counseling at JSU. He GRADUATION UNKNOWN Depot in 1993. Mr. Mayne was married to also served as advisor to the JSU cheerlead- Jane Self Burnham, Anniston, Ala., April Patricia Carol Prater Mayne ’67. ers for several years. 13, 2015. She had been a member of the JSU International House Program and William Grady Rowe, Jr., Eclectic, Ala., Phillip Brian Smart, Piedmont, Ala., April was active in the Fabulous 40s group of February 23, 2015. He had been commis- 12, 2015. He had been employed in the alumni. Mrs. Burnham was very active in sioned through the JSU ROTC program maintenance department. the community and served for many years and had played football. Mr. Rowe served as an organist and piano accompanist in in the 20th Special Forces Group of the Charles H. Sullenger, Barnwell, S. Car., the music ministry at Parker Memorial Alabama National Guard and retired as May 8, 1999. Baptist Church. a Lt. Col. He served his entire teaching career at Elmore County High School Peter B. Symonds, Louisville, Ky., March L. Bruce Coleman, Lakeland, Fla., March where he taught math, served as athletic 10, 2015. He had been an instructor in 17, 2015. He served twenty-three years in director and coach of various sports over the criminal justice department (1995- the Navy and, after retirement, became more than twenty years. 99). Mr. Symonds had begun his career program director for the Department of in federal law enforcement with the FBI, the Navy. He had been a member of Sigma Gerald K. Screven, Lake Park, Ga., May 3, working out of offices in Kansas City, St. Nu. 2013. Mr. Screven played football at JSU. Louis, Washington, D.C., Anchorage and He was president of the Great Southern Birmingham. He served as lead investiga- Margaret Ann Cross, Attalla, Ala., Yellow Pages. tor for the Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989 October 6, 2012. A talented musician, she in Alaska and retired from the FBI in was accepted into the prestigious Eastman 1995. School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. She taught at Glencoe Middle School for Franklin Eugene Taylor, Weaver, Ala., twenty-one years and was Etowah County’s April 26, 2015. He was a retired instructor first Teacher of the Year. and had also served in the army during the Vietnam War era.

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John “Ray” Vinson, Huntsville, Ala., Miriam Wood Haywood ’45, Jacksonville, 1950-1959 October 6, 2014. Mr. Vinson played foot- Ala., October 19, 2014. Though retired Barbara Burtram Ferrigno ’50, ball for JSU, setting records for intercep- from the JSU staff, Mrs. Haywood was Glastonbury, Conn., December 1, 2014. tions and kickoff returns that still stand always an active university supporter. She worked for the State of Connecticut today. He was named a Little All American She served on the Alumni Association for twenty-five years, retiring as an admin- (First Team) his senior year and was Board of Governors and supported her istrative secretary in the Department of drafted by the San Diego Chargers. Mr. Gamecocks in every sport. The football Education. Vinson was named to the JSU Sports Hall J-Club (former players) was her chief of Fame, the All Centennial Team and to responsibility and she ran it as secretary Jack O. Kerby, Sr. ’50, Demopolis, Ala., Calhoun County’s Sports Hall of Fame. for many years until she was unable to February 22, 2015. He was a retired Army He was married to Sandra Kirk Vinson do so. Mrs. Haywood was sponsor of the National Guard lieutenant colonel. Mr. ’68. JSU cheerleaders, Gamecock Hostesses Kerby served as president of the SGA and and Gamecock Chicks. She was selected was a member of Pi Kappa Phi. He was a H. Darden Williams, Mountain Brook, JSU Alumna of the Year in 2001. She was retired dean at Hobson State Technical Ala., January 2, 2014. After serving in the married to the late James B. Haywood ’50, College and was married to Joyce Lewis Army, he became an attorney and prac- former director of food services at JSU. Kerby ’52. ticed law in Anniston and Point Clear. He also served as a U.S. magistrate for the Lewis Paul Hyatt, Sr. ’46, Henrico, Va., William Everett “Pat” Patrick ’50, Northern District of Alabama. February 24, 2015. He was 96. He served Carrollton, Ga., December 6, 2014. Mr. in the Navy and was a World War II vet- Patrick was commissioned through the 1940-1949 eran. He was Professor Emeritus at Austin JSU ROTC program and served in the Fanny Thompson Hinds ’41, Birmingham, Peay State University in Tennessee where Army in Korea. He also served in the Ala., December 26, 2012. She was a he taught American history and all social Army Reserves, retiring as a major. He teacher for the Shelby County Board of sciences for thirty-nine years. worked at Southwire Co. in Carrollton for Education for forty years and taught adult twenty-five years in the IT department. basic education in Vincent for thirty-seven Sara Nell Stockdale Larson ’46, Arcadia, years. She was married to the late John Calif., February 25, 2013. The alumni of- Frances Love Wilmoth ’50, Brentwood, Jordan Hinds, Jr. ’38. fice was notified by her daughter that Mrs. Calif., March 17, 2015. She taught in Larson is deceased. Ashville (Ala.), on an Apache Indian Frances McMinn McDonald ’41, Weaver, reservation and at Crane Elementary. She Ala., April 5, 2015. Mabel Williams Bryant ’49, Ohatchee, had been a member of the Baptist Campus Ala., January 6, 2015. She taught for Ministry. Henry Coleman Sikes ’42, Wedowee, Ala., thirty-seven years in the Calhoun County November 8, 2014. He was a teacher for School System. Imogene Stone Camp ’51, Sylacauga, thirty-eight years, spending most of his Ala., October 24, 2014. She had played career at Randolph County High where he Allen Cleveland ’49, Auburn, Ala., basketball for JSU. Mrs. Camp was an avid served as teacher, coach, assistant princi- September 17, 2014. Mr. Cleveland served gardener and floral arranger and won nu- pal, and librarian. on the Alumni Board of Governors in merous ribbons in local and state garden 1957-58. club flower shows. Glenn H. Sides ’43, Englewood, Co., September 2, 2014. The alumni office was Thomas Banister Hampson, Jr. ’49, Charlotte Claypool Duckett ’51, notified by his daughter that Mr. Sides is Atlanta, Ga., February 25, 2013. An Army Albertville, Ala., December 14, 2014. She deceased. veteran, Mr. Hampson later became a was a former JSU cheerleader and was trust attorney with The Trust Company of married to the late Robert George Duckett Georgia and retired in 1980s. ’50.

James Edward LeCroy ’49, Birmingham, Billy “Rip” Reagan ’51, Gadsden, Ala., Ala., March 1, 2015, after a long battle October 17, 2014. A former member of with Parkinson’s disease. A long-time em- the Southerners, he served as director of ployee of US Steel, he retired and formed show bands at Gadsden State Community his own consulting company. College. Mr. Reagan was married to the late Gloria Boyce Reagan ’70.

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Graduating Miss Daisy 72-YEAR-OLD PROVES IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO EARN DEGREE

BY HEATHER GREENE

At 72, Daisy Mae Stanley wears many about “wasting” a year of her life taking begins another degree. She would also like hats: wife, mother, grandmother, great- the science courses necessary to graduate. to write a memoir and a children’s book, grandmother, Episcopalian, computer She now encourages people to take classes garden, make art, and continue working analyst, artist, painter, printmaker and they might not normally take to learn with and encouraging the art students at gardener. In May, she added another cap something new. As an artist and liberal JSU. She has a dream of somehow bring- to her collection – a mortarboard, signify- arts major, her favorite courses were her ing young artists and the elderly together ing her status as a JSU graduate. art classes. for therapeutic art classes. A graduate of Shades Valley High “The art department and its faculty No matter where she goes next, Stan- School in Birmingham, she relocated to and staff are like a family to me,” she said. ley is certain to continue being a lifelong Jacksonville when her husband got a job at “I have found a new respect for the ‘re- learner. the Anniston chemical weapons incinera- quired’ or core courses also. I truly enjoy tor. She began taking classes at JSU just learning outside my field. I encourage ev- for fun but racked up 400 credit hours ery student to get everything they can out over the years. At the encouragement of of even those things they are not interested JSU Registrar Emily White, she decided to in. They might find they love it.” put those credits toward a degree. Now that she has graduated, what “Why not? I’m only 72,” thought is next for the lady younger students af- Stanley, who had been hesitant initially fectionately call “Miss Daisy?” This fall, she

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JSU Alum’s Recipe for Success BLENDS BITTER, SWEET

BY HEATHER GREENE PHOTO CREDIT: DARRYL MATTHEWS, IN TOUCH ATLANTA PHOTOGRAPHY

From suffering personal tragedy dur- working on the grill, he was promoted to social worker, but transitioned out of that ing his freshman year to washing dishes night cook and eventually full-time student line of work in March 2012 when he decid- for campus dining and realizing a love for manager. ed to pursue his love of cooking full-time. the culinary arts, Tradale Jefferson’s time Although some might find the respon- He is now the owner of 180 Grill Catering at JSU molded him into the person he is sibility of full-time work too much for a based in Hoover. From small beginnings, today. full-time student, Jefferson said cooking Jefferson’s business has grown into cater- The Birmingham native entered also served as a stress reliever for him, ing everything from weddings, bridal show- JSU as a biology pre-med major. During especially during finals. His friends ben- ers, birthday parties, to corporate events. his freshman year, his father committed efited from his cooking, as well, because Recently he received a contract to provide suicide, leaving him deeply grieved. After when finals week rolled around, he cooked lunch for a private school during the week. seeking assistance from JSU Counseling everything in his refrigerator and invited “I’ve always liked to cook, but being Services, he felt led to help others dealing them over to his apartment for a pre-finals at JSU helped me learn technicalities and with similar circumstances. He changed dinner. legal things, gold standards that are out his major to social work and became an “I would then go to sleep, take my there,” Jefferson said. When asked how assistant to Linda Shelton, JSU’s lead test the next day, and be great,” explained JSU prepared him for where he is today, counselor. Together they established a Jefferson. Jefferson said, “Connections! To this day, student chapter of the National Alliance Cooking was not Jefferson’s only I still have major connections with people on Mental Illnesses, now Active Minds. college activity. He founded the JSU Pep on campus and around the country who While JSU was helping Jefferson cope Squad, which devotedly wore fan t-shirts have graduated and gone on to do great with loss, it also introduced him to the and went to every JSU football game, and things.” hobby that became his career – cooking. was actively involved in campus ministries For more information on Jefferson, Working in the dish room on campus, around JSU. He is now a licensed and visit www.180grillcatering.com. he was noticed by the kitchen manager, ordained minister. who recognized his potential and reas- After graduating from JSU in 2009, he signed him to the grill. After a semester of served as a restaurant manager and then a

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Earl J. Roberts ’51, Talladega, Ala., Olga Shamblin Kennedy ’55/’59, Walter J. Paige, Sr. ’56, Raymond, N.H., February 24, 2015. Mr. Roberts played Anniston, Ala., December 30, 2014. October 1, 2014. He served in the Navy football for JSU. Though she started her career as a Air Reserve and Air Force. He was teacher, she moved to the northeast, owner/operator of Analysis and Computer Coy Smith ’51, Attalla, Ala., February working for the Red Cross headquarters Systems Inc. Mr. Paige played basketball 10, 2015. He was a teacher and coach at in Washington, D.C. and then moved for JSU. Chandler Mountain Jr. High, Moody Jr. to New York where she was director of High, Odenville High, Sylvania High and personnel training at the famed Bergdorf Malcolm Douglas Sanders ’56, Atlanta, Ashville High. Goodman department store. When she Ga., December 19, 2014. A Navy veteran, moved back to Alabama and returned to Mr. Sanders later worked for Southern Toliver Ralph Woodard, Sr. ’51, Alexander teaching, she later began teaching in the Services in Birmingham, Alabama, before City, Ala., June 26, 2013. He served in the geography department at JSU. relocating to Atlanta. His career there merchant marines during World War II ended with two years at SWEB Energy in and later served as an intelligence analyst Jack R. Lister ’55, Houston, Tex., April Bristol, England. in the army. He was a teacher and coach 21, 2015. Mr. Lister was commissioned at Benjamin Russell High School. Mr. through the JSU ROTC program and was Martha Ann Brothers Cunningham ’57, Woodard played baseball, basketball and an officer in the Army stationed in Korea. Gallant, Ala., January 27, 2015. She taught football for JSU. The alumni office was no- Afterwards he began his twenty-nine year home economics at Glencoe High School tified by a family member during a recent career with NASA at Langley and moved and Hokes Bluff High School. After phonathon that Mr. Woodard is deceased. to the Johnson Space Flight Center in several years in education, she was offered Houston in 1962 where he served as direc- a directorship position by the National Dr. Hubert Black ’53, Fort Myers, Fla., tor of human resources for twenty-two Dairy Council in Chicago. She opened a November 5, 2014. He was a paratrooper years. He was instrumental in starting the new office for the council in Bristol, Tenn. during World War II. Dr. Black played first student co-op program at NASA. Mrs. Cunningham also was employed by football for JSU. His career covered the US Postal Service for several years. both an ecclesiastical and educational John Douglas Borden ‘56/’62, Piedmont, journey that included several Church of Ala., March 27, 2015. He was an Air Force Hugh A. Daves ’57, Hokes Bluff, Ala., God pastorates and serving as president, veteran and served as band director in December 28, 2012. He had been commis- professor and dean at several institutions. Piedmont for many years before moving to sioned through the JSU ROTC program He authored scores of articles and several the classroom. He had been a member of and served in the army. Mr. Daves was books. the Southerners. retired from Republic Steel and LTV Steel Corporation. Gus Likos ’53, Daphne, Ala., November 5, Rayford E. East ’56, Spartanburg, S. Car., 2014. A veteran of World War II and the May 21, 2015. Mr. East was an Air Force Alva Wayne Deaton ’57, Owens Cross Korean War, he later served as a medi- veteran and served in the Korean War. Roads, Ala., January 12, 2015. Mr. Deaton cal technologist at Holy Name of Jesus He began his accounting career as a staff had been commissioned through the JSU Hospital, Gadsden, Ala., and retired in accountant in 1955. In 1985, Mr. East was ROTC program and served in the Army. 1991 as chief of their laboratory. a senior partner in the firm of Conrad, He worked his entire career as an aero- Hoey, East and Co. He merged that firm space engineer in guidance and propulsion Gerre Gail Norton Davidson ’54/’68, with the firm of Cherry, Bekaert and light mechanics at NASA in Huntsville, Gadsden, Ala., November 14, 2014. She Holland, CPAs. He retired in May of 1988. Ala., retiring with thirty-five years of was an educator for forty-one years serving service. as teacher, guidance counselor and direc- Shirley Keller Karraker ’56, Charleston, tor of Atmore Vocational School. Ill., July 4, 2014. Mrs. Karraker was retired William R. Griffin ’57, Rainbow City, from Eastern Illinois University computer Ala., December 6, 2014. Mr. Griffin was services department. commissioned through the JSU ROTC program. He had been a cost analyst with Gulf States Steel.

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Raymond L. Hughes ’57, Scottsboro, Ala., Olon Clinton Tucker ’59, Grant, Ala., Walter E. Fuqua, Jr. ’61, Huntsville, Ala., January 16, 2015. Mr. Hughes served in November 11, 2014. He was a Navy vet- May 11, 2015. He served in the Navy as a the Air Force during the Korean War. eran, serving during the Korean War. Dr. fighter plane gunner and then served in After military service, he worked in educa- Tucker saw a need for a local doctor and the Naval Reserves. He began his career tion for thirty-seven years, serving as trans- opened the Grant Clinic, P.A. in 1966 and with NASA in 1962 as a Quality Engineer portation director, counselor, classroom served the town for forty-five years. He and and retired with thirty-five years of service, teacher, coach, assistant superintendent, another physician opened a free family subsequently taking positions with other principal and superintendent. For a short planning clinic in Guntersville, Ala., and aerospace firms before fully retiring in time after retirement and moving to Fort he served as chief of staff at Guntersville 1995. Oglethorpe, Ga., he served as mayor pro- Hospital. tem. Peggy Ruth Allen Hudson ’61, LaGrange, 1960-1969 Ga., November 26, 2014. She was a retired Audrey Higgins Dreyer ’58, Anniston, Johnnie Wallace Hawkins ’60, Pell City, school teacher, having taught elementary Ala., October 26, 2014. She was a retired Ala., November 14, 2014. He had served school in Minnesota and then in Roanoke, administrative assistant at Ft. McClellan. in the Army during the Korean War. Mr. Alabama. Mrs. Dreyer had been married to the late Hawkins had worked for General Electric Clyde L. Dreyer ’58. for twenty-three years, the Onan Corp. Ammie Lee “Miss Lucy” Denson ’63, and Quality Manufacturing. Anniston, Ala., February 14, 2015. She Kenneth H. Mount ’58, Jacksonville, was a retired school teacher. Ala., March 12, 2015. For many years, Mr. Martis W. Robinson ’60, Oxford, Ala., Mount owned and operated the Village January 3, 2015. He was a Korean War Frank Tyrone Hill ’63, Roswell, Ga., Inn restaurant just off the Square in veteran and a retired Georgia educator and October 21, 2014. He worked for NASA Jacksonville. coach with thirty-seven years of service. at the Marshall Space Flight Center as a mathematician/scientific computer pro- James Ronald Stegall, Sr. ’58, Atlanta, Ga., Jerry Wayne Smith ’60, Gadsden, Ala., grammer and had worked on the Saturn October 10, 2014. Mr. Stegall was an army December 24, 2014. He served for 5 launch vehicle that transported the first veteran. He was a scholar, teacher, coach, thirty-three years in the Alabama National man to the moon. In 1968 he moved to and educational administrator, serving Guard. Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, retiring thirty years in education. in 2001 with thirty-eight years of govern- Tennie Beatrice “Tena” Hill Stephens ’60, ment service. Mr. Hill was also a realtor William Barry Allison, Jr. ’59, Mt. Rainbow City, Ala., March 11, 2015. Mrs. and justice of the peace. Pleasant, S.Car., January 11, 2015. He Stephens had a career in education and served in the Navy during World War II was honored as Etowah County Teacher of Edwin T. Vernon ’63, Pinehurst, N. Car., and the Naval Reserve for twenty years. the Year in 1979. October 23, 2014. He was commissioned He served as an education specialist at Ft. through the JSU ROTC program and McClellan, retiring after thirty years. Robert Franklin Tankersley ’60, served in the Army, including two tours in Huntsville, Ala., March 5, 2015. He was a Vietnam. During his thirty years of active Patsy Thornhill Halbrook ’59, Prattville, retired government employee. service, Col. Vernon was awarded many Ala., February 26, 2015. The alumni decorations including the Legion of Merit office was notified by her husband that James Pelham Crim ’61, Huntsville, Ala., and Bronze Star. The alumni office was she had passed away. Mrs. Halbrook had October 19, 2014. Mr. Crim was commis- notified during the recent phonathon that been a JSU cheerleader and member of sioned through the JSU ROTC program Col. Vernon is deceased. the Baptist Campus Ministry. She was a and served in the Army Chemical Corps retired teacher with the Autauga County and was also a captain in the Army Harry Willard Cleghorn ’64, Anniston, Board of Education. Reserve. He was employed at Uniroyal Ala., January 9, 2015. He was the owner of Tire, Dunlop Tire and Bridgestone Tire Harry Cleghorn Heating & Air and retired Helen Summers Johnson ’59, Anniston, where he retired in 2008. The alumni of- from the Anniston Army Depot. He was Ala., January 1, 2015. Most of her thirty- fice was notified by another alumnus that an Army veteran. five years of teaching were in the Anniston he is deceased. City and Montgomery County School Systems.

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JSU Alumna Builds School, Camp For Kids

Vonda Barbour White – founder and After college, White moved to Florida, White believes “Life is an adventure, executive director of Pillsbury College where she excelled in sales and executive one worth living to your fullest while mak- Prep and Camp Pillsbury in Minnesota leadership by the age of 27. Nine years ing a positive difference on others as you – recently returned to her alma mater to later, she began her own company, selling create and leave your legacy.” Learn more inspire and encourage a new class of JSU insurance to colleges and universities na- about her adventures at www.camp- alumni. She served as keynote speaker at tionwide. After a successful career in that pillsbury.com. the spring commencement ceremony on field, she recently bought a college campus May 1. in Minnesota to pursue her passion of White came to JSU from Boise, Idaho running a summer camp with circus arts, in 1984 on a teen pageant scholarship. performing arts, and much more. She also As a sophomore, she was elected as JSU’s started a boarding school for domestic second-ever female Student Government and international 6th-12th grade students Association president. She graduated with called Pillsbury College Prep, where sum- honors in 1988, earning a communica- mer camp activities are offered after school tions degree. and on weekends to help students excel personally and academically. FALL 2015 : 53

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*

FORMER GAMECOCKS ABOVE: Todd Cunningham (Braves jersey) and Donovan Called Up to Majors * Hand (Brewers jersey).

A pair of former Gamecock base- since 2013. The Jacksonville native made in Louisville before having his contract ball standouts were promoted to the big his season debut at Miami on May 15 and purchased by the big-league club. He made leagues over the summer. Outfielder Todd went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI his debut on June 17 against Detroit, toss- Cunningham, who played for JSU from as the Braves’ starting left fielder. In the ing three scoreless innings of relief in an 2008-2010, made his second stint with three-game series at Miami, he was 8-for-12 extra-inning Cincinnati win. the Atlanta Braves, and pitcher Donovan with four runs scored. Hand, who pitched for the Gamecocks Hand, a 14th-round pick by the from 2005-2007, was called up by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2007, also made his Cincinnati Reds in June. first appearance in the big leagues since Cunningham, a second-round pick by 2013 this summer, when the Reds called the Braves in 2010, was called up on May him up on June 16. In his first season 13 and went on a tear to start his second with the Reds organization, Hand pitched run in Major League Baseball and his first effectively for the team’s Triple A affiliate

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Zula Buckelew Hollis ’64/’75, Jacksonville, Dennis Russell Morgan ‘68/’72, Wendell C. Lewis ’70, New Orleans, La., Ala., December 4, 2014. She was one of Jacksonville, Ala., November 28, 2014. March 19, 2008. The alumni office was the pioneers in special education in both He was formerly employed at Commercial notified during the recent phonathon that the Cherokee County and Jacksonville National Bank in Anniston and at Federal Mr. Lewis had died in 2008. He was a City Schools. Her career began in Centre, Mogul in Jacksonville. Mr. Morgan man- retired high school band director and had Ala., in 1956 where she and another aged rental property and enjoyed remodel- been a member of the Southerners. teacher chartered the special education ing old homes and restoring old automo- program. After moving to Jacksonville in biles. Robert Michael Miller ’70, Travelers Rest, 1959, she helped create the first special S. Car., June 27, 2014. He recently retired education classes at what is now Kitty Roger Dale Owen ’68, Carrollton, Ga., from a thirty-five year career at Furman Stone Elementary. She was also a school March 12, 2015. He was a retired me- University as Public Safety Director. Mr. psychologist and certified psychometrist. chanic. Miller was an Army veteran and had played basketball for JSU. This informa- John H. Ingram III ’64, Lineville, Ala., William T. Day ’69, Oxford, Ala., October tion was provided to the alumni office by a May 16, 2015. 5, 2014. family member.

Vernon Orlando Jones ‘64/’67, Owens Jane Lankford McGahee ’69, Trussville, Hassie McDonald Roberts ’70/’78, Cross Roads, Ala. Date of death unknown. Ala., January 26, 2015. She was a teacher Anniston, Ala., April 20, 2015. She was The alumni office received an email from and guidance counselor. married to Norman L. Roberts ’62. a family member indicating that Mr. Jones is deceased. Michael Lee Morgan ’69/’74, Gadsden, John Alrie Summerlin III ’70, Anniston, Ala., February 23, 2015. He was em- Ala., November 27, 2014. Martha Elizabeth King ’64, Temple, Tex., ployed by Culp Iron and Metal Company October 24, 2000. The alumni office was and then assumed ownership of Frost Jean E. Deppensmith ’71, Birmingham, advised by the postal service that Ms. King Transmission Inc. until his retirement Ala., April 25, 2015. She was employed by is deceased. in 2012. He was married to Susan Frost AT&T. Ms. Deppensmith was a member Morgan ’71. of the Marching Ballerinas at JSU. John Ottis Carroll, Jr. ’65, Addison, Ala., February 17, 2014. He retired nine years William C. Rhodes, Jr. ’69, McCalla, Ala., Dennis Larry Lee ’71, Hoover, Ala., ago from Sparta Corporation as engineer- April 1, 2015. Known as “The Battery January 24, 2015. He was retired from ing manager. Man,” he owned and operated his battery Alabama Medicaid. business in Bessemer, Ala., for thirty-seven Mary Ann Holdridge Clark ‘65/’76, years. Leatrice Willis Martin ’71/’74, Gadsden, Rainbow City, Ala., September 21, 2014. Ala., December 30, 2014. She worked in After thirty years of teaching, she retired Hoyt Mack Whiteside ’69, Sylvania, Ala., special education for her entire career. from the Attalla City School System. July 29, 2014. Mrs. Martin was married to David Lawrence Martin ’65. Harold G. Davidson ’65, Jacksonville, 1970 – 1979 Ala., October 12, 2014. He was a Navy Jo Ann Weaver Baker ’70, Vestavia Hills, veteran. Ala., October 21, 2014, from ovarian cancer. She was a teacher in the Shelby Charles William Chandler ’67, Glencoe, County School System for twenty-seven Ala., December 11, 2012. He taught at years, retiring in 2000. After retiring, Mrs. Southside and Hokes Bluff High Schools Baker went on to sell real estate for ReMax before becoming dean of students at Ayers Advantage. State Technical College, Anniston, Ala. His career in education spanned twenty- Jerry G. Cockrell ’70, Massanutten, Va., five years. October 22, 2014.

Paul Dean Carr ’68, Trussville, Ala., May 23, 2015. Mr. Carr was an Army Vietnam veteran.

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Kay McIntyre Tolbert ’71, Jacksonville, Mary Louise Brogden Maeger ’73/’76, William Alton Hall ’74/’76, Albertville, Ala., March 20, 2015. She began working Southside, Ala., June 15, 2011. She was Ala., October 11, 2014. A Navy and Army with the Calhoun County Department retired from the Etowah County Board veteran, he was an educator for thirty of Human Resources in 1972 and she of Education after teaching at Southside years, having been a teacher and football spent the next twenty-six years as a social High School. The alumni office was noti- coach for twenty-eight years in Georgia be- worker, supervisor and program supervi- fied during the annual phonathon that fore retiring. Mr. Hall had been a member sor. She helped organize the Alabama Mrs. Maeger is deceased. of the Baptist Campus Ministry. Parents Anonymous Board and the Third Congressional District Council Charline Farris McFall ’73, Piedmont, Wilford Jones Lane ’74, Anniston, Ala., of the Children’s Trust Fund. She was Ala., February 6, 2015. Ms. McFall was March 19, 2015. A Navy veteran, he served honored as the first Social Worker of the retired from Ft. McClellan as a unit in Vietnam. Mr. Lane practiced law in Year by the local chapter of the National secretary. Anniston for many years. Association of Social Workers. After retiring, Mrs. Tolbert became executive Don L. Shellhorse ’73, Heflin, Ala., Hilda Whatley Thomas ’74, Anniston, director of Children’s Services Inc. in December 16, 2014. Mr. Shellhorse was an Ala., February 6, 2015. Mrs. Thomas was Anniston. Air Force veteran and served during the retired from the Calhoun County School Vietnam War. He was a real estate agent System. R. Keith Absher ’72/’73, Humboldt, and broker. Tenn., March 24, 2015. He had been Emogene Okes Turner ’74, Jacksonville, dean of the McAfee School of Business Patricia “Patsy” Cook Tidwell ’73, Ala., May 17, 2015. She was a retired teach- at Union University in Tennessee. Dr. Huntsville, Ala., April 3, 2014. She had er and librarian at Weaver Elementary Absher was a member of Alpha Tau been a government employee and was mar- School. Mrs. Turner had been married to Omega. ried to Paul Stephen Tidwell ’73. the late John Calvin Turner ’71.

Hugh D. Chitwood ’72, Groveoak, Ala., Larry Bolt ’74, Oxford, Ala., November 2, Froncine Alford Wallace ’74, Gadsden, no date of death available. The alumni 2014. He was a former employee of Borden Ala., March 13, 2015. She had worked office was notified during the annual pho- Chemical and Plastic Company. for the Alabama Department of Pensions nathon that Mr. Chitwood is deceased. He and Securities in child care and adoptions was a retired accountant. Claire Margaret Collins Brown ’74, before she left to raise her family. Mrs. Anniston, Ala., November 12, 2014. Wallace was married to Anthony Riley Galen Cochrane Kennah ’72, Gadsden, Wallace ’74. Ala., December 3, 2014. He worked for Carole Starr Cain ’74, Cumming, Ga., Ernst & Ernst CPA Firm and retired from March 10, 2015, from lung cancer. She Rebecca Dee Weeks ’74, Birmingham, Hall & Storey CPA Firm. He was an Army previously worked for the Alabama Ala., March 15, 2014. She taught elemen- veteran. Department of Children’s Services before tary school for many years. Ms. Weeks had moving to Georgia where she was a home- been a member of the Baptist Campus Peggy Rose Lockridge Pearson ’72/’78, maker and full-time mom. Ministry. Cedar Bluff, Ala., January 4, 2015. She was a retired teacher. Mary Ella Carlisle ’74/’76, Anniston, Ala., Edward Marshall White ’74, Athens, Ala., March 2, 2015. May 2, 2005. He had been a member of Donna Anderson Todd ’72, Piedmont, Sigma Nu. The alumni office was recently Ala., April 11, 2015. She retired from John H. Dieterle ’74, West Jordan, Utah, notified by another Sigma Nu brother that the State of Alabama with eleven years May 5, 2015. He retired from the Army Mr. White had died in 2005. of service with the Calhoun County with twenty-five years of service and served Department of Human Resources and in the Vietnam War. He taught business Leon M. Ziglar ’74, Anniston, Ala., seventeen years at the Alabama Medicaid courses at Dekalb College (Ga.) for twelve February 18, 2015. Mr. Ziglar was retired Agency. years and retired from Georgia State from the State Employment Office in University after serving sixteen years as Anniston. business manager for the nursing school.

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FORMER JSU GOLFER DANNY WILLETT Wins European Masters

Former JSU golfer Danny Willett con- Willett came in 38th at his first US ABOVE: Danny Willett tinued his climb amongst the best players Masters in April. He gained enormous at JSU’s home course, in the world this year. The native of Shef- media attention in July at the 144th Open Silver Lakes. field, England, who played two seasons – initially leading the event before coming * for the Gamecocks from 2005 to 2007, in sixth place. He won the European Mas- won his second European Tour event in ters on July 26 with a one-shot victory over the summer of 2014 to set up a great start fellow Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick. to 2015. He finished 2014 ranked 23rd in Follow Willett’s career at http:// the Race to Dubai – the European Tour’s dannywillett.co.uk - or on the Golf equivalent to the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Channel! – earning exemptions to all of the Majors in 2015.

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 57 9/10/15 10:49 AM Purchasing a JSU tag will help Ask for the give JSU more visibility on our roadways and support the general scholarship fund at the JSU CAR TAG university! Get yours today!

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Linda Phillips Carroll ’75, Wellington, Martha Daniel Baker ’77/’83, Cedar Bluff, Brenda Killen Payne ’77, Huntsville, Ala., Ala., April 3, 2015. She taught for Ala., November 3, 2014. Mrs. Baker was December 8, 2014. She had been em- thirty-two years in the Calhoun County retired as director of data processing at ployed by Huntsville Hospital. School System. She also taught English at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. She Gadsden State Community College. Mrs. also served as mayor of Cedar Bluff. Donald Ladell Parris ’77, Birmingham, Carroll was married to Donald Wayne Ala., April 9, 2015. Most recently he had Carroll ’66. L. Marlin Bowling ’77, Tuscaloosa, Ala., worked for the Birmingham Barons orga- March 18, 2013. He was a retired Baptist nization as an ambassador and elevator Alice Edwina Ray Hall ’75, Huntsville, minister. Mr. Bowling had been a member operator. Ala., March 7, 2015, from multiple my- of Delta Chi. eloma cancer. She was a retired educator John Albert Ratliff III ’77, Jacksonville, who had taught science in the Huntsville Jackie Hicks Crumley ’77, Oxford, Ala., Ala., October 14, 2014. He was an Army City Schools for many years. January 13, 2015. She was a retired muni- veteran and had served as an assistant tions operator at the Anniston Army professor in the Department of Military Nathan R. Hamlin ’75, Munford, Ala., Depot. Science at North Carolina State University February 2, 2015. He was the retired in Raleigh. After retiring from the mili- owner/operator of Munford Tractor Co. Jeffa Davis “Davey” Hill ’77, Montgomery, tary, Mr. Ratliff worked for H&R Block Mr. Hamlin was married to Nancy Wood Ala., March 12, 2014. Mr. Hill was an in Jacksonville and as business manager Hamlin ‘69/’81. Army and Air Force veteran. He was an for a Jacksonville medical practice. He accomplished musician and professional also was a military research analyst at the Martha Allen Wigley Snider ’75/’78/’82, accordionist, a draftsman and computer Directorate of Combat Developments at Oxford, Ala., January 27, 2015. She was operator. He had been a member of the US Army Chemical School at Fort a former teacher at Oxford High School the Baptist Campus Ministry and the McClellan, Ala. where she retired in 1998 after twenty- Southerners. The alumni office was noti- two years in education. She had received fied by his wife Carolyn of his death. Jane Carter Swann ’77, Argo, Ala., the Mary C. Forney Award as the Most October 22, 2013. Outstanding Student in the Graduate Alice Parker Hurst ’77, Talladega, Ala., School of Education at JSU. November 12, 2014. She was a retired Edith Carol T. Wagner ’77, Guntersville, educator who taught for many years at Ala., date of death unknown. The alumni William Edward Baker ’76, Rome, Ga., the Alabama Institute for the Deaf. She office was notified by her husband, Gerald June 8, 2014. He began his career in also served as bookkeeper at Talladega K. Wagner ‘76/’77, that she is deceased. law enforcement but, after earning a Wholesale Grocery. degree in theology, he served as minis- Walter Maurice Whitlow ’77, Arab, Ala., ter and choir director in several United Paul Andrew Malcom ’77, Oxford, Ala., September 28, 2014. He was a retired Methodist churches in Alabama, Arkansas March 13, 2015. He was an Air Force vet- safety engineer with Monsanto in Decatur and Georgia. Ending his career in sales eran and retired from the Army Reserves. with more than twenty-eight years of management, he also became a success- Mr. Malcom was a former employee of service. He was an Air Force veteran ful auctioneer and real estate broker. Mr. Honda Manufacturing and Lee Brass. He and served during the Korean War. Mr. Baker had been a member of the Baptist was married to Paula Ann Acker Malcom Whitlow also served as a fire protec- Student Union, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, ’69. tion instructor at the Texas A & M Fire the A Capella Choir and the Southerners. Training School in College Station, Texas, The alumni office was notified by his wife Billy Ray McClure ’77, Manitou Springs, for twelve years. The alumni office was Anita that Mr. Baker is deceased. Colo., December 4, 2014, from injuries notified by a relative of his death. sustained in a fall. Mr. McClure first Jan O. Lambert ’76, Glencoe, Ala., worked as a preparatory and exhibits Iva Nella Honea Cargo ’78, Birmingham, October 25, 2014. Ms. Lambert was a designer for the Huntsville Museum of Ala., March 6, 2015. She had taught retired rural mail carrier with thirty years Art and then at the Hunter Museum of elementary school for twenty-five years. of service. American Art in Chattanooga, Tenn. He then had a career of almost twenty years as Willie Mae Milton Davis ’78, Alpine, Ala., preparatory and exhibits Designer at the October 22, 2014. At one time she had Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. served on the JSU Alumni Association Board of Governors.

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Rayburn Junior McCormick ’79/’83, Richie Lynn Ellison ’82, Sylacauga, Ala., Philip G. Henson ’85, Roanoke, Ala., Ranburne, Ala., January 24, 2015, from April 16, 2015. Mr. Ellison was a Navy October 22, 2014. He was retired from cancer. An Army veteran, Mr. McCormick veteran. He taught and coached for twenty the Roanoke City School System, having taught for twenty-six years at Ranburne years at Benjamin Russell High School in served as sixth grade science teacher for Elementary School. Alexander City, Ala., and led a number of more than twenty years. Science Olympiad teams to competitions. Margaret “Jo” Turner Reaves ’79, Mr. Ellison was married to the late Cindy Joseph Lee Owen ’85, Jacksonville, Ala., Ohatchee, Ala., November 8, 2014. She Lynn Jones Ellison ’81. October 18, 2014. Mr. Owen had been a had taught elementary school for forty-two practicing attorney. years. Terrie Lisa Hanvey ’82, Birmingham, Ala., November 5, 2010. She was a former mem- Larry Wayne Smith ’85, Jacksonville, Ala., Billy Wayne Thornton ’79, Attalla, Ala., ber of the Southerners. February 14, 2015. An Army veteran, he March 18, 2013. The alumni office served two tours in Vietnam and played received information during the annual William Frank Kerr ’82, Bentonville, Ark., on the army golf team at Ft. McClellan. phonathon that Mr. Thornton is deceased. July 16, 2014. He had been employed by He then became a golf professional until Walmart for over twenty-five years. For he retired as a chief warrant officer in 1980 - 1989 the last several years, he had been with 1980. He also taught political science at Grace Penny Jennings ’80, Hokes Bluff, Outdoor Cap, Inc. and served on the JSU for two years as an adjunct professor. Ala., March 13, 2015. She began her board of Igloo Corporation. career as a nurse at Piedmont Hospital. Judy Murray Dorris ’86/’92, Opelika, Ala., She served as assistant nursing director at Carolyn Ramsey Seay ’82, Albany, N.Y., January 9, 2015. She had been a teacher Gadsden Regional and retired as nursing February 6, 2015. in Chambers County and at Fairfax director at Jacksonville Hospital. Elementary in Valley, Ala. Pamela Griffin Reid ’83, January 5, 2015. James R. “Jim Bo” Lewis ’80, Cartersville, She had been employed as a registered Lula Lee Dobbins Phillips ’86, Valley Ga., December 23, 2007. He had been nurse with the Alabama Department Head, Ala., December 26, 2011. Mrs. a member of Sigma Nu and the alumni of Public Health for twenty-five years. Phillips taught home economics at office was notified by a fraternity brother She also served as local director for the Geraldine High School and was a media that he had passed away in 2007. Cinderella Scholarship Pageant for the last specialist at Ider High School where she twenty-eight years. retired in 2004. Stevie DeLeon Pritchett ’80, Oxford, Ala., December 13, 2014. He had served as Lewis Andy Goggans ’84/’91, Gadsden, Rodney Mark Allen ’87, Birmingham, associate pastor at Nances Creek United Ala., December 11, 2014, from cancer. He Ala., March 28, 2013. A medical tech- Methodist Church for many years. An was a Marine and Air Force veteran. nologist, Mr. Allen became a specialist accomplished artist, he had also owned in blood banking while working with the Pritchett Graphics. Judy Carol Cook Hoy ’84, Albertville, Red Cross. He subsequently worked at the Ala., July 9, 2014. She was a retired University of Alabama at Birmingham in Carol Marie Whiteside ’80, Sylvania, teacher with the Albertville City Board of the histocompatibility department then Ala., January 6, 2014. She was a retired Education. joined Baxter Healthcare where he became teacher with the Dekalb County Board of a project manager of laboratory operations Education. Harry Andrew Setser ’84, Weaver, Ala., for the BioLife Plasma Services Division. November 23, 2014. William Jerry Gatlin ’81/’84, Rome, Ga., Jack Lee Cox ’87, Sylacauga, Ala., March May 1, 2014, from leukemia. Mr. Gatlin Robert Dale Barnwell ’85, Jacksonville, 25, 2015. “Granddaddy Jack” was a Gold was a Marine Corps Reserves veteran Ala., February 12, 2015. For the past Medallion Southerner of 1956 and the with nineteen years of service. He was a twenty-five years, Mr. Barnwell served as Southerners drumline’s first section longtime educator throughout Georgia the manager of industrial engineering at leader. The information was provided by and was a well-known coach and basketball Fruit of the Loom’s Leesburg (Ala.) Yarn members of the JSU Grey Drummers. official for more than twenty-five years. Mills.

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 60 9/10/15 10:49 AM Courses Completely Online

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 62 9/10/15 10:49 AM alumnotes

John Levere Gross ’87, Troy, Mich., Minnie Lou Russell ’92/’98, Anniston, Albert Lee “Nicky” Edmondson ’95, August 9, 2012. He was an Army veteran. Ala., March 18, 2015. She was retired from Atlanta, Ga., March 13, 2015. Mr. The alumni office received information Ft. McClellan after many years of service. Edmondson played quarterback un- during the phonathon that Mr. Gross died She then went on to teach at Gadsden der Coach Bill Burgess at JSU and in 2012. State Community College for seventeen was also part of the 1991 World Series years. Championship baseball team under Coach Hellen Joyce Thompson ’87, Jacksonville, Rudy Abbott. The alumni office was Ala., March 22, 2014. Anthony Lee Walker ’92, Woodstock, notified by alumnus Ed Canady that Mr. Ga., May 1, 2015. He was an industrial Edmondson had passed away. Susan Haynes Weaver ’87, Gadsden, Ala., engineer and worked as a regional sales May 24, 2014. A homemaker at the time of manager for Helukabel Inc. 2000-2015 her death, Mrs. Weaver previously taught Shelly McClain Smith ’00/’03, for the Gadsden City Board of Education. Sadie Lee Dobbins Henderson ’93, Jacksonville, Ala., February 23, 2015. He Centre, Ala., March 9, 2015. She taught in had been employed with Lowery Brothers. Mary Ann Gaskey Battles ’88, Steele, Ala., the Cherokee County School System and May 15, 2015. pastored at New Hope United Methodist Denise Chaney Parker ’01, Jacksonville, Church in Odenville. She later pastored Ala., January 9, 2015. Mrs. Parker was Geneva W. Coleman ’88, Talladega, Ala., at New Bethel United Methodist Church, an educator in the Anniston City School November 7, 2014. She had been a teacher Ball Play, Ala. System for seventeen years. She was a for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and member of Delta Sigma Theta. Blind. Sharon Anne Rauch ’93, Anniston, Ala., February 5, 2015. She taught for thirty Allen Franklin Stevenson ’02/’04, 1990 – 1999 years, with the last twenty-four at the Bremen, Ga., May 23, 2010. The alumni Rosalie Jennice Bryant Sharp ’90, Calera, Donoho School, where she was known to office received information during the Ala., December 1, 2014. She worked have cured countless cases of hiccups. phonathon that Mr. Stevenson had passed for years in retail sales, including YP away in 2010. Advertising Solutions. She also held Diana Edith Turley ‘94/’97, Anniston, management positions at Radio Shack and Ala., February 21, 2015. She had been a Billie “Jo” Thornton Castleberry ’03, Marks Fitzgerald. school teacher at Weaver Elementary for Gadsden, Ala., November 16, 2014. thirteen years. Gregory Neal Butler ’91, Hokes Bluff, Ala., Jimmy McNabb ’03, Cerritos, Calif., March 19, 2015. A magna cum laude JSU Patricia A. Pike White ’95, Boaz, Ala., October 17, 2014. The alumni office was graduate, Mr. Butler had been a teacher in February 2, 2015. She had been an ele- notified by a family member during the Rome, Ga. mentary school teacher for thirty-five years. phonathon that Mr. McNabb is deceased. Mrs. White owned and operated Kiddie David Martin Buice ’92, Dawsonville, Ga., College Kindergarten in Hokes Bluff. She Ginger Lynn McEwen Hemphill ’04, April 15, 2015, shortly after celebrating his taught at Hokes Bluff Elementary School Oxford, Ala., February 19, 2015. She fiftieth birthday with family and friends. where she retired. previously had been an insurance agent for He taught at Gadsden Christian School, Allstate. Oxford High School and Staley Middle Joseph R. Campbell ’99, Pike Road, Ala., School in Americus, Ga. In 2012, he and November 10, 2014. Admitted to the Stephen L. Guillot, Jr. ’05, Franklin, his wife went into full-time ministry work Alabama Bar in 2003, he practiced law in Tenn., December 21, 2013. The alumni in Taiwan. Montgomery. office was notified during the phonathon that Mr. Guillot is deceased. Lisa Rhodarmer Gore ’92, Albertville, Ala., July 27, 2014, from brain cancer. A Donna M. Turner ’05/’09, Munford, summa cum laude JSU graduate, Mrs. Ala., December 25, 2014. She was a Navy Gore had taught first and second grade veteran. Ms. Turner played tennis for JSU in Albertville for twelve years. The alumni and was in the chorus. office was notified by her husband Jamie of her death.

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John Leo Seifert ’06, Nederland, Colo., Brandy White Belew, Rogersville, Ala., 1950-1959 December 10, 2013. He worked in his was inducted into the Lauderdale County C.B. “Red” Strickland ’50, Henagar, Ala., family’s business and was an entrepreneur Sports Hall of Fame, March 14, 2015. was inducted into the Jackson County owning several rental ventures headquar- Sports Hall of Fame. A coach for thirty- tered in Michigan and Colorado. He Don Jacobs, Oneonta, Ala., has been four years, he had coached at Skyline, served as a deputy sheriff in Nederland inducted into the Jackson County Sports Section, Geraldine and North Sand until his retirement in 2009. He received Hall of Fame. He was an assistant football Mountain with a career record of 705-264. recognition for meritorious and heroic coach at JSU between 1981 and 1983. He actions in 2009. also coached at Livingston, SW Louisiana, Paul Cooley ’51, now deceased, was induct- West Georgia and Troy before moving to ed into the Jackson County Sports Hall of Kimberly Dawn Monroe ’07, Anniston, the high school coaching ranks at Luverne, Fame. A basketball coach for twenty-three Ala., March 7, 2013. She was a member of Robertsdale, Elkmont and Oneonta. years, all at Pisgah, he had a career record the Southerners. of 536-150. Coach Cooley was married to 1930-1939 Elizabeth Gilbreath Cooley ’51. Douglas Randall Pierce ’07, Anniston, Quinnis K. “Dusty” Carter ’35/’37, now Ala., April 26, 2015. deceased, was inducted into the Jackson John Meadows ’52, Scottsboro, Ala., was County Sports Hall of Fame. A coach for inducted into the Jackson County Sports ALUMNOTES thirty-eight years, he coached basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Meadows played base- *pictured below at Scottsboro and Paint Rock and had a ball and football at JSU and was selected record of 714-303. JSU’s Alumnus of the Year in 1969. He ATTENDED ONLY OR DATE OF was married to Glenda Blake Meadows GRADUATION UNKNOWN 1940-1949 ’52. *Terry Barkley, Monteagle, Tenn., attend- E.C. “Baldy” Wilson ’49, Glencoe, Ala., ed from 1968-72 and played in the drum- has been honored by the Maj. General 1970-1979 line of the Southerners for three years. He Patrick R. Cleburne Chapter, United John Esslinger ’71/’88, Scottsboro, Ala., is now a member of the Grey Drummers, Daughters of the Confederacy. He served has been inducted into the Jackson the official title of the drumline alumni. in the Army during World War II and was County Sports Hall of Fame. He was the Mr. Barkley has just had a new book eligible to receive the UDC World War cross country and track and field coach at released through BrayBree Publishing en- II Cross of Military Service. Mr. Wilson Scottsboro. Coach Esslinger is married to titled “The Gentle Scholar: The Forgotten played football and basketball for JSU, Betty Sisk Esslinger ’71. Story of John Webb and the Webb School served on the alumni association board of Bell Buckle, Tennessee.” He is a retired of governors, and was honored as JSU’s D. Larry Morris ’74, Scottsboro, Ala., has professional librarian, archivist, museum Alumnus of the Year in 1987. He is mar- been inducted into the Jackson County curator and former history teacher. An ried to Mattie Jones Wilson ’60. Sports Hall of Fame. accomplished musician, Mr. Barkley was a working drummer for more than forty Gordon Sumner ’75, Springfield, Va., was years and is listed in the Alabama Music recently appointed by Lieutenant General Hall of Fame. Jeffrey W. Talley, US Army, Chief, Army Reserve as an Army Reserve Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Virginia for the next three years. The Ambassador Program was established in 1998 for private citizens to promote awareness of the Army Reserve and the identified goals and objectives of its chief. The position carries a proto- col status equivalent to a major general. Dr. Sumner was commissioned through the JSU ROTC and was a member of the Baptist Campus Ministry and the Southerners. He was selected in 1993 as JSU’s Alumnus of the Year.

64 : GEM OF THE HILLS Terry Barkley, 1968-72 (left), “The Gentle Scholar: The Forgotten Story of John Webb and the Webb School of Bell Buckle, Tennessee” (middle)

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1980-1989 *Steven D. Martin ’80, Atlanta, Ga., has Jason Wayne Meadows ’88, Rogersville, Susan Texann Scott Dixon ’89/’95, been named the 2015 chairman of the Ala., has been inducted into the Gadsden, Ala., was recently voted Teacher board for NAIOP, the Commercial Real Lauderdale County Sports Hall of of the Year. She is in her twenty-sixth Estate Development Association. Mr. Fame. He was a three-sport standout year of teaching special education and Martin is managing principal with SDM in high school. A three-time medalist teaches at Kitty Stone Elementary School, Partners in Atlanta. He will lead the as- in the Alabama High School Athletic Jacksonville, Ala. sociation’s executive committee and staff Association’s 3A state track meets in 1982 in the planning and execution of industry and 1983, he finished second to the leg- 1990-1999 and association-wide initiatives. endary Bo Jackson in the 1982 high jump Donna Johnson Steed ’91, Jacksonville, in the state indoor and outdoor meets. Ala., was recently selected Teacher of the Kimberly Oden-Webster ’82/’89, Leeds, At JSU, Mr. Meadows was a four-year Year at Jacksonville High School where she Ala., has co-authored “God is Not a letterman and was named All-Gulf South has taught for nineteen years. Deadbeat Dad,” a collection of devotionals Conference as a senior. about experiencing God as a loving father *Donald D. Knowlton ’95, Vestavia, Ala., and devoted friend. For more information, Jerry Leon “Jay” Prater ’88, Auburn, has become associated with the law firm email [email protected]. Ala., is now general manager with the of Cusimano, Roberts & Mills. An Army Columbus/Phenix City Courtyard veteran who served in the Gulf War, he Robert Shannon Robinson III ’82, (Marriott) Hotel. He previously served has extensive experience in the areas of Marietta, Ga., is now the color guard in- as general manager at the award-winning personal injury, commercial law, domestic structor at Kennesaw State University. He Auburn/Opelika Marriott. Mr. Prater was relations and litigation. is a former member of the Southerners. a member of Pi Kappa Phi and serves on the JSU Foundation Board. Billy Glenn Shelton ’95, Dutton, Ala., has James “Mo” Canady ’85, Birmingham, been named supervision director for the Ala., and Kerri Ranee Johns Williamson Kamal Ali ’89, Albuquerque, N. Mex., Alabama Science Teachers Association. ’92/’95, Trussville, Ala., are the top two has been promoted by BBVA Compass He is also the assistant principal at Pisgah employees for a national/international to CEO of New Mexico. He has worked High School in his twentieth year of non-profit organization. Mr. Canady is for BBVA Compass for more than education. Before moving into administra- a retired Hoover police officer and is twenty years and, most recently, was the tion, he spent fifteen years as a classroom currently the executive director of the Albuquerque president. He also previously teacher where he earned National Board National Association of School Resource worked for the bank as a line-of-business Certification in early adolescence science. Officers (NASRO). He was a member of manager for the commercial bank, credit the Southerners. NASRO trains school- analyst, assistant relationship manager Ryan P. Parker ’99, New Brunswick, N.J., based police officers throughout the and a relationship manager–all in either chief diversity officer, Robert Wood United States and internationally. Mrs. Albuquerque or in the bank’s headquar- Johnson University Hospital has been Williamson serves as the training director ters in Birmingham, Ala. Mr. Ali is mar- named a board of trustees member at The for NASRO. She was a member of Delta ried to Georgia Denise Moore Ali ’94/’99. American Conference on Diversity. As Zeta. chief diversity officer at RWJ, he is charged with aligning diversity and inclusion as a critical business component for advanc- ing RWJ’s mission and strategic business objectives. In 2014, Mr. Parker was recog- nized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the nation’s top 25 healthcare leaders under the age of forty. He was selected Mr. Jax State in 1997.

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2000-2015 Andrea Howard Taylor ’09, Weaver, Brett Allen Johnson ’15, Hokes Bluff, Ashlee Dean Jones ’06, Homewood, Ala., Ala., is the new librarian at R.L. Young Ala., has joined the staff of the Higher is now the media and promotions man- Elementary School in Talladega, Ala. Education Partnership, serving in the cam- ager for the Central Region of Coca-Cola pus and membership position. He worked Bottling Company UNITED. She has Thomas Arthur “Tab” Brown ’12/’14, with the partnership as chair of the been with Coca-Cola for six years, serving Jacksonville, Ala., is the new assistant University Students Presidents Council as a classic foods key account manager, director of bands at Baldwin High School, and as a campus STARS leader. He also no-sale project manager, field marketing Milledgeville, Ga. Mr. Brown is a former served as SGA president. representative and, most recently, on member of the Southerners and Chamber premise key account manager for Prestige Winds. He is married to Allison Inglis Properties. Brown ‘05/’07/’10, a former Marching Ballerina. Matthew Grant Whitaker ’06, Jacksonville, Ala., has been promoted to city president Joshua Lee Heflin ’12, Decatur, Ala., was of the Oxford office location of Noble recently presented the Medal of Valor by Bank & Trust. He has six years of bank- the Decatur Police Department. While ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ing experience with Noble Bank & Trust, waiting on a tow truck to move a car, he previously serving as assistant vice presi- was approached by a woman whose house LIFE MEMBERS dent and Anniston branch manager. Mr. was on fire and her brother was still inside. RANDALL DOVE III ’10 Whitaker was a member of Kappa Alpha. He called the fire department then ran in- He is married to Lauren Ashley McGinnis side and pulled the man out of the house. MICHELLE HOLLAND GARVER ’03/’09 Whitaker ’07. Mr. Heflin has also served as a Priceville, JAMES HAROLD JACKSON ’69 Ala., volunteer firefighter for the last ten Cody J. Robinson ’07, Cave Spring, Ga., years and was well trained to handle the PAUL LINDSAY ’12 is president of HomeFit, a company he situation. He was a member of Delta Chi. GALE SAXON MAIN ’89 started with fellow alumnus, T.J. Crosby SHERRY MCLAUGHLIN ’07, over a year ago. It is now the largest Nicholas Hill ’12, Huntsville, Ala., in-home fitness consulting company in the received a Fit Check Award from the VANCE MCLAUGHLIN state with ten personal trainers and two Decatur Police Department where he is MICHAEL DON MITCHELL ’13 registered dietitians who are nationally employed as an officer. He was a member DAVID NICHOLS ’93 certified. Homefit specializes in training of Kappa Sigma. business and medical professionals who MICHAEL V. NOYES ’74 are too busy to make it to the gym. Based DR. WILLIAM POWELL PANNELL ’55 in Birmingham, they have expanded to Tuscaloosa and plan to continue expan- ELI SMITH ’10 sion plans. LANA OAKLEY SMITH ’08/’10 BRYAN M. TAYLOR ’01

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66 : GEM OF THE HILLS

#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 66 9/10/15 10:49 AM Did you leave your name in STONE... AT YOUR ALMA MATER? Make sure you left your mark at JSU for future generations to see! Purchase a brick to be placed at the JSU Alumni house for only $50. www.jsu.edu/alumni Proceeds from this brick program will be used to fund scholarships for deserving students at JSU. Thank you for your support!

ALUMNI BRICK ORDER FORM $50 PER BRICK Please complete the following information and return to: JSU Alumni Relations Office, 700 Pelham Road North Method of Payment (please check one) Jacksonville, AL 36265 Check (make your check payable to: JSU Foundation) Purchaser’s Name (please print) ______VISA Mastercard American Express Address______City______State______Zip______Account # ______Exp. Date______Phone (Home)______(Work)______CV Code: ______(last three digits on back of card) E-mail Address ______Signature ______“I’m purchasing a brick as a gift for:” Name______BRICK SIZE: 4” x 8” Address______Three lines, 16 characters or spaces per line (Indicate your engraving City______State______Zip______information in the boxes below) Yes, please notify recipient of my gift.

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#245-15 GEM Fall 2015.indd 67 9/10/15 10:49 AM Alumni Relations 700 Pelham Road North Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602 P. 256.782.5404 P. 877.JSU.ALUM F. 256.782.5502 www.jsu.edu

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