THE MAGAZINE OF JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

JSU STRONG | SPECIAL ISSUE : president’s letter GEM OF THE HILLS 2013 COLLEGIATE ADVERTISING to hand off to the designer for finalization unified spring commencement, secur- AWARDS GOLD WINNER

and mailing to you in April. We all know ing and developing new classrooms and JSU PRESIDENT what happened next. offices, and carrying on with our summer contents John M. Beehler, Ph.D., CPA Just three days later, on Monday, and fall semesters. VICE PRESIDENT FOR March 19, an EF-3 tornado devastated our By the time you visit campus for UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Charles Lewis, Ph.D. campus, damaging 50 out of 70 buildings Homecoming on Sept. 29, campus should CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER and rendering Merrill Hall and your be- start looking like home again. We have suf- Tim Garner ’69 loved Alumni House to rubble. The spring fered a great loss, but I assure you JSU is DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS issue of this magazine had to be completely bruised but not broken. Your alma mater Kaci Ogle ’95/’04 rewritten, removing articles about new is going to rise up even stronger, better, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS facilities that no longer exist. Yet, we dis- and more beautiful than before. We are 4 AND EDITOR 12 Buffy Lockette covered in the days and weeks ahead that forever #GamecockStrong! DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & LICENSING the storm could never destroy the bond Mary Smith ’93 of the JSU Family and the strength of the Go Gamecocks! GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gamecock spirit. Emily Lankford ’16 The positive side to the disaster, other WRITERS: John M. Beehler, PhD and CPA Brett Buckner than the great blessing that we suffered no Chris Allen Brown DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, loss of life, was that it brought our campus President and Professor of Accounting PHOTOGRAPHER community closer together through this Matt Reynolds '14 As the university prepared to close for devastating event. We were able to achieve COPY EDITOR spring break on Friday, March 16, 2018, the impossible - reopening campus in Bill Hubbard we had the content for the spring edition weeks, completing the spring semester, of GEM magazine completed and ready graduating our seniors in a glorious 30 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: alumni family. I told them that we may former Kitty Stone Elementary School Andrea Clayton ’83/’86 be a little battered and bruised right now located at 115 College Street SW, just a PRESIDENT but we will come back stronger than ever couple of blocks off Mountain Street. Blake Arthur ‘07 VICE PRESIDENT because that is what Gamecocks do! We hope you enjoy this edition and Chris Reynolds ’85 While we have lost our beloved Merrill remember we love to hear from you! Email TREASURER Hall and the Alumni House, we will al- or call me if you need anything. Nancy Turner ways have our memories of what once was. RECORDING SECRETARY We miss them dearly, but we will rebuild Go Gamecocks! Blow Southerners! 42 44 Kaci Ogle ’95/’04 and have new facilities and create new EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR memories. We thank you for your love and Alan Renfroe ’88/’07 BUILDING HOME-GROWN TALENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR support and ask that it continues as we 4 8 around campus move forward in the recovery and rebuild- Kaci Ogle, ‘95/’04 Gem of the Hills is published by the Division CELEBRATING OUR DIFFERENCES 16 sports of University Advancement: 700 Pelham ing process. Director of Alumni Relations 12 Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 We are ready for our students to re- 20 with alumni © 2017 Jacksonville State University turn in a few weeks and to see you back on phone: (256) 782-5404 or 877-JSU-ALUM JSU STRONG 50 giving fax: (256) 782-5502 campus for Homecoming on September 30 email: [email protected] web: jsu.edu/alumni 29. Join us on the alumni house front 56 alum notes GREETINGS GAMECOCKS! lawn for this year’s alumni tailgate. You SAYING GOODBYE TO 303-18 University Publications 7/18 JSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and does not discriminate 42 TWO ICONIC BUILDINGS based on age, religion, race, color, sex, veteran’s status, national origin, or can find the complete homecoming sched- disability. Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Jai A. Ingraham, MPA, Chief Diversity Our world turned upside down on ule on page 20. Officer & Title IX Coordinator, 109 Bibb Graves Hall, phone (256) 782-8565 is the coordinator for Section 504/ADA. Jacksonville State University is accredited by the March 19, but it is amazing how far we We hope to see you there! Until we RENOVATIONS TO WALLACE HALL Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the 46 MAKE WAY FOR MORE STUDENTS Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 have come since that day. At graduation in can rebuild, you can reach us at the School or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Jacksonville May, I welcomed over 700 graduates to our of Business and Industry Complex at the State University.

2 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 3 BUILDING HOME- GROWN TALENT applied engineering supports booming alabama industry

By Brett Buckner

4 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 5 The Department of Applied Engineering said. “That’s not always the case with more using. The epicenter of this cooperative is reputation those accomplishments have Student Robotics Competition two out its arm around and it makes contact with has an unofficial motto: “Anyone who traditional engineering programs. Often JSU’s Center for Manufacturing Support, built within the industry are especially the five years it has competed. The team someone or something that isn’t supposed wants a job, gets a job.” times, students at Auburn or Alabama which serves as a proving ground for meaningful for Marker, who could be de- most recently took home first place in to be there, it will stop moving immedi- More than 94 percent of applied come from out of state, graduate and then future applied engineering students and a scribed as a JSU lifer. He received both his November 2015 at the competition in St. ately. I’ve tested this myself and it works engineering graduates find work in their leave the state. Most of our students stay testing site for regional industries looking undergrad and graduate degrees from JSU. Louis, Mo. very well.” chosen field, though the actual number is here.” to become more efficient. His father and sister are JSU professors. “It’s really something to be proud of,” Baxter is not programmed in the tradi- higher, explained Chris Marker, interim Joy Pinckard is such a student. The Having officially opened in 2016, the Before coming on full-time and eventually Marker said. “They’re going out there, tional sense. Instead, he is trained. department head. 19-year-old applied manufacturing center provides manufacturers with ser- as interim department head, he was an competing against programs that have “In other words,” Pinckard said, “To train “We could advertise that the employment engineering major has been living in vices ranging from design and prototype adjunct professor teaching night classes. been around for 30 years, and winning.” Baxter to pick up a box, you would literally rate is really over 100 percent because a Jacksonville for five years. She moved here development to research and education He’s also been out in the real world, hav- All those trophies and accolades have hold its hand and guide it through the mo- lot of our students get hired as juniors when her mother, Donna Perygin, got – all while providing applied engineering ing spent 17 years at Alabama Laser. practical purposes as well, like honing tions. It’s considered a collaborative robot and seniors,” Marker said. “Our students a job as a chemistry professor at JSU. It students with job opportunities. What “I’m happy to give back to JSU because those competitive skills for on-the-job because it can be trained by someone are often out and working even before was around that time, when she was 14, began as a pilot program two years ago JSU has given so much to my whole fam- training with industrial robots like Baxter. without any programming experience.” they graduate, but we don’t advertise that that Pinckard discovered her interest in has already outpaced expectations, Marker ily,” he said. “It was like coming home. Of Yet Baxter is unlike any robot you’ve ever Baxter should pique the interest of stu- because it sounds unbelievable.” technology, especially robotics. said. course, I never really went away.” seen. He is a “new generation” robot called dents looking to study robotics. In applied engineering, students learn “I would build small robots with an “We thought this could be significant, a co-bot – or collaborative robot – because “Ease of training makes Baxter acces- by doing. All programs are designed for Arduino – a popular, inexpensive program- but the feedback has already been better MEET BAXTER he is designed to work safely alongside sible to new and future students who are hands-on application. Students are work- mable circuit board – and toy car motors,” than we’d hoped for,” he said. “It’ll take a As if being a catalyst for regional eco- humans, like an actual co-worker. Baxter’s unfamiliar with programming languages,” ing with the latest manufacturing technol- she explained. “Soon after that I took up couple of years to build the program up, nomic growth weren’t enough, the applied design is intuitive, allowing for ease of Pinckard said. “Because it’s safe to work ogy in order to better apply concepts in programming. I enjoyed it so much that I but already our biggest problem has been engineering department’s Robotics programming. around and intuitive to train, Baxter is an real-world work environments. decided to make a career out of it.” keeping up with the demand.” Team has also built a strong reputation “Baxter has a built-in safety system that excellent tool for guiding future engineers “Our students are taught how to use the Pickard’s story is common among applied The center has been successful on two for itself. Since its inception, the JSU detects when it has collided with anything to our program.” latest industrial technology,” Marker said. engineering students. While not all may fronts – as a boost to local economic Robotics Team has won the national title – for instance, a person,” said Pinckard, To learn more about JSU Applied “Where traditional engineers are design- have a passion for robotics, inspiration can development and as a source of pride for at the annual Association of Technology, who has worked with programming the Engineering, visit www.jsu.edu/ ing new technologies, our students are come from anywhere, Marker said. the university. Management and Applied Engineering co-bot. “That way, if Baxter is swinging applied-engineering. learning to use the newest technologies.” “We get students who love working with “JSU, on numerous occasions, has helped Applied engineering graduates have their hands, who like to build things, love us tip the scales and bring in industry…we secured jobs in a wide range of fields, computers or just want to understand how already use and tout the applied engineer- including: things work,” he said. “Even those who ing school there quite a bit,” Don Hopper, Rewarding grew up playing games like Minecraft will executive director of the Calhoun County • Automation engineering find out that they’ll fit right in with our Economic Development Council, told the for you • Manufacturing engineering engineering program.” Anniston Star in October 2016. “This is • Production engineering another opportunity to sell the area as well and for JSU! • Process engineering CENTER FOR as work with existing businesses.” Earn 5,000 bonus reward points after your first purchase1 with the • Development engineering MANUFACTURING Companies can use the center with mini- Jacksonville State University Visa Signature® Card! And that’s just the Project engineering SUPPORT mal cost. It’s the students who do most of • beginning – you can earn more every day! APPLY • Design engineering Applied engineering students are not the work, providing them with experience • Production supervising simply building a future for themselves, and opportunity to network with potential $1 = 1 EARN 1 REWARD POINT PER $1 TODAY! on eligible net purchases – with no point limits.2 • Maintenance supervising but for the entire region. By encourag- employers. CALL 888-327-2265 ext. 94455 ing graduates to stay close to home, the “We’re putting the students in front ENJOY YOUR REWARDS At JSU, the goal is not only educating the department has forged mutually beneficial of the people who will be hiring them,” Cash back3, gift cards, merchandise, travel and more. VISIT next generation’s industrial workforce, but relationships. Marker said. “It’s a lot different than when usbank.com/JSU94455 also keeping those future engineers close Students enter the program with the I was in school and we learned everything GIVE BACK There are two different JSU Visa cards: to home. promise of a career in manufacturing from a book. This gives students so much A percentage of every purchase on your card goes back to JSU to support student and alumni programs. the JSU Visa Signature Card and the JSU “Our big difference is that we are a re- and engineering, thus providing local more confidence. They already know they Select Rewards Visa Card. You will first be considered for the Signature card. If you gional investment, meaning that many in businesses with a pipeline of potential can do the work.” Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. You may not redeem Points, and you will immediately lose all of your Points, if your Account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, Program misuse, do not qualify for the Signature card, you our program want to stay in the area and employees who already have hands-on The accomplishments within the ap- failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). Points will expire five years from the end of the calendar quarter in which they were earned. will be considered for the Select Rewards Upon approval, please refer to your Cardmember Agreement for additional information. work for regional manufacturers,” Marker experience with the machines they’ll be plied engineering department and the card. These cards have different terms that 1 Subject to credit approval. To earn first-use bonus, purchase must be made within 90 days of account open date. Bonus will can be found at usbank.com/JSUTerms be credited to your account 6-8 weeks after the qualifying purchase is made. 2 Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. Not all transactions are eligible to earn rewards, such as Advances, Balance Transfers and Convenience Checks. or by calling 888-327-2265 ext. 94455. 6 : GEM OF THE HILLS 3 Cash back is in the form of a statement credit. The Select Rewards card may not offer the The creditor and issuer of the JSU card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. ©2018 U.S. Bank same Signature benefits. around campus around campus University Selects Rome, Italy Two New Deans

New deans have been selected to lead education coordinator and associate dean holds an associate’s degree from North two of JSU’s academic schools: Dr. Staci at Murray State. She holds a BA in English Florida Junior College, a BA in math Stone is heading up the School of Arts and advertising from the University of and religion and an MA in religion and and Humanities while Dr. Tommy Turner Alabama and an MA in English, a gradu- philosophy from Samford University, is over the School of Education. ate certificate in women’s studies and PhD a Master of Divinity degree from New As the granddaughter of former JSU in English from the University of South Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and President Ernest Stone, Dr. Staci Stone is Carolina. a PhD in educational psychology from the no stranger to the university. She comes Dr. Tommy E. Turner has been named University of Alabama. to the position with 18 years of teaching dean of the School of Education hav- Both deans look forward to working with and administrative experience under her ing served in the position on an interim their schools’ alumni to grow JSU to even belt at Murray State University, which in- basis since October 2016. He joined greater levels of success. cludes serving as professor in the school’s Jacksonville State in May 2003 as an Department of English and Philosophy. assistant professor of counselor educa- from Within that time, she also served as an in- tion. The ordained minister has more structor in Western Kentucky University’s than four decades of teaching experi- home to rome Cooperative Center for Study Abroad pro- ence, including positions at New Orleans grams. Her administrative posts include in- Baptist Theological Seminary, University southerners plan spectacular season terim dean, department chair, experiential of Alabama and Samford University. He

Over the past 25 years, the rich traditions the hit musical drama, “The Greatest music has always been near and dear to and kinship of the Marching Southerners Showman.” Fred Ebb and John Kander’s the band program. The show will conclude have served as the inspiration propelling “And All That Jazz” from “Chicago” with a brand new, over-the-top arrange- the band to international acclaim. From will provide the perfect backdrop as the ment of one of the band’s trademark selec- the shores of Hawaii to the ancient streets Ballerinas take center stage in a feature tions – Ernesto Lecuona’s “Malagueña.” of Europe, “Alabama’s Best Marching that pays tribute to both their traditional After concluding what is sure to be a Band” has truly left its mark on the world. roots and modern transformation. crowd-pleasing season, the Southerners But no matter how many miles are traveled Dr. John T. Finley set the Southerners’ will take their signature sound across the or how many years come and go, there is sound on a more symphonic course over globe again to perform in the New Year’s a path of love, family and tradition that 60 years ago. One of the most cherished Peace Parade in Rome, Italy – which will always leads them home. memories from this period was Dr. culminate with a blessing from the Pope In celebration of the silver anniversary Finley’s brass choir performing “Going in Vatican City. Be sure to come “home” of Dr. Ken Bodiford's tenure as director Home.” The trademark power of the to JSU Stadium this fall to witness what of the band this fall, the Southerners will Southerners’ horn line will be unleashed is sure to be an unforgettable halftime present "When I Think of Home” – a with Antonín Dvořák’s “Largo” from the experience! soundtrack for the memories of every New World Symphony. The strains of this band member and fan, past and present, hauntingly beautiful melody will echo off young and old. of the Appalachian foothills once again. ABOVE: Dr. Staci Stone, Dean ABOVE: Dr. Tommy Turner, Dean The production opens with Benji Pasek While the Marching Southerners call School of Arts and Humanities School of Education and Justin Paul’s “From Now On” from Jacksonville home, the fiery spirit of Latin * * 8 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 9 around campus

art and theatre

ENJOY ANOTHER SEASON OF OUTSTANDING STUDENT THEATER JSU’s talented student actors and musicians are gearing up FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Clarence Daugette, President John and Dr. Pamela Beehler, to enchant audiences with Ann Daugette Renfrow and Alburta Daugette Lowe another year of breathtaking performances. Mark your calendar * for these upcoming 2018-2019 productions!

DAUGETTE FAMILY OCTOBER 26-29 “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen, Hosts Gadsden Meet & Greet presented by JSU Drama NOVEMBER 29-30 President John and Dr. Pamela Beehler Following a presentation on the March “The Flick” by Annie Baker, met with Etowah County business and 19 tornado by President Beehler and presented by JSU Drama community leaders at a special reception in moving remarks by the first lady Dr. ART GALLERY April at the Gadsden Country Club hosted Pamela Beehler, three JSU alumni shared EXHIBITS FOR FALL JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 1 Most art gallery exhibits are on Southern Playwrights by the Daugette family and Life Insurance what the university means to them: Carol display for about a month after The JSU Department of Art Competition Winner (TBA) the opening reception. Stop by Company of Alabama. Griffith, District Attorney's Office of welcomes a new gallery presented by JSU Drama anytime during gallery hours Etowah County; Grover Kitchens, Snead coordinator this fall, Morgan to check out the latest exhibit. Worsham, who graduated with a MARCH 8-11 State Community College; and Sherman Admission is free. Hours are BFA in photography from JSU in “Company” by George Furth Guyton, Mayor of Gadsden. Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, December 2017. Previously, she with music and lyrics by and Friday-Saturday, 10 AM to worked at JC Morgan Art Gallery in Stephen Sondheim, RIGHT: Ann Daugette Renfrow 3 PM. Contact Morgan Worsham Oxford. Mark your calendar for the presented by JSU Drama and Lynne Lowe chats at [email protected] for more following opening receptions: with friends. information. APRIL 4-5 BELOW: Scott Lee, owner of * AUGUST 25, 5-7 PM JSU Student Showcase Maraella Winery and Vineyard in Alumni Pop-up Show presented by JSU Drama Hokes Bluff, mingles with guests. Hammond Hall Gallery APRIL 18-19 AUGUST 30, 5-7 PM OCTOBER 25, 5-7 PM “How I Became a Pirate” by Janet Young Lee Will Bryant Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, Hammond Hall Gallery Hammond Hall Gallery presented by JSU Drama Christian Dunn and Trey Ingram Taylor Weaver Round House Gallery Round House Gallery Tickets can be found online at www.jsu.edu/drama OCTOBER 4, 5-7 PM NOVEMBER 29, 5-7 PM Faculty Show BFA Senior Show Hammond Hall Gallery Hammond Hall Gallery Mark Bueno ABOVE: Grover Kitchen of Snead Round House Gallery *State Community College. 10 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 11 CELEBRATING OUR DIFFERENCES By Brett Buckner

12 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 13 Diversity – a single word that To accomplish this, JSU’s newly ROLE MODEL ‘PICTURES SPEAK’ diversity” in ethnicity and number of male encompasses everything. formed Diversity and Inclusion Since 1995, Minority Access, Inc. Diversity is based on perspective. students. With 42 male students enrolled “MY HOPE,” Diversity is about our differences. Committee initiated the Diversity and has assisted colleges and universities Perhaps this is best illustrated in nursing. in the fall of 2015, JSU’s male population It’s about race and religion, gender and Inclusion Strategic Plan for 2017-2022, in becoming more diversified. The “Diversity to me is defined made up 17.5 percent of its nursing KING SAID, ethnicity, sexual orientation and economic in an effort to become a “national leader organization recently named JSU to its contextually,” said Dr. Christie Shelton, student population, compared with less background. Diversity is about bringing and model for the institutional integration annual list of Institutions Committed to dean of the School of Health Professions than 12 percent among other schools. For “IS THAT those differences together and giving all of diversity, inclusion and acceptance in Diversity. and Wellness. “If you’re in an area like the fall of 2016, that number increased to people a place to belong. higher education for the 21st century.” If there is a human embodiment for nursing, which is largely female, then 44 students – 18.8 percent. STUDENTS The antithesis of diversity is The committee established a series of JSU’s diversity aspirations, it would be diversity would be improved by having Several factors contributed segregation, but it might as well be goals to bring this promise to fruition: biology professor Mijitaba Hamissou who men of any social or ethnic background to this, according to Dr. Betsy FROM DIVERSE ignorance. We learn more from those was named a Minority Access Role Model, because there are so few. But that’s Gulledge, head of the JSU who are different than those who are the GOAL 1 which honors those who expand the pool certainly not what diversity looks like in nursing department and BACKGROUNDS same. We learn more about ourselves in Develop and implement educational of minorities in fields underrepresented by the business world.” associate dean of the School WILL SEE THE the process. opportunities for the JSU community minorities. JSU’s Department of Nursing is of Health Professions and JSU is in the business of education. about the importance of diversity, “Jacksonville State University is among addressing diversity by putting more male Wellness. MULTICULTURAL But education doesn’t always come inclusivity and cultural sensitivity the institutions that supports diversity nurses “front and center” on its various “We have a commitment strictly from homework, class projects •Develop ongoing training opportunities and inclusion,” Hamissou said. “One of marketing efforts – websites, brochures, to mentoring, remediating CENTER AS JSU’S and final exams. That is why JSU is for current employees my roles as a faculty member is to help etc. “Pictures speak,” Shelton said. “Being and maintaining as many embracing a variety of diversity initiatives •Provide diversity and inclusion JSU in that aspect. JSU is a good learning a nurse, working with the variety of students as we can,” COMMITMENT TO in order to make its campus, its classrooms awareness during the onboarding stage of environment that has diverse faculty and patients we see in the hospital, it’s helpful Gulledge said. “Our and every facet of the university more all new employees staff, and we want to make sure students to have diversity. Being a nurse isn’t about NCLEX (National Council PROMOTING inclusive. •Promote the tenets of Diversity and know that all are welcome here at JSU.” being male or female, and men in nursing Licensure Examination) pass rate “Our goal is to expand the definition Inclusion to all students. During his 16 years at JSU, Hamissou isn’t a new concept, but moving the needle is high but our graduation rate is also DIVERSITY of diversity,” said Dr. Heidi Louisy, JSU’s has worked with numerous organizations, forward has been difficult.” high when usually those are inversely Chief Human Resources and Diversity GOAL 2 including Quality for Minorities, a The needle is moving. According to related. Many of our students are first AMONG OUR Officer. “I’m not thinking just about race Cultivate an Inclusive Campus Climate forum organized by the National Science the Alabama Health Action Coalition generation college students, and we have a and gender, but all areas of potential •Recruit and retain diverse and engaged Foundation to inspire minority students’ (AL HAC), JSU’s Department of Nursing commitment to mentoring and helping STUDENTS.” impact.” workforce involvement in science. He serves as had “significantly higher percentages of those students.” According to its Commitment to •Recruit, retain and graduate a diverse the advisor for the Japanese student Diversity statement, JSU’s Office of and engaged student body organization, Sakura-Union, which taught TRANSFORMATIONAL “For the most part, this generation “One of the things we need to Diversity and Inclusion “seeks a campus •Provide an accessible environment with him the value of diversity firsthand. EXPERIENCE gets it better than any generation has continue to do is to tell our story – not climate that embraces, celebrates and appropriate resources “When students noticed that there is Exposure to diversity is a before them,” he said. “With regards to just locally or regionally, but nationally,” promotes respect for the entire variety of someone like them in a setting – be it a transformational experience with the JSU’s current level of diversity, I believe Louisy said. “We’re not just a gem, we’re human experience.” GOAL 3 class, a student organization – they tend potential for a far-reaching impact. we are representative of our community. a hidden gem, so we’re working to get the Develop an exemplary Diversity and to feel included and become successful,” According to the American Nevertheless, we always want to improve word out – at national conferences and Inclusion program he said. “Working with Sakura, I learned Association of State Colleges and and do more.” events – about our plans and goals.” •Promote and participate in community that irrespective of their geographic origin, University’s Diversity Statement, “Our The Office of Student Affairs will By getting the word out, JSU will partnerships students are more academically engaging economic future, democracy and global soon open a Multicultural Center in the attract the best and brightest employees •Present the JSU Diversity & Inclusion when the environment is composed of standing will suffer if the next generation basement of the International House. and students, Louisy said. Program to other universities and affiliates diverse individuals.” is not ready to engage and work with “My hope,” King said, “is that “We don’t cast our nets in shallow •Identify means/resources to offer people whose backgrounds, experiences students from diverse backgrounds will waters when we are recruiting,” she said. diversity focused grants and perspectives are different from their see the Multicultural Center as JSU’s “We cast a large net in deep waters. own.” commitment to promoting diversity We’re not where we want to be, but As vice president for student affairs, among our students.” we’re working hard to get there.” DIVERSITY – A SINGLE WORD THAT Dr. Tim King believes current students, The overarching goal is to make JSU a with few exceptions, are more receptive of destination for all students. ENCOMPASSES EVERYTHING. diversity than previous generations.

14 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 15 HOME TEAM REBUILDS football H ME: preview student-athletes rally to support campus, city

8.25 NORTH CAROLINA A&T (ESPN) at 6 PM By Chris Allen Brown in Montgomery 9.8 * MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE at 6 PM // Band Day 9.22 * TENNESSEE TECH at 6 PM // Family Day It all happened so fast. football coach John Grass, knew there was looked around University Field and AUSTIN PEAY at 3 PM // Homecoming 9.29 * One moment Ray Harper and the a lot to do. saw nothing but stands filled with fans 10.6 EASTERN KENTUCKY at 3 PM Jacksonville State men’s basketball team “When we finished each day of spring cheering on her championship-winning were putting the finishing touches on practice, we would take our pads and teams. Each year the JSU softball team 10.13 * EASTERN ILLINOIS at 3 PM // Preview Day their 80-59 win at Central Arkansas in whistles off and put on work clothes and holds an event to acknowledge fans and 10.20 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE at 1 PM the quarterfinals of the College Basketball get back to work,” Grass said. “I don’t let them know how much they mean to 10.27 MURRAY STATE at 3 PM Invitational. An hour later, the immediate think people realized how bad it really was her and the program. But getting her area surrounding JSU’s campus went because there were no lives lost. We had fellow coaches and players out in the 11.3 * UT MARTIN at 1 PM // Southerners Reunion pitch black. The air was cool, crisp. Only 40 guys displaced and 22 lost everything. community to help the rebuilding process 11.10 TENNESSEE STATE consistent lightning lit the sky enough to The rebuilding process wasn’t going to was something that carried more weight help vehicles hurry home. happen overnight, it’s still an ongoing than Fan Day. 11.17 KENNESAW STATE TBA at SunTrust Park An EF3 tornado was on its way – the process today.” “I say it every year, we want our first EF3 tornado in the U.S. since May That process was sped by the amount program to be the program of everyone * HOME GAME 16, 2017, according to the National of JSU athletes who were still in town, who shows up to that event,” McGinnis Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration while many others were away for spring said. “We want everyone to be a part of Gamecocks Seek 5th (NOAA). For a record-long stretch of our family and that’s what they do, they Conference Title 306 days, no one felt the wrath of an go out and help others. The community EF3 tornado – that was until March is always there to support us, so in return, The Gamecocks are coming off a 2017 season 19, 2018. I’m glad we were there for them.” that saw them win a fourth-straight league For some, they were fortunate with As the time since March 19 ticks, title – tying the Ohio Valley Conference record for consecutive championships with only minor damage. For many, though, calendars flipping from month to Middle Tennessee (1956-59), Tennessee Tech there was nothing. No roof. No walls. month, the rebuilding process Grass (1958-61) and Eastern Kentucky (1981-84). No car. Nothing. talked about is still ongoing. The bond Will they become the first to make it five? As emergency services from across break. Pictures, videos and news articles between JSU student-athletes and the They open the season in front of a national the state raced towards the broken city, flooded social media for the remainder of community that McGinnis spoke of is audience on Aug. 25, when they will play countless students and community March and better part of April. now everlasting. Jacksonville is home to on ESPN in the Guardian Credit Union FCS members were left sitting on a curb with “I think it was very good for our kids so much more than squirrels wandering Kickoff for the second-straight season. The game at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl their faces glued to the inside of their to get out there to help clean up,” said JSU around and cars surrounding Loco Mex will pit JSU against North Carolina A&T palms as tears rolled down. No one had softball head coach Jana McGinnis. on Tuesday night. at 6 p.m. The non-conference slate closes any idea what to do or where to go. “For as much as we helped other Jacksonville is home to Jacksonville the year against Kennesaw State on Nov. 17 This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not people, they helped us just as much. State University, “the Friendliest Campus in the first football game ever played at SunTrust Park, the new home of the here. When the sun broke over Chimney I think, honestly, there was a sense of in the South.” It’s home to a group of Atlanta Braves. Peak the following morning, it gave many guilt that the girls were leaving campus people who take care of their own during an opportunity to see the true amount of to go play games while everyone was still a time /of need. Tickets are available for purchase online damage hidden by the cloudy sky of the working so hard.” at www.JSUGamecockSports.com or by calling the ticket office at 256-782-8499. night before. Many, including JSU head For countless years, McGinnis has FALL 2018 : 17 sports

MEN’S BASKETBALL TO COMPETE IN CANCUN CHALLENGE The Jacksonville State men's p.m. CT and move on to play a fourth and earning wins over Austin Peay, Western basketball team is slated to compete in the final game on Nov. 21. Both games will be Carolina and DePaul with his only loss in 11th annual Men's Cancun Challenge. streamed live on CBS Sports Digital. the tournament coming against Iowa. The Gamecocks are set to play two "I think this tournament is a great "I think it is always good to play in mainland games in early November opportunity for our team," head coach a tournament like this," Harper added. before squaring off in tournament play at Ray Harper said. "On the basketball "A tournament like this takes our kids to Cancun's Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya side, we are getting to play against some a place they may never get to visit again. during Thanksgiving Week. great basketball teams. Penn State is the We will work in a day where our guys can JSU opens the invitational Nov. defending NIT champion. They barely get out, experience a different culture and 12 at Penn State in the first game of the missed the NCAA Tournament last year enjoy being somewhere they've never been. mainland bracket. The Gamecocks then and will probably be in it this year. Penn It's about more than just basketball." travel to Peoria, Ill., on Nov. 14 to take State, Bradley, Western Carolina and the Seating is limited for this exclusive on Bradley University for the Challenge's fourth game we draw will all be great tests event, and all fans are encouraged to final game inside the U.S. before we dive into conference play." book land travel packages through Triple Following mainland play, the field The 2018 Cancun Challenge serves Crown Sports for admission to games splits into two divisions. Jacksonville as the first tournament outside the in Mexico. Travel packages are the only State, North Florida, Southern Miss and contiguous US for JSU since competing way to guarantee admission to games at Western Carolina will make up the Mayan in the 2013 British Virgin Islands Tropical this time. For travel package information, Division and the Riviera Division will Shootout and is the second Cancun contact Sarah Sullivan at 970-672-0533 or consist of Bradley, SMU, Penn State and Challenge a Ray Harper team has been a [email protected] or visit Wright State. The Gamecocks take on part of. Harper led Western Kentucky to a the website at www.cancunchallenge.net. Western Carolina on Nov. 20 at 11:30 4-1 record in the 2012 Cancun Challenge,

WINNING THE GAME & EARNING THE GRADE: JSU Athletics Posts Highest GPA in Department History

It was another banner year for in competition, the classroom and the JSU student-athletes in the classroom community." 2017-18 TEAM GPAs during the 2017-18 academic year as the JSU's women's cross country program Women's Cross Country - 3.83 Gamecocks posted a 3.26 cumulative led the way with a 3.83 GPA, followed by Women's Golf - 3.71 grade-point average among all varsity women's golf with a 3.71 and women's Women's Tennis - 3.64 programs. tennis at 3.64. The indoor and outdoor Track & Field - 3.55 A total of 16 programs boasted team track and field teams posted 3.55 GPAs, (Indoor & Outdoor) GPAs above a 3.0, including nine that just ahead of softball with a 3.50, while Softball - 3.50 featured marks of 3.4 and higher. The soccer and volleyball earned GPAs of 3.48 Soccer - 3.48 3.26 cumulative score is the highest in the and 3.47, respectively. Volleyball- 3.47 (Indoor & Beach) athletic department's history. JSU student- "Our student-athletes put in a lot Men's Golf - 3.26 athletes earned a 3.23 GPA for the fall of hours to meet the high standards Men's Tennis - 3.24 2017 semester, before registering a 3.29 that come with wearing that Gamecock Women's Basketball - 3.24 during the 2018 spring term. logo on their uniforms and I want to Men's Cross Country - 3.17 "This was another outstanding year congratulate them for their hard work Rifle - 3.17 for our student-athletes, both on the field in the classroom," Seitz added. "It is Baseball - 3.13 and in the classroom," Athletic Director also a testament to the hard work of our Football - 3.08 Greg Seitz said. "I couldn't be more proud coaching staff and the academic staff Men's Basketball - 2.76 of the effort that our student-athletes put we have to help our student-athletes be forth to be great representatives of JSU successful." 18 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 20182017 : 19 with alumni with alumni save the date homecoming 2018 JSU VS. AUSTIN PEAY • "COCKY FOR GOVERNOR" JSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 22 J-Club Reunion Weekend Family Day/Preview Day SEPTEMBER 26 Alabama Benefit Concert at Burgess Snow Stadium SEPTEMBER 28 HOMECOMING WEEKEND! Class of 1968 50th Year Reunion ROTC 70th Anniversary Alumni Banquet Sixties Group Reunion SEPTEMBER 29 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Alumni Tailgate FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 School of Science Alumni Tailgate Class of 1968 50-Year Celebration Gamecock Orientation Reunion Tailgate ROTC 70th Anniversary Alumni Banquet and Post-Game Reunion ALUMNI Sixties Group Alumni Dinner Halftime AND FRIENDS Alumni of Year and Homecoming Court SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Recognition The March 19 tornado 10:30 AM OCTOBER 11 Homecoming Parade Calhoun County Shrimp Boil might have taken our 11:00 AM­

Alumni Tailgate OCTOBER 13 House but it hasn’t Fab 40s/Nifty 50s Lunch Lawn of the former Alumni House taken our HOME. 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM NATIONAL ALUMNI NOVEMBER 3-4 Please join us for a very School of Science Alumni Tailgate ASSOCIATION WELCOMES Southerners Reunion Weekend special homecoming Lawn of the former Alumni House TWO NEW CHAPTERS NOVEMBER 16-17 12:00 PM Atlanta Area Pre-Game Gathering at this September – the Gamecock Orientation Reunion Tailgate JSU vs. Kennesaw State at SunTrust Park first since 1982 not Dillon Field The Alumni Association Board of 3:00 PM Governors recently approved the DECEMBER 27-JAN. 4 celebrated in the JSU vs. Austin Peay establishment of two new affinity Marching Southerners Trip to Rome, Italy Alumni House. (Presentation of the Alumni of the Year chapters at its May meeting: We will join together Award Winners and Homecoming Queen Stay up to date on all alumni events at and King—Halftime) www.jsu.edu/alumni/events and THE GREEK ALUMNI CHAPTER www.facebook.com/jsualumniassociation. on the lawn where the POST-GAME President Angela Morgan ’93, house once stood to Gamecock Orientation Reunion Event [email protected] honor the past and Hampton Inn in Jacksonville celebrate the future. THE LGBTQ ALUMNI CHAPTER SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 President Matt Morgan ’07, As long as we have the 2:00 PM [email protected] Gamecock Family, UN Day Tea we are JSU Strong! International House Welcome to our alumni family! We are excited to offer additional avenues for alumni to get involved.

20 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 21 OF THE YEAR

AWARD WINNERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED AT HALFTIME OF THE HOMECOMING GAME ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

AASSOCIATION Judge Randall Cole '65 Dr. Danna Benefield Jones '88 Josh Robinson '14/'17 Col. Chuck Buxton '91 Jennifer Foster '94/'96/'97

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR ALUMNA OF THE YEAR YOUNG ALUM OF THE YEAR MILITARY ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR OUTSTANDING FACULTY/STAFF ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR JUDGE RANDALL COLE ’65 DR. DANNA “DEE DEE” JOSH ROBINSON ’14/’17 COL. CHUCK BUXTON ’91 MEMBER OF THE YEAR THE BLACK ALUMNI CHAPTER After earning a BA in political science from JSU in BENEFIELD JONES ’88 Josh Robinson earned two degrees from JSU – a BS Col. Chuck Buxton was commissioned as an JENNIFER FOSTER ’94/’96/’97 The Black Alumni Chapter is led by President Amiko 1965, Judge Randall Cole went on to receive a JD Dr. Danna “Dee Dee” Benefield Jones earned a BS in management in 2014 and an MBA in 2017. As an Alabama Army National Guard Ordnance Officer Upon earning her BA and MA in English at JSU, Johnson ’86 of Stone Mountain, Ga. The chapter from the University of Alabama in 1968. Following in elementary education from JSU in 1988. She con- undergraduate, he was involved in various aspects of in April 1990. After earning a BS in biology from Jennifer Foster began teaching in the English depart- has an established leadership team of members law school, he served as a law clerk on the US Court tinued her education at UAB, earning an MA in el- campus life including Omicron Delta Kappa Leader- JSU in 1991, he went on to earn an MS in public ment at her alma mater. She was one of the first residing in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and afterward re- ementary and early childhood education in 1991 and ship Honor Society and Campus Ambassadors. health from the University of South Florida and instructors at JSU to teach online English courses, It has raised $5,000 within the past year to award turned to Fort Payne where he practiced law for five a doctorate in educational leadership in 2008. She He was also a Gamecock Orientation Leader, IFC an MS in strategic studies from the US Army War and since that time, she has offered the majority of to deserving JSU students. If you would like to get years before his election to the bench. He currently is the superintendent of Hartselle City Schools. Her President and Mr. Jax State. He now serves as the As- College. He has completed the US Army Command those courses in hybrid, flipped or online formats. more involved with the chapter, email jsubacinfo@ serves as circuit judge for DeKalb and Cherokee 30-year career in education includes serving as the sistant Dean of Students over Fraternity and Sorority and General Staff College, the US Army War College She recently completed an MS in instructional tech- gmail.com counties. First elected to that position in 1974, director of teaching and learning for Hartselle City Life at Jacksonville State. In this role, he provides and the US Army Airborne School. His assignments nology and is currently pursuing an MBA, which she he has served over 43 years on the bench making Schools and secondary curriculum and career tech guidance and encouragement to assist the fraternities include Tank Platoon Leader and Armor Company plans to complete in Summer 2019. She co-authored To nominate someone for the 2019 him the longest serving judge in Alabama. He was supervisor, elementary principal, middle school as- and sororities at JSU to be the best in the nation. Commander, 1st Battalion 152nd Armor, Opera- a textbook on public speaking and interpersonal Outstanding Alumni of the Year honored by the Alabama State Bar in 2007 with the sistant principal, reading specialist and middle school Under his leadership, JSU Fraternity and Sorority tions Officer 152nd Chemical Battalion, Intelligence communication entitled, “Grownup to Grownup,” Awards, complete the form online Judicial Award of Merit, and was named Trial Judge language arts teacher in Decatur City Schools. Cur- Life has received numerous regional and national Officer 31st Chemical Brigade, Intelligence Officer and presented at the American Association of at www.jsu.edu/alumni by Feb. 1. of the Year in 2015 by the Alabama Chapter of the rently, she also teaches at the University of Alabama awards. He is an alumnus of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Bat- State Colleges and Universities Conference in San American Academy of Trial Advocates. In 2017, the Birmingham as an adjunct professor. She has been and resides in Jacksonville, Ala. talion Commander 203rd Military Police Battalion, Antonio on her goals of creating a freely accessible Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce awarded him awarded the 2013 Educational Leadership Award and G3 167th Theater Sustainment Command. He repository of American Literature to alleviate the with the V.I. Prewitt Life Time Achievement Award. from UAB as well as the Professional Women’s Excel- currently serves as the Commander, 111th Ordnance costs of purchasing expensive anthologies on college He is a trustee of the Community Foundation of lence of Leadership Award for Personal Achievement. Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). He has been students. She has been a recipient of the George Northeast Alabama Community College and past She was selected as a Who’s Who Among American employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Mehaffy Excellence in Learning Technology Award member of the advisory board of the North Alabama Teachers in 1996 and 2003, among many other Prevention since 2000 and currently serves as the and the Earlon and Betty McWhorter Outstanding Boy Scout Council, among many other leadership recognitions. She is very active in her church where Deputy Branch Chief of the Maternal and Infant Teacher Award. Since 2015, she has served as Game- positions. He is an Eagle Scout and he and his wife, she serves as keyboardist. She and her husband, Joe Health Branch in the Division of Reproductive cock Orientation Advisor Coordinator. She and her Barbara Smith Cole ’66, reside in Fort Payne. Thomas Jones, III ’88, have two daughters and reside Health. He and his wife, Maya Lenox ’93, have two husband, Joey, reside in Leesburg, Ala., with their in Decatur, Ala. daughters and reside in Duluth, Ga. two dogs, Annie and Ruben.

22 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 23 with alumni with alumni

a JSU graduate, something conventional runner, but somehow by putting all those From 2005 to 2010, Colgin was the By Brett Buckner wisdom at the time said was impossible. things together, I was fairly successful.” swim coach at Birmingham’s Lakeshore WOMAN OF “I thought that was just ridiculous,” But in 2002, it all came crashing Foundation, helping adults with physical Colgin said. “I’d spent two semesters at down. handicaps compete on a national and Auburn University, which JSU prepared Colgin was in a spin class at the gym international level. Slowly, her own health me for, so I was determined to get when she started “feeling weird.” She improved, until she regained enough IRON AND STEEL accepted into med school as a graduate of went home, got some sleep and spent the strength to start competing in various JSU. I knew JSU was just as good as any next day operating on patients. Later that triathlons, with the ultimate dream of JSU GRAD SHARON COLGIN school, and I was going to prove it.” afternoon, she mentioned how she felt entering the grueling Ironman triathlon – NEVER WONDERS "WHY ME?" Colgin did just that, attending the in class to a friend. Their conversation consisting of a 2.4-mile open water swim, University of Alabama Medical School was overheard by a cardiology resident, 112-mile bike ride, followed by a 26.2-mile from 1981-1985, serving as chief surgical who immediately took Colgin to his marathon. resident in 1987, and was awarded office for a stress test. She was running Her chance came in 2009 when she Sherry Colgin believes she is the the Hugh Linder Award for Surgical on the treadmill when the technician received a lottery slot to compete in the luckiest woman in the world, and she’s got Excellence. In 1990, she was named JSU’s administering the stress test said, “you 2010 Ironman race in Kona, Hawaii. But the scars to prove it. Alumna of the Year. That same year, she need to stop…now.” as so often is the case, this high was soon At age 63, the retired orthopedic accepted a fellowship at UAB instructing The EKG showed that Colgin, at followed by a painful low. While skiing surgeon and 1976 JSU graduate has in hand and microvascular surgery. just age 47, had 99 percent blockage in on Christmas day she shattered her right endured numerous surgeries, survived “I was something of an anomaly, her heart, a condition commonly known shoulder on a slope in Colorado named, a heart condition known as the “widow maker” and been the posterchild for “the “EVERYBODY GETS KNOCKED DOWN,” COLGIN SAID. agony of defeat” to millions watching the “YOU’VE JUST GOT TO KEEP GETTING UP – I’M NO DIFFERENT.” Ironman triathlon – yet she refuses to quit. coming in from a background of plastic as “the widow maker” because “the first of all things, “Purgatory.” “How about that “Everybody gets knocked down,” surgery,” she said. “I worked all the time. I symptom most people have is dropping for luck?” Colgan asked. Colgin said from her home in was married to my job and didn’t have any dead,” Colgin explained. “They caught Then, just a couple of months Birmingham. “You’ve just got to keep kind of outside life. It takes a toll.” mine in time, barely.” But not in time to out from that shoulder surgery, while getting up – I’m no different.” Despite not being an athlete at save her career. By 2005, after multiple walking down the wooden steps from Colgin’s family has a long history Alexandria High School or in college, heart surgeries – including having a her home during a rare snowy day in with the university. Her grandmother Colgin started running. From there pacemaker put in – she was told the stress Alabama, she slipped and broke her arm. used to take the train from Ohatchee to she became interested in triathlons, of being a surgeon was simply too much It was February, the same month as The campus back when it was known as the which incorporates running, cycling and for her heart to take. Ironman, but Colgin was determined. She Jacksonville Normal School. Her mother swimming in a single race. “I was lost,” Colgin said. “I felt like I’d “drug” herself to a triathlon in Indiana, attended JSU and her father taught “I wasn’t really a great swimmer,” she just hit my stride. My practice was really needing to qualify in order to secure her there. When the Alexandria native first said. “I could ride a bike and was an OK taking off. I was completely devastated.” lottery spot. She was the last person to enrolled, it was with dreams of becoming a professional musician. “But when I looked at the curriculum for a music major,” she said, laughing, “I realized pretty quickly that I didn’t have the chops for a music career.” Colgin eventually decided to major in biology, though she didn’t give up on music. She played trombone and served as captain of the color guard and assistant drum major in the Marching Southerners. But becoming a surgeon became her ultimate goal – and she wanted to do it as

FALL 2018 : 25 with alumni with alumni

finish the race, doing so with two minutes “My face was the agony of defeat,” she Colgin still races in triathlons, though to spare. said. “I was crying at the bottom of those she hasn’t returned to Hawaii for another Colgin spent six weeks training in steps because I knew it was over.” Ironman. To date, at the age of 63, she has Hawaii. “I was ready to go,” she said. Colgin was determined to redeem had 12 shoulder surgeries, two shoulder COCKY COWBOYS During the bike portion of the race, she herself the next year. She trained harder replacements, two open heart surgeries, travel west hit a lava rock which threw her off the than ever. In August 2011, while out in a skull fracture, and had her neck fused. bike, landing “fortunately” on her left Pell City for a six-hour bike ride, another Those are just realities, not excuses. shoulder. She thought nothing of it, until rider cut her off. She woke up in an “People always say that I’ve had such she was in the midst of the swimming ambulance with a skull fracture. Again, bad luck,” Colgin said. “But I think I’m portion of the race. She knew something she refused to give up her dream of racing the luckiest person in the world. I survived was wrong. She was so close to the finish in the Ironman, and race she did. After something that kills 99 percent of the line of the event, but her shoulder made completing the swimming leg, she stopped people who have it. I got the golden ticket it impossible to fight against the current. on mile 97 of the bike ride because her to get into the Ironman. I hear the gun go She reached the end of the swimming head hurt too much to continue. off. I never, ever say ‘Why me?’ when the leg 26 seconds too late to qualify for the “But at least I vindicated myself bad things happen because I didn’t say next leg. Her race was over, and the NBC against anymore footage,” she said. “I felt ‘Why me?’ when I survived.” cameraman was there to capture her good about that.” devastation. GREEK LIFE celebrates 50 years at JSU

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Greek life on campus. On March 2, 1968, Alpha Xi Delta Sorority was chartered followed by Delta Chi Fraternity on May 4, 1968. The first sorority on campus, Alpha Xi Delta, celebrated its 50th anniversary on President John and Dr. Pam Beehler March 3 with over 200 alumni and joined JSU alumni and friends as they members in attendance. The sorority’s travelled out West for eight days in June national president, Micaela Isler, was through cowboy country – Wyoming, ABOVE: Alpha Xi Delta, the first sorority on campus, chartered the keynote speaker for the event. Montana and South Dakota. The group on March 2, 1968. BELOW: Delta Chi, the first fraternity on Delta Chi celebrated its 50th made stops in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone *campus, chartered on May 4, 1968. anniversary on June 23 on campus, National Park, Grand Teton National with more than 150 alumni and guests Park, the Badlands, the Crazy Horse in attendance. All Greek sorority and Memorial and Mt. Rushmore. The fraternity organizations are invited trip was sponsored by the JSU Alumni to celebrate this 50-year milestone on Association and hosted by Collette Saturday, September 8, at an anniversary Tours and R&R Travel. If you are tailgate on Dillon Field prior to the interested in being a part of the JSU vs. Mississippi Valley State Cocky Traveler Program, contact kickoff at 6 p.m. Alumni Relations Director Kaci Ogle at [email protected] or 256-782-5405 for information on upcoming trips. 26 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 27 with alumni ROTC CELEBRATES

YEARS OF EXCELLENCE 1948-2018

By Clif Lanham '62

The Department of the Army Wallace remembers, “The 1948/49 commissioned each year are in the top activated the Field Artillery Senior classes of ROTC were a mixture of prior percentages within the southeast region Division, Reserve Officer’s Training service and young men straight from the of the country. There are 78 cadets Corps, at Jacksonville State Teachers small towns of North Alabama.” Johnson enrolled in the program this year, 33 College on July 11, 1948. By the mid- added, “Many of the first classes of the of them are currently receiving 1950s the branch designation of Artillery Jacksonville ROTC were made up of scholarships from the JSU ROTC was changed to a general military science veterans that had served during WWII Alumni Chapter and scholarship education allowing cadets to select from and had returned to civilian life to use contributors. Rest assured, the JSU a broad range of branches. In 2018, the their educational government benefits ROTC program is healthy and growing. ROTC program continues to set the (the GI Bill).” Enrollment was said to be For more information about standards at Jacksonville State University. about 176 cadets for the school year of the JSU ROTC Alumni Chapter, According to ROTC graduates Marion 1948-49. By 1951, the enrollment was over contact chapter president Anthony Johnson ‘50 and Rex Wallace ’51, the 349 cadets. At that time, all male students Whitley ’92/’99 at Anthony.whitley36 junior class of 1948/49 worked in concert were required to be a part of the ROTC @yahoo.com. Learn more about the with the newly formed cadre, consisting program. Military Science Department at of two Regular Army officers and four The Military Science Department www.jsu.edu/depart/rotc. non-commissioned officers, to train the today is called the Gamecock Battalion incoming freshmen of 1948. The Professor and is ranked as one of the top producing of Military Science for those first two years military science departments in the was Col. Thomas B. Whitted. country. Its enrollment and numbers 28 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 29 JSU STRONG march nineteen two-thousand eighteen despite devastating tornado, university vows to come back “better than ever”

By Brett Buckner ON THE COVER

30 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 31 jsu strong

TOOK A TURN stopping for gas, he headed to On Monday, March 19, an the house on 13th Avenue he EF-3 tornado with winds upwards shared with roommate David of 140 miles an hour, tore across Smith. They were preparing a the JSU campus, tossing cars, steak dinner, with home fries peeling the roofs off buildings, and all the trimmings. and splintering trees like a toddler Outside, the storm was breaking toys during a temper gathering. During dinner, tantrum. Smith kept his eye on the \ The tornado first touched down weather – curiosity turning to west of US Highway 431 north of concern. Wellington at 8:23 p.m. It rapidly “He had his cellphone camera intensified and widened, creating up,” du Pont said, “taking pictures a damage path more than 34 of the yellow and green in the sky miles. By 9:10 it vanished into and trying to catch who lived in the apartment above the darkness that spawned it. At the lightening.” Titus – chose to ride the storm the sight of so many young people whose lives its most violent, the tornado hit Their neighborhood was out in the JSU softball locker maximum wind speeds of officially under a tornado room, which is made of concrete. were only just beginning reminded everyone 150 miles per hour near the warning, meaning that a tornado At 8:34 p.m., the tornado struck Talladega National Forest, was imminent – it was just a campus. of the blessings amidst destruction. tossing 800-pound hay bales matter of when and where it Grainy, silent, black and white 300 yards to the east. would hit. The roommates headed video footage captured the Bill Fielding, dean of JSU’s for the basement, just as du Pont moment of impact at Houston School of Business and heard the trademark sound of an Cole Library, when the winds Industry, was watching oncoming train. caused bookshelves to topple. Birmingham meteorologist About 30 seconds after making Separate footage from inside James Spann’s coverage and it safely downstairs, they heard a Merrill Hall, which housed the wondering when it might be thud from above as the tornado School of Business and Industry, time to seek shelter. started pulling the roof off their makes it seem as if the earth was n May 4, Jacksonville State University held its annual spring commencement. It was an “We were watching the weather home. shaking as pieces of the roof were early summer day filled hope and promise as limitless as the cloudless blue sky above and for a while it looked like it JSU softball pitcher Kirsten Titus ripped away and the windows of JSU Stadium, where some 800 students dressed in caps and gowns, took selfies with was going to miss Jacksonville,” and her boyfriend Ryan Clark its signature curved front atrium friends, waved at their mothers and fathers grinning from the stands, and reflected on said Fielding, whose home was thought the storm was going shattered. some of the best times of their lives. It was also a day that made everyone wonder about spared. “But then all of to pass away from Jacksonville, Inside the locker room, Titus O sudden – it turned.” so they left her apartment at heard trees snapping and felt the what could have been. The historically large graduation, which combined three ceremonies into one, was held at the football stadium after a March 19 EF-3 tornado caused nearly $40 million in damages, including to Pete Mathews Coliseum, where commencement exercises are normally held. The sight of so many young people whose lives were only just beginning reminded everyone of the blessings amidst destruction. Had the tornado struck a few days earlier, more than trees and buildings could have been lost. But since it happened during spring break, campus was virtually empty. “In a way, we were lucky,” at 8:34 p.m., the tornado struck campus. Provost Rebecca Turner said on graduation day. “It’s hard to imagine just looking around, but really it could have been so much worse.”JSU students might not have completed the semester were it not for their pride and determination, as well as what Turner calls “creative compassion” on the part of their professors and the university’s administration and staff. “As Gamecocks, we are resilient,” JSU President Mark du Pont had just left JSU, Gamecock Village. They were concrete walls shaking. John Beehler told the crowd on graduation day, just 45 days after the storm. “We will rebuild. Our where he serves as scholarship about to get ice cream when the “It was crazy,” she told the campus will be more beautiful than ever; our university will rise to new heights. We are transformative, coordinator, having spent the warning sirens began to wail. Anniston Star. innovative, and engaged for success. We are JSU strong.” first day of spring break getting Rather than going home, the When du Pont and Smith caught up on work. After couple – along with two friends emerged from the basement,

32 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 33 jsu strong jsu strong

they found the ceiling trusses history to build. Miraculously, Mason Hall would also require house was a total loss. But for the only place on campus with about what all had been lost,” he had fallen into the house, and there were no deaths attributed a new roof and HVAC system. the two men, both of whom are power. The trouble was gathering said, “I had to get to building.” the living room was a ruin of to the storm, either on campus The brick wall on the south end artists, the loss of things, like a enough “key people” to meet, With the campus secured and insulation, plywood and tar paper. or along its path. However, would need to be removed and camera or an iPad, wasn’t such a Turner said. an emergency team in place, the “We realized we escaped that,” Fielding would later learn a replaced. big deal. “That was the initial problem,” focus became the students – said du Pont, who had narrowly faculty member was in Merrill Wallace Hall, home to the “We still have our skills, and we she said. “We were all so far flung, most of whom were flooding the fled to the basement seconds Hall when it was hit. Fortunately, School of Health Professions and still have our lives,” du Pont said. that it was hard getting everyone university’s social media pages before the room he had been he was able to seek shelter in Wellness, would require major “So, we’ll make new art … But we together.” wanting updates. sitting in was destroyed. time.“He was safe,” Fielding said, interior renovations and a new can’t mourn the house because Spring Break had scattered “There were so many things They were trapped by the “but when he came out, the roof. that was just a place to stay.” key university personnel across to consider,” said King. “The list collapsed ceiling that was world had changed.” JSU’s beloved Alumni House the map. President Beehler was was endless. We were all simply blocking both the front and side would eventually become another RECOVERY MODE visiting family in Texas. Tim King, focused on doing whatever doors, so they went to Smith’s casualty of the March 19 tornado. As soon as the skies cleared – vice president of student affairs, needed to be done in order to bedroom – the only dry room in ‘SHOCK TO The pavilion was destroyed and and in some cases, well before – was in Knoxville, Tenn. take care of the students.” the house. Not only were they THE SYSTEM’ the main building took a direct the JSU administration went into The initial focus, after everyone King remembered first coming stuck, they couldn’t use their The reality was staggering. The hit from a massive tree. While the recovery mode. was safe and accounted for, into town from vacation around phones to call out. storm ravaged upwards of 50 initial hope was that it could be JSU had an Emergency was on stabilizing the event noon Tuesday and driving past Titus and her friends were also buildings on campus, causing saved, the damage uncovered Operations Plan in place that and protecting property. The West Point Baptist Church in the trapped. To leave through the over $70 million in damage across irreparable, pre-existing had been updated in the fall of UPD quickly closed campus Angel community. front of the locker room meant its path – five times the amount foundational issues. It too would 2017. The plan listed a tornado to everyone but emergency “It was shocking, just shocking,” dealing with the flooded dugout. required to have it declared a be demolished. as the number one threat to responders. he said. “It looked like a bomb The back door was blocked by natural disaster. Moments after the students. The university had “I personally went out and had gone off. There was nothing fallen power lines. They called All totaled, 31 buildings announcement was posted on performed several tornado bought every ‘No Trespassing’ left.” university police, who got them required new roofs. the school’s Facebook page, exercises with both the state sign I could find in and around In those first few days, students out. More than 800 JSU students comments started pouring in, and Calhoun County Emergency Jacksonville,” Turner said, adding somehow got King’s cellphone Around 1 a.m., after some four returned from spring break to sharing memories of happy Management Association. The that looters had already been number and started calling and hours of uncertainty, du Pont find themselves homeless as the times spent there. Many of the Response Phase of that plan seen lurking about. texting him at all hours of the and Smith were able to pry open EF-3 tornado destroyed three of commenters attached pictures began immediately Monday night Fielding made it to campus day and night, desperate for a sliding glass door and climb Jacksonville’s largest off-campus of their wedding day – bridal and lasted approximately 36 early Tuesday morning before information. over a fallen tree to safety. That apartment complexes, including bouquets in mid-air, couples hours. everything was shut down. Seeing To keep students updated on last-minute trip to the gas station Gamecock Village, where Titus sharing their first dance – in each On day one, the Crisis Action Merrill Hall, where he’d worked a situation that was changing proved to be a blessing. Though and her friends lived. the Alumni House stood watch Team, led at first by Provost since it opened in 1970, was “sad by the minute, JSU’s public his car was blocked by the same Merrill Hall’s damage was over all. Turner, met at the University and traumatic” but he didn’t have relations office developed a tree that allowed them to escape, “catastrophic,” according to “It’s very sad to see a beautiful Police Department, which had an the chance to reminisce. communication strategy that they were at least able turn on a report submitted by David landmark disappear,” wrote Ann emergency generator, making it “I didn’t have much time to think included launching the JSU the heat and charge their phones. Thompson, JSU’s director of Key, a native of Jacksonville. “That’s where we stayed until facilities. It would ultimately have But all was not lost. The original 7:30 a.m.,” du Pont said. “A work to be demolished. Houston Cole wood floors, interior and exterior crew came up there and saw that Library sustained major structural doors, decorative molding and I was devastated. While I saw hundreds we were sitting in the car and roof damage, making the 11th and detailed wood finishings were couldn’t get out from the house, 12th floors off limits until the roof saved. The commemorative of photos online, I was not fully prepared for the extent so they cut trees in the driveway is replaced. bricks, walkways and parking lots “ to clear the way and let us get The roof truss at Martin Hall were also unscathed. of the damage in Jacksonville. Like many others in the out.” would have be removed for new In the midst of such destruction, On campus, the tornado roof framing, decking, and felt. blessings were still being Gamecock family, I just wanted to help. destroyed in mere moments what Interior repairs would begin as counted. took more than 130 years of JSU soon as the roof was completed. Smith and du Pont’s off-campus KASEY GAMBLE, SGA PRESIDENT ” 34 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 35 jsu strong

Strong website as the university’s ‘WORSE THAN sororities, fraternities, academic information hub. The site featured PICTURES CAN EVER and social clubs, and JSU sports daily letters from King, constant SHOW’ teams – all doing whatever was news updates, video updates Flashlights split the darkness as necessary to pick up the pieces from President Beehler and people emerged from closets, and put their campus back other JSU leaders, photos of the bathtubs and bedrooms to see together again. destruction, information about the damage. Neighbors gathered “We’ve been out pretty much housing as well as the relief and Students came back early from vacation to help, in the spitting rain to count their every afternoon, just doing what recovery efforts. numbers and their blessings. we can do,” JSU head football The communications team also including sororities, fraternities, academic Together they waited. coach John Grass told the relied on JSU’s social media As the sun rose Tuesday Anniston Star. “We feel like we’re and social clubs, and JSU sports teams – all doing accounts, namely Facebook. With morning, the jagged metallic just making a dent in it. But if the campus closed and students whine of chainsaws echoed everybody keeps making dents in whatever was necessary to pick up the pieces unable to return to check on through streets littered with tree it, we’ll get it back. It’s not going their belongings, PR Director limbs – not to mention actual to be a quick process. It’s going and put their campus back together again. Buffy Lockette and Social Media trees - snaking power lines, and to be a long process. We just Specialist Sydney Jones took debris that belonged inside want our guys to get out and be viewers behind the barricades via houses rather than scattered a part of that.” Facebook Live – providing a tour on a lawn blocks away. Passing That’s what community is all of the wreckage and answering strangers got acquainted over about. questions in real time. borrowed power tools and shared “It was so moving to see,” King “As soon as we knew something, cups of coffee held in hands still said. “It was people at their the students were made aware of shaking from the night before. best, a community at its best. it,” King said. “We spent a lot of In the coming days, more It’s unfortunate that it takes a time responding to students and than 6,000 volunteers, tragedy to bring out the best in doing our best to soothe their including numerous local, folks, but I think this feeling of concerns.” state, and national disaster community is going to last.” Kasey Gamble, a senior relief organizations, brought Alex Partridge came back early majoring in early childhood/ Jacksonville and JSU back to life. from the beach to volunteer elementary education, was in Students came back early because she knew what a Pell City when the tornado hit. from vacation to help, including tornado could do. Partridge was living in Hueytown like, and I know what the morning was spared, those nearby weren’t Like most students who were a on April 27, 2011 during the after looks like.” so lucky. safe distance away, she saw the historic “super outbreak,” when Despite not being able to “We always watch the forecasts damage on Facebook. more than 350 tornadoes get into her own damaged and hear about these horrible “I was devastated,” said Gamble, were confirmed across five apartment for clothes or personal things that are going to happen," who was elected SGA president states, including the EF-4 that belongings, Partridge signed up he said, “but when you see the on April 24. “While I saw devastated Tuscaloosa. More as a volunteer. reality, it’s worse than pictures hundreds of photos online, I was than 300 people died – 238 in “I just hope people realize it’s can ever show you.” not fully prepared for the extent Alabama alone – making it the going to take a long time,” she On campus, the focus quickly of the damage in Jacksonville. deadliest storm in 86 years. said. “It’s easy to lose interest turned to salvaging a semester Like many others in the Partridge was huddled in a storm after a few days, but the work will that was two-thirds complete Gamecock family, I just wanted to shelter, listening to the howling go on. I just hope people keep prior to spring break. Three days help.” winds outside and praying it pitching in and helping after the storm, President Beehler would end soon. each other.” made a promise. “I stayed up until 3 a.m., shaking, Wesley Waddell, a senior “There should be no doubt and looking at pictures of the biology major from Dallas, Ga., about this,” he said in a statement damage in the Jacksonville area,” was shocked when he saw the on the JSU website, “we will fulfill Partridge said. “I know what it’s damage. Though his own home every obligation to our students

36 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 37 jsu strong jsu strong through our dedicated faculty ‘SEAT OF WISDOM’ mosaic that hung in the lobby MOVING EVER and employees.” The School of Business and for 50 years, “The Fountain of FORWARD By the fourth day, the action Industry has moved to the former Learning,” made it through the It was all such a shock to the system. The campus officially reopened team: site of Kitty Stone Elementary storm virtually unscathed. April 5. • Developed the concept of School, where it will remain until a “That’s a miracle,” Fielding said. Every minute, every day, was like Faculty and staff hosted a One a One-Stop Shop to advise permanent home is built. The old “It was beautiful, and it meant a “ Stop Shop on April 6 and 7 students upon their return school had to be completely and lot to people.” something new. You didn’t know what where, true to its name, “everyone • A preliminary timeline for speedily renovated – from fresh Fielding has received calls from who interacts with students” was faculty/staff/students return to to think, and you didn’t know what the coats of paint to the necessary former students from across on hand to help with everything campus electrical rewiring. Students the United States worried about from financial aid and housing to By the fifth day, the same day answers were. But we returned to the building to the painting. It depicts a man the status of academic programs that power was restored to complete the semester on April 9. drinking from a fountain and and counseling. campus, students were given all knew that, one way or another, “The job they’ve done…just includes the Latin phrase “sedes More than 2,000 students three options for determining incredible,” Fielding said. “The sapientiae,” which means “seat participated. On April 9, classes their final grades for the spring we’d finish the semester. same goes for our faculty and of wisdom.” While the painting’s resumed. On April 26, the week semester: staff. They’ve been working future location is still to be before graduation, President 1. Use the current grade earned DR. REBECCA TURNER, PROVOST around the clock to get ready.” determined, it has been safely Donald Trump officially declared as the final grade for all classes or Despite the damage that removed, numbered and stored. ” the areas along the storm’s path select classes reduced Merrill Hall to a husk of With Wallace Hall out of – Jacksonville, Wellington, Angel 2. Take an incomplete in all or its former self, hope has been commission, the JSU nursing and Nances Creek – a major select classes and finish through salvaged. The 44-foot-high program has also been in limbo. Classes moved to Houston Cole respiratory therapy program and disaster, meaning that federal the applicable incomplete Library and other locations. the Doctor of Nursing Practice money would be available to help procedures Then, out of nowhere, a generous program faculty on the campus aid in the cost of cleanup. 3. Complete the semester donation by a struggling hospital or RMC Jacksonville,” she said. “We are at warp speed came to the university’s aid. “Having such a fertile training progress,” Turner said. “I’m “It was all such a shock to the The Regional Medical Center ground for students elevates amazed at what all we’ve system,” Turner said. “Every announced on May 17 that it these programs to a new level.” accomplished. We’ve learned minute, every day, was like would be closing Jacksonville JSU could be one of only three what we can do when we work something new. You didn’t know Hospital on June 30 and donating nursing programs in Alabama together as a community. what to think, and you didn’t it to the JSU nursing program. to have access to such a facility, Together, we’re stronger than any know what the answers were. “This will help us immensely alongside the University of storm.” But we all knew that, one way or in providing additional housing Alabama at Birmingham and the Recovery is a slow, often another, we’d finish the semester.” and academic space during this University of South Alabama. frustrating, process. When it takes challenging time,” Beehler said. “It “An opportunity like this rarely, place in the wake of a traumatic will also provide an opportunity if ever, comes to a regional event, it’s like the five stages of for us to expand programming in university,” Shelton said. “This is grief – denial, anger, bargaining, our School of Health Professions something you’d usually only see depression, and acceptance. and Wellness.” in academic health centers. To In the first few days after the While the storms shook the have access to a hospital that’s tornado, Jacksonville and JSU program's physical foundation, truly created for urgent care is residents went into survival mode. it could not dim its bright future, an amazing opportunity for our “I think for the first few weeks, explained Dean Christie Shelton. students.” people were lost,” Turner said. “The generosity of RMC will “They didn’t know what to think allow us to continue seamless because this all happened when operations this fall by placing a they were away, and what they nursing skills lab in the hospital saw on TV didn’t really tell the setting alongside our high- whole story.” fidelity simulation lab, the new

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ABOVE: JSU alumna Maci ABOVE: President John and Dr. Pam Beehler with Now that the dust has settled us untouched by March 19’s Allison (far right), with a volunteer volunteers from the University of Alabama. and things on campus are winds is to remember how *family from Heath, Ohio. getting back to normal, or rather transformative this storm was. * a new normal, there will be A campus built over 130 years RANDOM ACT days and weeks of struggle and was nearly destroyed in a few HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS uncertainty. The volunteers, so spring seconds.” OF KINDNESS crucial in those early hours, have Buildings can be rebuilt. Trees Just days after the tornado, JSU received an outpouring of support from its peers in higher mostly gone home, leaving so can be re-planted. Insurance and a 14-year-old from Heath, education. Auburn University sent its emergency management much left undone. the kindness of strangers can Ohio, asked to go out of the way professionals and police officers to assist while the University Optimism will give way to reality. replace those material goods. from his spring break destination of Alabama sent an entire delegation from its administration to Things at JSU will never really be Some of what was destroyed to help Jacksonville residents with share knowledge and expertise gained from the April 27, 2011 the same. can never be completely tornado relief. tornado that struck Tuscaloosa. There were numerous other “Throughout 2018, JSU’s replaced, like Merrill Hall and Maci Allison '16, who lost her home colleges and universities that volunteered or donated to the students, faculty and staff the Alumni House. during the tornado, posted a photo recovery efforts, including: may grow angry at the rate of The tornado of March 19 of the teen, David Spencer, and his recovery, or disappointed by the will forever be a chapter in family on social media stating: •Appalachian State University •School of the Art Institute of Chicago assistance they’re getting, or just JSU’s storied history. But with •Athens State University •Skidmore College saddened by what happened,” patience and leadership, the title "This family from OHIO was headed to the •Auburn University •State University of New York - Plattsburgh wrote the Anniston Star’s of that chapter can be a mantra beach for spring break when the tornado hit •Auburn University at Montgomery •Tennessee State University editorial board, 10 days after the future generations of students, Jacksonville, Alabama. Their son (I’m guessing •Austin Peay State University •Texas Christian University tornado. “That’s understandable. faculty and staff can look to around 8th grade) told his parents he would •Belmont University •Troy University What’s important for those of with pride: JSU Strong. rather stop here and help the storm victims •Berry College •Washington and Jefferson College than go to the beach. They walked around •Faulkner University •University of Alabama and passed out Walmart gift cards and •Ferris State University •University of Alabama at Birmingham offered help. These are amazing people. •Gadsden State Community College •University of Montevallo They deserve all the credit in the world. •Georgia Highlands College •University of North Alabama It’s the little things that mean the •Kennesaw State University •University of South Alabama most - yesterday, that was this family!" •Murray State University •University of West Alabama •Samford University •Ohio Valley Conference Maci's post went viral, resulting in over 44,000 shares. However, the Spencers didn't want credit. They simply chose to help because "it was the right thing to do."

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he tornado that Well before the storm caused “To be able to say that we take renovations to hit campus on significant damage to Lurleen 120 students in the fall and spring March 19 caused B. Wallace Hall, home to JSU’s is tremendous,” Shelton said. “By millions of dollars School of Health Professions comparison, Auburn admits 200 in damages and and Wellness, nursing program students annually, while we’ll be WALLACE HALL ultimatelyT led to Merrill Hall administrators had discussed admitting 240.” and the Alumni House being ways of increasing enrollment But program administrators demolished. But out of so despite limited space. aren’t waiting until the much destruction there has “As much as we loved Wallace,” renovations are complete before make way for more students also come the opportunity for welcoming more students. said Dean Christie Shelton, “we growth and reinvention. needed more room. The layout Starting this fall, 120 students will By Brett Buckner of the building – I like to call be accepted. For the immediate it inappropriately placed future, classes will be held at space – just didn’t work. We Houston Cole Library, while labs had too many open areas.” will be at the former Jacksonville Within days of the tornado, hospital, which closed June 30 Shelton got a call. The damage to and has been donated to JSU. Wallace was more extensive than For years, JSU’s nursing program originally thought. They were has been forced to turn away going to have to gut the building qualified applicants simply “ With us being able and if they wanted to find room because there wasn’t enough to increase enrollment by 45 for more students – it was now or room. Before the tornado allowed percent,” Shelton said, never. for Wallace to be remodeled, JSU “We got to work,” Shelton nursing had 145 applicants for her voice rising with said. “In about four days we 88 seats, with more applicants excitement, “We will be in redesigned the entire floor plan. expected. a position to address a This was a golden opportunity, The lack of classroom space for critical nursing shortage in and we weren’t going to let it qualified nursing students isn’t our communities. get away.” just an issue at JSU. According ” Normally, the nursing program to the American Association of admits upwards of 70 new Colleges of Nursing, more than students each spring and fall 64,000 applicants were turned semester. After remodeling away nationally in 2016 because Wallace, that number will increase of insufficient faculty, clinical 71 percent to 120 students. sites, classroom space and The updated building is budget constraints. scheduled to open in the spring “With us being able to increase and will include four enlarged enrollment by 71 percent,” classrooms. The skills lab, where Shelton said, her voice rising nursing students practice basic with excitement, “We will skills such as checking vital signs, be in a position to address a will expand to hold 20 hospital critical nursing shortage in our beds instead of eight. Three communities.” additional teachers will also be hired.

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hen the 130 mile-per- hour winds of the March 19 tornado toreW across the campus of JSU, the first concern was for the potential loss of life. But since the storm hit on the first day of spring break, the campus was largely deserted. Thankfully, no deaths or major injuries were attributed to the storm on campus, but that didn’t mean that nothing was lost. In the coming days as the debris was cleared, David Thompson, JSU’s director of facilities, and his staff, were charged with saying goodbye assessing the damage. The news was heartbreaking. In addition to the millions of dollars of necessary repairs, two of JSU’s to two iconic buildings most recognizable buildings would be casualties of the EF-3 By Brett Buckner tornado. Hugh Merrill Hall, which houses the School of Business and Industry, and the Alumni House, home to Alumni Relations, would have to be torn down. New buildings are going to replace what has been demolished. Damage was not as severe at a third building originally thought to be irreparable, the Honor’s House. Home to the university Honor’s Program, the house is being repaired and renovated.

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THE ALUMNI HOUSE Officially known as the Foster- Bellamy-Mattison-Fitts-Roebuck House, it was built by Capt. Bellamy around 1839 and with its “ornate eaves and balcony” the HUGH MERRILL HALL house “suggests Capt. Bellamy’s Merrill Hall opened in 1970 and love for riverboats,” according was named in honor of Rep. to the Calhoun County Historic Hugh D. Merrill of Anniston, Driving Tour. who was instrumental in helping The house was purchased by to change the status of JSU JSU for $225,000 in spring of from a teachers’ college to a 1981 and housed JSU’s Alumni state college and ultimately to Relations office, which often a respected university. He also rented it out for weddings and served as president pro tempore other celebrations. of the board of trustees for the The 130-plus mph winds on that university for 12 years – 1968 until fateful Monday evening closed 1980. a chapter in JSU history. The decision to demolish the Alumni House felt abrupt to some, but the tornado simply exposed the depth of damage lying beneath the surface. Extensive termite damage made it more expensive to save the 179-year-old Alumni House than to build a new one. But all was not lost. The original wood floors, interior and exterior doors, decorative molding and detailed wood finishings were saved. The commemorative bricks, walkways and parking lots were also unscathed. The original Alumni House is gone, Through the curved windows from a fountain of wisdom that been removed, piece-by-piece, but its memories will linger and that looked onto the atrium of springs from a gigantic seashell. It from Merrill Hall. The project soon, just as with Merrill Hall, new Hugh Merrill Hall could be seen includes the Latin phrase, “sedes took construction workers more memories will rise along with a the building’s calling card, a sapientiae” meaning, “seat of than two weeks to complete as new building. towering piece of art that inspired wisdom.” they ended up with more than “Even the swing from the front and was admired by generations “It’s a piece of art that we’re 100 sections that will later be porch is being repaired and of JSU students. The 44-foot- known for,” said Bill Fielding, reassembled and hung in a new will be incorporated into our tall, 17-foot-wide mosaic, titled dean of JSU’s School of Business home somewhere on campus. new home,” said Kaci Ogle, JSU “The Fountain of Learning,” and Industry. “Students – past Though no plans have been alumna and director of Alumni was created by Spanish artist and present – love it. It means so finalized yet, JSU President John Relations. “Our hearts broke to Vincente Rodale, along with 10 much to them.” Beehler has promised that when see the Old Lady come down assistants, and has hung in Merrill Thankfully, the “Fountain of the mosaic is re-installed, it will but we look forward to a new for almost 50 years. The mosaic Learning” mosaic was largely serve as a memorial to the storm facility to call home and all the represents a young man drinking unscathed by the storm. It has that destroyed its original home. possibilities that brings.”

46 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 47 we will REBUILD. “our campus will BE MORE BEAUTIFUL than ever; OUR UNIVERSITY WILL RISE to new heights. we are TRANSFORMATIVE, INNOVATIVE, and ENGAGED for success. WE ARE JSU STRONG.” -PRESIDENT BEEHLER

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university hosts first trading spaces, WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY brunch JSU STYLE By Heather Greene

JSU honored American icon and and her first supervisor assignment Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Alabama native Lilly Ledbetter at The Club was to manage third shift stock prep in Act into law. in Birmingham on April 25 as part of the the radial division. Over the years, she “When I set out on my Goodyear university’s first Women in Philanthropy endured injuries and sexual harassment career in 1979, it wasn’t part of my Brunch. Ledbetter gave a keynote address with little complaint – believing her hard grand plan to someday have my name and was presented an Excellence Award. work would speak for itself. Then one day be on a Supreme Court case or an act Born in Jacksonville in 1938 the before work, she found an anonymous of Congress,” Ledbetter wrote in her daughter of an Anniston Army Depot note dropped in her cubby that listed the autobiography, Grace and Grit. “I simply mechanic, Lilly McDaniel Ledbetter grew salaries of three other managers in her wanted to work hard and support my up picking cotton and milking cows on area. She was bringing home thousands family. The rest, I believed, would take the family farm in Possum Trot. After less per year than men doing the same job. care of itself. Clearly, fate had other plans graduating from Jacksonville High School in Ledbetter could have taken the easy for this Alabama girl.” 1956, her strong work ethic served her well route, dropped the issue and retired. The Women in Philanthropy Brunch, as she advanced from an associate at H&R Thinking of generations of women before open to both men and women, will Block to an office manager at an accounting her and those to follow – including her become an annual event that honors the firm and doctor’s office. She even worked at own granddaughter – she decided to take contributions of women like Ledbetter. JSU in the mid-1970s as assistant director of a stand. She sued Goodyear and a jury “Our goal is two-fold,” said Paige Financial Aid. awarded her $3.8 million, which was later Burton, JSU alumna. “We want to start The mother of two was initially thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court a tradition of honoring the great success discouraged from working outside the based on the statute of limitations. In of JSU women who have already come, home, but she enjoyed earning her own 2009, Congress passed the Lilly Ledbetter while at the same time helping others to wages and supporting the family income. Fair Pay Act, removing the statute of become great leaders in their community With her extra income, she was able to limitations on discrimination suits. through the establishment of the Women provide her children things they would The Supreme Court had overturned of Philanthropy Scholarship.” otherwise go without – from cheerleading her discrimination suit with Goodyear, All proceeds from the event uniforms to college tuition. With the goal since Ledbetter hadn’t filed within support the establishment of a Women of sending her children, Vickie and Phillip, 180 days of receiving her first paycheck in Philanthropy scholarship at JSU. to college at JSU, she decided to apply for a (despite whether she was aware of the There is also a Lilly Ledbetter Scholarship manager’s position at Goodyear in Gadsden. discriminatory pay practices within those at JSU. In 1979, Ledbetter started her 19-year 180 days). The new act removed the career at Goodyear. She trained in all the statute of limitations. As his first official plant’s various departments and divisions piece of legislation as president, Barack 50 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 51 giving giving BELOW: Courtney Rogers, recipient of the Griffith-Lavender *Scholarship.

LEFT: Mrs. Pearl Williams with the recipients of the scholarships honoring her son, Major DWayne Williams, who died at the Pentagon on 9/11. *BELOW: The most moving part of Founder's Day is hearing students share their stories of how their lives have been impacted by our generous donors.

founders day 2018 In honor of the founding of the university in February 1883, University Advancement hosted the annual Founder’s Day this spring. Outstanding students who have received scholarships from the JSU Foundation had the opportunity to meet with the generous donors supporting their education.

ABOVE: Mr. Gary Lewis with the recipient of the *Gary O. Lewis Scholarship.

ABOVE: Miss JSU 2018, Lauren Reeves. RIGHT: Dr. Hubert and Mrs. Marcelline Barry, with the *recipients of the scholarship in their name. 52 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 53 giving giving

DEVELOPMENT HOSTS RED TIE JSU RECEIVES DINNER GENEROUS DONATIONS & AUCTION FOLLOWING TORNADO The Office of University Development and trustees – and members of the JSU hosted JSU’s first Red Tie Dinner and Foundation Board and the JSU Annual Auction on Feb. 2 at Houston Cole Fund Board. The Office of University Library. An elite group of JSU supporters Advancement and the president took the kicked off a new year of annual fundrais- opportunity to recognize those support- ing, recognizing loyal 2017 donors and ers and volunteers who have offered their benefitting the JSU Annual Fund. The time, money and resources to help bridge formal event featured dinner, silent and the gap between state funding and the live auctions, entertainment from the JSU realistic needs of a growing university. music department and caricature art, while The Annual Fund is the cornerstone raising funds for the schools and programs of philanthropy at JSU. Through various across campus. means, the JSU Annual Fund solicits gifts The guest list for this invitation-only annually from alumni, friends, corpora- event included leadership level donors in tions, foundations and government enti- 2017, the university’s executive council – ties to support and enhance the various including the president, deans, directors schools and programs of the university. JSU is grateful for the more than $400,000 in donations we received for disaster relief from * hundreds of individuals and corporations, including: musician Riley Green (top left), Dr. Ben Hardy has finally realized of whom are the first generation in their Regions Bank (middle) and Red Threads Apparel a personal goal 17 years in the making. families to attend a university—in and (top right). We even received a gift from a After contributing to a scholarship fund around the northeast Alabama area to Harvest, Ala., kindergarten class (bottom left monthly through payroll deductions pursue higher education. and right). and additional contributions since he “Our scholarship will benefit deserv- started teaching at JSU in 2000, the Ben ing students enrolled in the School of and Linda Hardy Business Endowed Business and it will be awarded each Scholarship is officially endowed. year based on financial need and “I wanted to give back to the School merit,” he said. of Business and its students from the Before coming to JSU’s College of time I first arrived on campus,” Dr. Hardy Business to teach Legal Studies in the said. “In fact, it has always been a dream Finance, Economics and Accounting DR. BEN HARDY’S of mine to leave a permanent scholarship Department, Dr. Hardy was a corporate DREAM OF legacy. By utilizing the JSU continuous labor lawyer at BellSouth Corporation and giving option, money has been deducted a law professor at the Cumberland School ENDOWING A from my salary every month. Linda and I of Law in Birmingham. Linda Hardy is a SCHOLARSHIP are now able to make a substantial impact retired art teacher from the Birmingham on students forever.” Public Schools. The couple are also avid COMES TO Dr. Hardy’s commitment stemmed JSU Softball fans, attending many games FRUITION! from his desire to enable students – many and supporting the program.

54 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 55 alumnotes alumnotes ALUMnotes 1

met when they sat next to each other Dr. Johnson Eugene “Gene” Duncan, distinction of professor emeritus upon BIRTHS on the first day of pharmacy school. Morehead, Ky., February 2, 2018. He his retirement in 2005. 2 Dr. Blalock works at UAB. As a became director of bands at JSU in 2000-2010 student, she was a Gamecock Orienta- 1947. He later moved to Morehead Raymond Earl Poore ’57, Jacksonville, tion (GO!) Leader, JSU Ambassador to build a strong music department Ala., November 5, 2017. He was a Jessica Michelle Blake Payne ‘09/’11 and member of Zeta Tau Alpha. The at Morehead State College in 1956, retired biochemistry professor at JSU. and Jesse Monroe Payne ’10, Rock- couple resides in Southside, Ala. where he served for 28 years. He was mart, Ga., announce the birth of their 98 years old. Dr. Tim Roberts, beloved professor in daughter, Madison Blake Payne, on 5 Haley Nicole Hendrix ’11 and Da- Family and Consumer Sciences, passed November 9, 2017 in Weiden, Ger- vid James “DJ” Lashus ‘13, October 7, Dr. Lowell Duffey, Colorado Springs, away suddenly on July 2, 2018. He 3 many. Capt. Payne is currently com- 2017, Douglasville, Ga. Mrs. Lashus Colo., February 6, 2018. He was re- began his career in FCS in 2002 as a mander of 1st Squadron (Airborne) is employed by Cleveland State Com- tired from JSU, where he was honored professor in food science and related 91st Cavalry Regiment at Grafenwoehr, munity College, where she coaches as professor emeritus of biology. courses. He was a Registered Dietitian Germany. He was a member of Delta cheerleading. As a student, she was a who received his B.S. and M.S. in Chi and was commissioned through member of Freshman Forum, served Dr. Robert C. Hymer, Jacksonville, Food Science from the University of the JSU ROTC program. Mrs. Payne as a JSU Ambassador and tour guide Ala., May 22, 2018. He was an Army Tennessee and his PhD from Auburn was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. veteran, having served in World War University. Mr. Lashus is an electrician. He played II, and had a distinguished career 2011-2018 football for JSU and was a member in education beginning as a teacher Terry Taylor, Jacksonville, Ala., August of Delta Chi. They reside in and administrator in the Kansas City 16, 2017. He was a retired JSU staff 1 Kendra Ackler Prince ’15 and Ringgold, Ga. (Kans.) School System and culminating member. 4 Daniel Kyle Prince ’16, Delta, Ala., as dean of the School of Education announce the arrival of their son, 6 Kattie McGaha ’14 and Micah at JSU. Patrick Wayne Wilson, Ruidoso, N. Elijah Kamryn, on January 5, 2017. Baker, April 29, 2017. Mrs. Baker is Mex., October 29, 2017. He had Mr. Prince is a data analyst at Samford employed by America’s First Federal R. Eugene Jones, Jacksonville, Ala, taught physics at JSU since the 1950s. University and Mrs. Prince currently Credit Union, Birmingham, Ala., in June 5, 2018. He retired from the attends Samford. marketing support. School of Education at JSU as director YEAR UNKNOWN OR 5 of academic advisement and certifica- DID NOT GRADUATE tion. The U.S. Army WWII veteran WEDDINGS OBITUARIES graduated from Kansas State Teachers Elizabeth Lawrence Posey Broome, College. After his military service, he Gulf Breeze, Fla., October 20, 2017. JSU FACULTY AND STAFF 2000-2010 earned a master's degree in education She had a career of over 39 years with from the University of California, Southern Bell Telephone Company, 2 Krystle Elaine Bell ’07 and Robert Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Byrom ’74, Berkeley. serving for 15 of those years as safety James Saulsberry, Jr., September Jacksonville, Ala., December 5, 2017. manager. During the time she worked 30, 2017, Montgomery, Ala. Mrs. He was an Army veteran and previous Pamela Cook Key, Jacksonville, Ala., with the University of Alabama as an Saulsberry was active in the Student owner/operator of Paints, Crafts and March 30, 2018. After retiring from advisor for Public Health and Injury Government Association (Freshman Hobbies. He was also a professor of the Houston Cole Library, she worked Prevention, she received the Woman Forum, Student Senate and Student military science at JSU. for 2nd Chance Inc. of the Year Award from the Business Judiciary Council), Gospel Choir, JSU and Professional Women’s Club. She Ambassadors, Gamecock Orienta- Dr. Patricia Corbin, Jacksonville, Ala., Lt. Col (Ret.) David O. Lamb, Jackson- worked on the Governor’s Safety Task tion (GO!) Leaders and Alpha Kappa May 21, 2018, after a short battle ville, Ala., March 14, 2018. He served Force and was instrumental in getting Alpha (Lambda Pi Chapter) Sorority, with cancer. Until her death, she was as a military science instructor at the Seat Belt Law passed in Alabama. 6 Incorporated. She is now serving as serving as director of choral activities JSU. A veteran of the Marines, he was She was past general chairman of the an at-large member of the JSU Alumni at JSU, including direction of the A commissioned through the University National Safety Utilities Division and Association Board of Governors. Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers and of Georgia Army ROTC program and received the Cameron Award from the 1. Elijah Kamryn Prince Calhoun County Civic Chorale. She served in the Army for 22 years – in- National Safety Council. 3 Brandon Kyle Hollingsworth ’08 organized the annual Madrigal Dinner cluding the Korean War and two tours 2. Krystle Elaine Bell '07 and Robert James Saulsberry Jr. and J. Amar Gambol, July 25, 2017, and taught Applied Voice, Advanced in Vietnam. He was proud to have George A. Burkhalter, Leeds, Ala., 3. Brandon Kyle Hollingsworth '08 and J. Amar Gambol Knoxville, Tenn. Mr. Hollingsworth Choral Conducting, Choral Literature served as a guard on the presidential July 20, 2017. He attended JSU in the was news director and Morning Edi- and Class Recorder Techniques. boat of Harry Truman. After military 1950s, served in the Korean War and 4. Dr. Christina Rachael Ginn '11 and Dr. Jesse Logan Blalock tion host for JSU radio station WLJS retirement, he worked for Century 21 was retired from the Alabama Beverage 5. Haley Nicole Hendrix '11 and David James Lashus '13 from 2006 to 2008. He is currently Tatum V. Deason, Jacksonville, Ala., Realty for more than 20 years. Control Board. news director at NPR member station March 1, 2018, in a car accident. She 6. Kattie McGaha '14 and Micah Baker WUOT in Knoxville. was an accomplished grounds and Lloyd E. Mulraine, Lithonia, Ga., James Jerome Crawford, Anniston, maintenance keeper and received the September 18, 2017. He was a retired Ala., August 2, 2017. He had been a 2011-2018 Employee of the Month award numer- JSU professor. member of the Marching Southerners. ous times. She had also been selected 4 Dr. Christina Rachael Ginn ’11 Employee of the Year. She was known Dr. Charles P. Olander, Leesburg, Ala., and Dr. Jesse Logan Blalock, Septem- for her beautiful work in landscaping April 14, 2018. He was a retired JSU ber 30, 2017, Cheaha State Park. They and hard work ethic. biology professor, honored with the

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Alton “Al” D. Elliott, Huntsville, Ala., Alvin Wright, Riverside, Calif., James Lamar Harkins ’49, Anniston, Sarah Sharp Owens ’51, Tuscaloosa, Col. Robert Gerald Cooper (Ret.) Joseph Dale Tommie ’55, Hoover, Ala., Arthur Murray ’57, Anniston, Ala., Bobby B. Bryant ’59, Inman, S.C., June 9, 2018. He worked in the family March 23, 2018. He played football Ala., May 20, 2018. He was an Army Ala., November 19, 2017. She taught ‘53/’73, Huntsville, Ala., August 4, April 2, 2018. The Navy veteran served November 4, 2017. Judge Murray January 23, 2017. He was a retired business, Guntersville TV Cable Com- for JSU (1980-84) and went on to veteran and served in World War II and served as an administrator for 2017. The Army veteran was com- during World War II before pursing a served for 31 years as probate judge hotel consultant with Sunbelt Manage- pany, later becoming its president/ play tackle professionally with the Los during the invasion of Normandy. 36 years in the Tuscaloosa County missioned through the JSU ROTC career in education. He served for 17 of Calhoun County and was named ment Corp. He was married to Mary general manager. After moving to Angeles Rams. He was retired from Anniston Army and City School Systems, the Jasper Program and spent 26 years in years as a teacher/coach at Bessemer the only probate judge emeritus in the Elizabeth Cromer Bryant ’53. Huntsville, he founded Professional Depot. City System and Vestavia Hills School service – with tours in Korea, High School. In 1970, he joined the State of Alabama. Security Systems, which became the 1940-1949 System. Vietnam and at the Pentagon – Alabama State Department of Educa- Fred Z. Hester ’59, Anniston, Ala., premier residential and commercial Carolyn Wilson Haynes ’49, Valley, becoming a master Army aviator and tion as an assistant state supervisor of James Porter Payne ’57, Weaver, Ala., April 21, 2018. He retired from Hester security and audio/visual company in Evelyn Espey Glazner ’41, Jacksonville, Ala., August 7, 2017. Floyd Buster Douthit ’52, Madi- the recipient of the Legion of Merit, vocational education for 17 years. He August 8, 2017. A military veteran, Supply in 1999. He played basketball North Alabama for over 35 years. He Ala., November 24, 2017. son, Ala., July 26, 2017. The Army Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze played tennis for JSU. he was the owner of Payne Old Co., a for JSU. was a member of Delta Chi. Doris Anne Shultz ’49/’63, Ohatchee, veteran spent 45 years in education as Star medal and several air medals. wholesale distributor for Citgo Oil Co. Annie Myers Oliver ’42, Huntsville, Ala., June 16, 2018. The retired a teacher and coach, with positions at He taught senior instructor classes in Sidney Lanier Whitley ’55, Picayune, He worked for 17 years for Beshears Col. (Ret.) Therman Rufus Greene Robert Wayne Golden, Albertville, Ala., May 20, 2017. teacher taught for 38 years, the last 25 Ohatchee High, Saks Jr. High, Saks artillery strategy and tactics at Fort Miss., February 23, 2018. Commis- Tractor before retiring and joining his ’59, Anniston, Ala., August 31, 2017. Ala., February 2, 2018. He was a at Ohatchee Elementary School. She High, Joe Bradley, Stone Jr. High and Sill, Okla. In retirement, he contin- sioned through the JSU ROTC pro- son at J&J Electric. Commissioned through the JSU member of the Marching Southerners Henrietta Sharpe “Penny” Acker ’43, was very involved in the Fab 40s/Nifty Lee. During those years he also spent ued to work as a consultant in the gram, the Army veteran served a tour ROTC Program, he dedicated 30 years and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Neenah, Wis., September 5, 2017. An 50s alumni group. 29 years in the Army Reserve, attaining military defense field until 2014 with in Korea. He was married to Dorothy John Jay Wooster III ‘57/’66, Oxford, of service to the Army, retiring as a educator, she spent most of her years the rank of colonel. After he retired, McDaniel Enterprises and Homeland Cole Whitley ’56. Ala., July 25, 2017. He had worked for well-decorated colonel. He had also Butler W. Green, Anniston, Ala., Au- teaching at Louis J. Morris Elementary, Vester L. Holder ’49, Jacksonville, Ala., he operated the Off Campus College Security. At JSU, he was a member of Bellsouth Corp. served on the JSU Alumni Associa- gust 10, 2017. He was an Army veteran Huntsville, Ala. March 14, 2018. Bookstore for more 35 years in Hunts- the International House Program and Eleanor Maxine Blessing ’56, Dawson, tion Board of Governors and was a and served in the Korean War. He ville, Tuscaloosa and Athens. At JSU, was selected the JSU Alumnus of the Ala., June 12, 2017. She was a retired Alexander Green Caudle ’58, Syl- charter member of the ROTC Alumni retired after 45 years of service as a Lt. Maxine Ashburn Stewart ’46, Annis- Robert Ellis Ringer ’49, Marianna, he played tennis and served as an ath- Year in 1971. He was married to Jane teacher with the Dekalb County Board acauga, Ala., June 15, 2017. He was Chapter. He served on the chapter’s Colonel and then served for 32 years ton, Ala., November 24, 2017. She was Fla., July 25, 2017. He was an Army letic trainer for the football team. He Kellett Cooper ’67. of Education. a retired accountant at the Marshall board of directors since 1996, serving with the Department of Public Health. a teacher at Cedar Springs Elementary, veteran and served in the Korean had previously served on the Alumni Space Flight Center. as a past president, and was currently He played basketball for JSU. Moody Jr. High and Jones Valley High War. He taught at Hinds Community Association Board of Governors. He Andrew Jay Isbell ’53, Wilmington Neal Austin Boozer ’56, Birmingham, serving as chairman of the ROTC Schools. She and her husband served College, Raymond, Miss., and then was married to Annelle Douthit ’59. Island, Ga., December 24, 2017. The Ala., March 7, 2018. After serving in William Travis Ivey ’58, Piedmont, Scholarship Committee. Ralph Hilburn, Muscadine, Ala., Feb- Alabama churches from 1949 to 1958, at Chipola Junior College, Marianna, Navy veteran served in World War the Army during the Korean War, he Ala., January 9, 2018. The Army vet- ruary 17, 2018. Coach Hilburn started when they were appointed missionaries Fla., in the Natural Science Depart- Alice Jane Anderson Gautney ’52, II before beginning his teaching and became a pharmacist and was a former eran served in World War II and was Shirley Ann Austin Jackson ’59, his coaching career at Ohatchee, then of the Southern Baptist Foreign Mis- ment – where he served as department Gadsden, Ala., February 9, 2018. She coaching career in Lincoln, Ala. He owner and pharmacist at Adamsville involved in the Battle of the Bulge. He Alabaster, Ala., May 9, 2018. She had spent nine years as head basketball sion Board (now International Mission chairman and was named Professor was retired from the Gadsden City then moved to Georgia, where he Pharmacy and then served as staff was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, been a member of the Baptist Campus coach at Spring Garden High School Board) in Thailand for 36 years. She of the Year – before retiring. He was School System and John Thompson taught high school, coached basketball pharmacist at the Jefferson County the Bronze Star medal and numerous Ministry at JSU. where he also started the football pro- also served as Baptist Press Rep for very involved in the Fab 40s/Nifty 50s Elementary after 30 years of teaching. and football, then became a school Health Department. other honors. He then served as a gram. In 1972, he came to Haralson that area for 18 years, preparing many alumni group. principal. teacher at the Alabama Institute for George Ben Prickett ’59, Cullman, County (Ga.) High School, where he of her news stories from her experi- Louise Nelson Hallman ’52, Daphne, Edward D. “Buddy” Davidson ’56, the Deaf and Blind for 25 years. Ala., November 13, 2016. served as head baseball coach (7 years), ences as a worker in the Cambodian 1950-1959 Ala., July 14, 2017. She was retired Betty Jo Taft Owsley ’53, Talladega, Guntersville, Ala., November 2, 2016. head basketball coach (13 years) and and Vietnamese refugee camps. from the Talladega County Board of Ala., February 18, 2018. She had He served as Student Government As- Herman Lee Johnson ’58, Albertville, 1960-1969 assistant football coach (4 years). Tommie Estes Gilley ‘50/’63, Pied- Education. taught in the Talladega public school sociation president while at JSU. Ala., August 9, 2017. He was retired W. Jay Baggett ’48, Newnan, Ga., De- mont, Ala., January 11, 2018. She system – serving as the first teacher of from Snead State Community College, Crawford Eugene “Gene” Barnes, Sr. Tamea Johnson, Anniston, Ala., (date cember 18, 2017. He retired from the retired from the Calhoun County Edward Harold Haslam ’52, Montgom- the learning disabled – until her retire- Harold Eugene Stubbs ’56, Huntsville, where he served as assistant dean of ‘60/’78, Gadsden, Ala., August 20, unknown). She had been a member of Fulton County School System after 36 School System after 20 years of service. ery, Ala., October 2, 2017. He was a ment in the 1990s. Ala., January 15, 2018, after a long student services. At JSU, he was a 2017. He was a long-time educator in the JSU Gospel Choir. years of service in education in both member of the Marching Southerners. battle with Parkinson’s Disease. The member of the Marching Southerners the Gadsden area, serving as band di- Georgia and Alabama. He worked as a Sarah Frances Anderson Taylor ’50, Verdan Traylor ’53, Greensboro, NC., military veteran was married to Grace and the Baptist Campus Ministry. He rector at Glencoe High School, where Jack W. Kines, Dothan, Ala., August teacher, guidance counselor and direc- Knoxville, Tenn., September 3, 2017. Elizabeth “Betty” Parsons Henley ’52, April 28, 2017. He was a member of Morris Stubbs ’57. was married to Nelda Jo Burroughs he organized the band program. He 20, 2017, after a battle with cancer. He tor of testing and psychological services She was an elementary school teacher Anniston, Ala., March 3, 2018. She the International House Program at Johnson ‘58 then was band director at Etowah High was a Navy veteran and served in the for the Fulton County Schools. He for many years in Gadsden and Hunts- retired from teaching in 1986 and had JSU. Venoy Jolley ’57, Ocala, Fla., February School and later became choral direc- Korean War. After working for GAC and his wife, Betty Stephens Baggett, ville, Ala. She remembered studying taught at Munford Elementary, Ala- 3, 2017. He was a retired chaplain at William Eugene Ledbetter ’58, An- tor at Gadsden High. After retiring Finance and DML at Napier Field, he were very involved in the Fab 40s/ at night by a kerosene lamp before bama School for the Deaf and Blind, Wesley Herbert Brown ’55, Athens, Florida State Prison. While at JSU, niston, Ala., May 9, 2018. The veteran from the Gadsden Board of Education, was employed for 20 years with SAMC. Nifty 50s alumni group. electricity was available. and Norwood and Golden Springs Ala., January 21, 2017. Commissioned he played on the 1955 “Refrigerator Marine served in the Army Reserves he taught choral at Southside High. He played football for JSU. Elementary. through JSU ROTC, the Army veteran Bowl” football team. He was married for 25 years. He retired from the An- Ernest Earl Lindsay ’48, Tullahoma, Nadine Horton Brown ’51, Panama retired from Redstone Arsenal as a to Laura Ervin Jolley ’77. niston City School System, where he Houston B. Jones ’60, Heflin, Ala., Donald Rayburn Lassetter, Gadsden, Tenn., January 17, 2018. He served City Beach, Fla., January 7, 2018. The Ruby Latham Johnson ’52, Jackson- system analyst after 34 years of service. had been a teacher and coach. April 13, 2018. He served in the Army Ala., May 20, 2018. He had worked for in the Navy during World War II and former JSU cheerleader was the owner ville, Ala., September 5, 2017. After He also operated his own accounting Martha Lawrence Terry Roberts ’56, in Japan during the Korean War and over 30 years at Republic Steel/LTV. the Korean War, earning his commis- of The Surf Hut and then a partner at retiring from teaching at Kitty Stone firm, Brown & Brown Accountants. Springville, Ala., May 8, 2018. The Edward L. Sandlin ’58, Athens, Ala., retired from Moore Business Forms as sion while serving in World War II at Mr. Surf Shop with her son. Elementary School, she became an Miss JSU of 1956 was retired from February 12, 2018. He was a Navy plant accountant in Anniston, Ala. David “Little Toe” Luttrell, Jackson- the age of 20. He taught school and instructor for adult education GED/ Ben Vincent Pillitary ’55, Gadsden, the Jefferson County School System. veteran and served in the Korean War. ville, Ala., May 8, 2018. He played coached basketball in Colorado before Phyllis JoAnne Hudson Davis ’51, ESL in the area. Ala., December 26, 2017. After She was married to the late Joe Wayne He served for many years as director Elizabeth Woolley Keller ’60, Meridian- football for JSU. returning to Alabama. He worked as Fayetteville, Ga., December 24, 2017. serving in the Army during the Roberts ’57. of various Chambers of Commerce ville, Ala., March 17, 2018. Her teach- an aeronautical engineer at Arnold She taught school in Alabama and Frances Gunter Morrison ’52, Korean War, he was a teacher and throughout Alabama. In 1970, he ing career spanned four decades, from Rena Henson Nix, Hueytown, Ala., Engineering Development Center in Georgia. She had been married to the Gadsden, Ala., September 30, 2017. coach at Etowah High School, coach Martha Collins Sizemore ’56, Thom- was hired to serve as director of the the early 1960s through the late 1990s, January 22, 2018. She had been mar- Tullahoma until retiring in 1984. He late Henry A. Davis, Jr. ’49. She served as a math teacher for more and administrator at Emma Sansom aston, Ga., October 17, 2017. She was Alabama/Tennessee Elk River Agency with the majority of that time spent ried to the late O.M. Nix ’50. played basketball and baseball at JSU than 25 years, with the majority of High School and director of Neighbor- a member of the JSU International and managed the development of the at Hazel Green High School, where and was a member of the International Dr. Garrett (Joe) Hagan, Jr. ’51, that time at Etowah High School. She hood Youth Corps. The former Game- House Program and the Marching Tims Ford Dam Project. He served for she retired in 1998. At Hazel Green, Eddie Keith Swafford, Rainbow City, House Program. Sylacauga, Ala., March 4, 2018, of was a member of the Baptist Campus cock football player was named to the Southerners. 30 years as manager of the Elkmont she founded Students Helping Others Ala., May 9, 2018. He served as a cancer. He was commissioned through Ministry at JSU. JSU All Time Football Team and was Rural Village. to Succeed, which launched multiple medic with the Army and was a Special William “Bill” Hare ’49, Sylacauga, the JSU ROTC program and served inducted into the Etowah County Billie Mae Shaner Horton ’57, Panama community service opportunities for Forces paratrooper. He retired from Ala., June 11, 2018. A World War II in Korea, where he was wounded and Janet Laird Self ’52, Anniston, Ala., Sports Hall of Fame. City, Fla., April 8, 2018. She had been Mae Carroll Holland Walden ’58, high school kids with the central focus Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company veteran, he was retired from Alabama received the Purple Heart. He was also October 13, 2017. She taught math at an elementary school teacher. Frankfort, Ky., October 19, 2017. after 40 years of service. He played Power Company. awarded the Silver Star for heroism. several schools in the Calhoun County football for JSU. He became a veterinarian and had a area for 31 years. clinic in Sylacauga. 58 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 59 alumnotes

on the special needs population. She She served as a teacher, media center Jane Linda Bunn Brooker ’65, Ball before becoming vice principal, then was a certified weightlifting coach for instructor and administrator for Ground, Ga., February 12, 2017. principal, at Alabama Avenue Middle ALUMNI Special Olympics. The former March- 35 years. She was a member of the School. After retiring, he moved to ing Ballerina was a very active member Marching Southerners and was mar- Helen Marie Jones Swann ’65, Mont- Gulf Shores and became a real estate of the Sixties alumni group. ried to Charles A. Myers ’61. gomery, Ala., September 25, 2017. She broker. While at JSU, he played tennis was a teacher and assistant principal at for the Gamecocks. VOLUNTEERS James Charles McCain ’60, Dacula, Harris Donald “Don” Saunders ’62, Ashville High School and then served Ga., January 7, 2018. An Army Sylacauga, Ala., May 14, 2018. After as principal of Steele Elementary/Jr. Floyd Dennis Grissom ’68, Northport, veteran, Dr. McCain worked as an ad- serving in the Navy, he began a civilian High School. She also taught classes Ala., December 26, 2017. ministrator and taught religion classes career with the U.S. government as a for the University of Alabama’s Gads- NEEDED at Jefferson State Community College cartographer with the Aeronautical den Center, as well as GED classes in Charles Doug Nolen ’68, Huntsville, for 25 years. He was commissioned Chart and Information Center in St. St. Clair County. Tex., January 17, 2018. He was com- through the JSU ROTC Program Louis. In 1963, he transferred to the missioned through the JSU ROTC and was a member of the Marching U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office in William Kenneth Abbott ’66, Lyons, Program. He was a retired lab supervi- Southerners, Baptist Campus Ministry Maryland, where he was a physical Ga., January 20, 2018. While at JSU, sor for the Bayer Corp. he was a member of the rifle team. and International House Program. He oceanographer. He later became the Serve as a JSU representative at college recruitment was married to Mary Maude Clarke head of the Environmental Section of He was married to Linda McCurdy Shirley Springer Alverson ‘69/’77, fairs in your local area McCain ’61. the Naval Intelligence Support Center, Abbott ’66. Anniston, Ala., February 8, 2018. She OUR “ALUMNI BOOTS ON THE GROUND” had been a teacher in the Gadsden Host an alumni/prospective student dinner or reception Washington, D.C.. In 1974, he began INITIATIVE TO HELP JSU’S ENROLLMENT Jack Franklin Norton ’60, Montgom- Marjan Logan Ledbetter, ’67, Albert- City School System. in your area a corporate career with IBM’s Federal AND RETENTION EFFORTS IS GROWING ery, Ala., March 9, 2018. He served Systems Division, where he worked ville, Ala., June 19, 2017. She was a Bring a student to JSU for a campus visit or set a visit STRONG, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM as chief legal counsel of the Alabama as a marketing manager for advanced retired teacher with the Albertville Annette Wilkinson Esterheld ’69, up with JSU for the student Department of Transportation until space and defense technology systems City Board of Education. She had Crofton, Maryland, April 11, 2017. FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS. IF YOU ARE Represent JSU at your local high school or his retirement. and retired after 20 years of service. He been a member of the Baptist Campus She had been employed by the City of INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING community college awards program to present also retired after five years of service Ministry at JSU. Bowie, Maryland. OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CONTACT KACI scholarships to future Gamecocks Bettye S. Still ’60, Boston, Mass., with its successor, Lockheed Martin OGLE, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS, Serve as a mentor for current JSU students through Billy Gene Powell ‘67/’75/’89, Gary Curtis King ’69, Alexandria, Ala., February 27, 2018. Federal Systems. AT [email protected] OR 256-782-5405. the online mentoring program Rockmart, Ga., January 26, 2017. He August 17, 2017. An Army veteran, he Participate in an alumni career panel on campus for our students Lt. Col. (Ret.) James L. Pike ’61, Jerry Lee Stewart ’62, Russellville, Ala., was an Air Force veteran and served served in Vietnam. Destin, Fla., December 13, 2017. He September 6, 2017. He had worked for in the Far East Theater of Operations was commissioned through the JSU Cotton Producers Association/Gold and was stationed in Japan. Though Doris Freeman Leftwich ’69, Gads- ROTC Program and, after retiring Kist Poultry for 42 years, starting with he worked in the private sector after den, Ala., September 15, 2017. Dr. from the Army, was a successful real a broom in his hand and retiring as military service, his heart was in Leftwich served as principal of several had been a teacher with the Huntsville Ray Emanuel ’71, Anniston, Ala., She also taught 3rd grade at Trinity Michael Charles Sharp ’72, Huntsville, estate investor. vice president of marketing and sales. teaching. He began his teaching career Etowah County schools. She was mar- in Cherokee County (Ala.) and then ried to the late James C. Leftwich ’49. City Board of Education at Lee High April 8, 2018. He was a respected high Christian Academy. An active member Ala., August 29, 2017. School. She was a Marching Ballerina school and college football coach serv- of the Baptist Campus Ministry at Beverly Vaughn Stevens ‘61/’90, An- Ronald F. Yake ’62, Fontana, Wis., transferred to the Polk County (Ga.) and a member of Alpha Xi Delta. ing at several area high schools and the JSU, she continued to assist in serving Linda Bailey Strickland ‘72/’77, Pied- niston (Saks), Ala., October 9, 2017. May 17, 2018. Dr. Yake served as a School District, where he faithfully Dorian Johnson McKee ’69, Gadsden, University of North Alabama. He later the “Agape Meal” to help the BCM mont, Ala., May 22, 2018. She retired meat inspector in the U.S. Air Force. served as an educator, coach and men- Ala., September 26, 2017. She taught Harold H. Bryant, Jr. ’71, Pinson, Ala., became a successful insurance agent students raise money for summer from the Piedmont City School System Gerald Glenn Green ’62, Jacksonville, After getting his medical degree and tor for 33 years. history and English at Hokes Bluff March 7, 2018. He worked for South- with Alfa, serving as district manager. missions. with more than 30 years of service as Ala., January 23, 2018. He was an Air training at the Mayo Clinic in Roches- High School for more than 25 years. ern Company Services for many years He played football at JSU and helped a teacher. She had been a member of Force veteran. For a time, he was a ter, Minn., he started a private practice Sarah Ann Goss Pugh ’67, Gadsden, as an administrator in the Engineering coach with Coach Jim Blevins and Rep. James Malcom “Jim” Patterson, Zeta Tau Alpha. contractor in Georgia and built every in Rockford, Ill., working primarily at Ala., February 12, 2018. She had been Benjamin Duane Mitcham ’69, An- Document Department. Coach Charlie Pell. Jr. ’72, Meridianville, Ala., October 2, home that he and his wife lived in. St. Anthony’s Hospital. He had been a teacher for 31 years at Eura Brown niston, Ala., December 24, 2017. He 2017. He was serving as an Alabama Ardith Williams Coates ‘73/’79, Alex- married to the late Kathryn Green Elementary School. She went on to was married to the late Beverly Smith John Rodney Burgess ’71, Anniston, Nina Butler Pate ’71, Leeds, Ala., June state representative representing andria, Ala., June 9, 2018. She began Vera Jo McAbee Myers ‘62/’84, Yake ’63. teach at Gadsden State Community Mitcham ‘69/’82. Piedmont, Ala., December 10, 2017. College as well as private tutoring. Ala., July 12, 2017. He was an Army 13, 2018. House District 21, at the time of his her career in teaching and then was veteran and was known locally as “The death from a sudden heart attack. He called into fulltime Christian service. Charlie Roscoe Carden ’63, Marietta, William Joseph “Joe” Steele ’69, Pizza Man,” as he was the owner of Judith Walker Percy ‘71/’75, Sylacauga, was responsible for sponsoring and More recently, she taught English at Ga., June 17, 2018. Victoria Piedot Thomson ‘67/’79, Opelika, Ala., March 21, 2018. Early Paris, Tex., December 20, 2017. She in his career, he was an auditor for the multiple Custom Pizza restaurants in Ala., May 20, 2016. She was a retired ultimately the passage of the “autism Liberty University and retired in 2016 the tri-county area. program supervisor with the Coosa bill” requiring insurance companies with 19 years of service. Donald C. Medders ’63, Anniston, was a retired teacher from St. Joseph’s, U.S. Department of Agriculture. He HOW TO SUBMIT County Board of Education. to provide health benefits for autism Ala., May 23, 2018. The Navy veteran Florence, Ala. also served for more than 40 years as Lester Knox Coleman III ’71, Brook- treatment. An Army and Army Bennie Steve Conley ‘73/’78, Tusca- retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber an auditor for the Defense Contract INFORMATION lyn, N.Y., May 2018. A broadcast Barbara Jean Carter Townson ‘71/’77, Reserves veteran, he was elected to the loosa, Ala., September 30, 2017. He Company. James M. Brittain ’68, Southside, Ala., Audit Agency. He was an Air Force vet- booth announcer at JSU under Pisgah, Ala., December 6, 2016. She House in 2010. Prior to his election, served as a paratrooper in the Army IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT September 8, 2017. He was hired by eran and served in Vietnam. He later football coach Charlie Pell, he had was a retired teacher with the Jackson he was a pharmaceutical representa- and then had a long career in various Emmett Ray Walker ’63, Madison, Republic Steel after graduation and re- joined the Tennessee Army National INFORMATION CONCERNING a long career in broadcast news, includ- County Board of Education. tive for 29 years with Bristol Meyers management positions. He worked for Ala., August 16, 2017. The Air Force tired from there. Mr. Brittain had been Guard and retired with over 20 years A WEDDING, BIRTH ANNOUNCE- ing at WSGN Birmingham, WBZ Squibb, retiring in 2008. He was 25 years for Peco Foods, Tuscaloosa, veteran served in the Korean War married to Jane Callaway Brittain ’66. of service. Boston and serving as a White House Beverly Love Little ’72, Flat Rock, commissioned through the JSU ROTC Ala., as the corporate director of MENT, NEW JOB OR PROMOTION, and in Germany. He then worked for correspondent during the Carter N.C., August 21, 2017, after a battle Program and was a member of Delta human resources. He helped develop AN OBITUARY NOTICE, AWARDS A&P Grocers, Associated Grocers and Virginia Lee Cash ’68, Attalla, Ala., 1970-1979 and Reagan years. He later served as with cancer. Dr. Little was a lifelong Chi. He had been currently serving policies and systems that have become OR OTHER RECOGNITION, PLEASE Walker Drug Company. August 6, 2017. She was a longtime home economics teacher at Etowah Glenda Gibbs Phillips ‘70/’79, An- professor and chair of the Faculty of educator, teaching in high schools on the JSU Board of Visitors for the standards for the industry while at EMAIL [email protected] OR MAIL Arts and Humanities at the American and universities in Alabama, South School of Business and Industry. Peco. Estelle Brom Land ’64, Weaver, Ala., High School. niston, Ala., February 2018. She had THE INFORMATION TO THE JSU University of Technology in Lebanon. Carolina and North Carolina. November 10, 2017. She was a retired been a counselor with the Oxford City William Calvert Sandberg ’72, Charles “Chuck” Dill ’73, Columbi- ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE, elementary school teacher with the Richard Lee Denham ’68, Gulf Shores, Board of Education. Mary Joann Webb Dyer ’71, Snead, Janice Stephens Marrow ’72, Anniston, Flintstone, Ga., October 5, 2017. He ana, Ala., February 22, 2018. He was 700 PELHAM ROAD NORTH, Calhoun County Board of Education. Ala., June 13, 2017. A military veteran, Ala., December 17, 2017. She taught Ala., August 19, 2017. She was a was an Army veteran and served in retired from George W. Mouk and JACKSONVILLE, AL 36265. he served in Vietnam. He served as Sandra Norton Tillery ‘70/’71, Wat- vocational director at Albertville High kinsville, Ga., September, 2017. She 5th grade for many years at Susan bookkeeper for Compass Bank and Vietnam. Associates in Monroe, La. Moore Elementary School. First National Bank, Talladega, Ala.

60 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 61 alumnotes alumnotes

Thomas Bruce Eames ’73, Hammon- retired teacher with the Calhoun Carolyn W. Roberts ‘76/’82, under General Patton in World War II volunteered as a softball coach for girls as one of “20 under 40” newspaper Kimberly Parris England ’97, Easta- Christopher “Eric” Johns ’09, February ton, N.J., July 27, 2017. He had been a County Board of Education. He was Auburn, Ala., September 25, 2017. and toured throughout Europe. in the Saks area and sponsored sports executives. He was a member of Kappa boga, Ala., February 11, 2018. She had 11, 2018. He played football at JSU. member of Alpha Tau Omega. well known as an artist blacksmith She served as a home economist teams in Anniston and Northeast Sigma. been a registered nurse. and knife maker who started several with Alagasco after graduation. She Michael Lynn Adams ’79, Huntsville, Alabama. 2010-2018 Paddy Hutson Watson Kellett ’73, companies in Jacksonville, Ala., includ- taught in the Talladega school system Ala., February 9, 2017. Arnie Allan Rhodes ’85, Jacksonville, Erika Lashawn George McGhee ’99, Fort Payne, Ala., September 21, 2017. ing Parker-Edwards Cutlery, Edwards at R.L. Young and then became David Edward Davis ’82, Anniston, Ala., May 1, 2018. At JSU, he was a Marietta, Ga., October 9, 2017. Keishelia Danielle Cox ’12, Mobile, She was a talented artist, pianist and Ironworks and Steelwood. While at principal there in 1977, where she Madeline Hamlink Flint ’79, DeAr- Ala., November 18, 2017. He spent his member of the Baptist Campus Ala., November 20, 2017. The Army writer. She taught art classes in the JSU, he was a member of the Baptist remained until retiring in 1990. manville, Ala., February 2, 2018. She professional career teaching music and Ministry and WLJS radio station. Tanya Leigh Cole Sharpe ’99, Rock- veteran was a registered nurse at Provi- Dekalb County public school system Campus Ministry and Sigma Nu. retired from the Anniston City School serving as the band and choral director mart, Ga., January 23, 2018. She dence Hospital in Mobile. for several years. He was married to Katherine “Kay” Shirley Renee Smith ’76, Conyers, System in 1997 after teaching for more for many schools throughout Georgia. Alice Collins Vaughn ’85, Gadsden, was an elementary school teacher in Stevenson Edwards ’56. Ga., March 12, 2017. She worked for than 20 years at Norwood Elementary. He performed in area bands and Ala., March 21, 2018. She taught the Polk School District for 14 years. Joey Glen McDaniel ’12, Ranburne, Thomas Leonard, Jr. ’73, Anniston, several years as a music teacher and After retiring, she continued to work orchestras in Portland, Ore., and in writing and science for 21 years in the While at JSU, she served as president Ala., August 7, 2017. He managed his Ala., November 9, 2017. Steve William Puckett ’75, Hokes band director in Summerville, Ga. locally dealing in antiques in her own LaGrange, Ga. He was twice named to Etowah County School System. of Delta Zeta. family’s farm. Bluff, Ala., November 2, 2017. Dr. and Tarrant, Ala. She was a 26-year shops as well as several other area Who’s Who Among American Teach- Charlotte Sparks Davis ’74, Murfrees- Puckett was an insurance broker. employee of the State of Georgia, shops and malls. ers. While at JSU, he was a member of Rita Jean Spruiell ‘86/’92, 2000-2010 Benjamin Richard Prickett ’14, boro, Tenn., May 27, 2018. She taught most recently serving as an adminis- the Marching Southerners. Jacksonville, Ala., May 9, 2018. Wellington, Ala., April 8, 2018. at Sand Rock School (Ala.) for 22 Carolyn Guyton Scales ’75, Augusta, trative assistant at the Georgia State Bobby M. Thompson ’79, Alexandria, Capt. Gary Brecken Higgins ’00, Easta- He had been a member of Kappa years, retiring in 1996. Ga., February 21, 2018. She had Financing and Investment Commis- Ala., April 6, 2018. He was retired Harold Heard ’82, Roanoke, Ala., Linda Waldrop Beard ’89, boga, Ala., November 3, 2017. He was Alpha at JSU. taught in Calhoun County (Ala.) for sion. The former flute player for the from the Air Force, Army National September 6, 2017. He worked as a Leesburg, Ala., January 9, 2017. an RN in the Air Force, serving two Maurice Dodd ’74, Ashville, Ala., over 35 years and had been inducted Marching Southerners founded the Guard and Anniston Army Depot with loan officer, executive vice president tours of duty in Afghanistan, and later, October 10, 2017. The Army veteran into the Alexandria High School Alliance Drum and Bugle Corps of a total of 32 years of federal service. and member of the board of directors Clinton Kent Crawford ’89, as a travel nurse across the country. ALUMNOTES was retired from Goodyear Tire and Teacher Hall of Fame in 1993. She Atlanta in 2004. She was serving on for Small Town Bank. He was selected Centreville, Va., April 23, 2017. Rubber Company as a tool and die had been married to the late Louie the JSU Alumni Association Board Kathy “K.C.” Crosson Wallace ’79, Young Banker of the Year in 1991 and Kim Cherrie Mayo ’00, Gadsden, Ala., 1950-1959 maker with over 35 years of service. Grady Scales ’76. of Governors as president of the Wetumpka, Ala., January 16, 2018, 1992. He previously served as branch April Ingram Snow ’89, Glencoe, Ala., May 14, 2018. He also operated JR Machine Products Atlanta Alumni Chapter at the time after a battle with cancer. manager, compliance officer, board April 25, 2018. She had worked as a Joanne Marie Porter Phillips Stewart for many years. Bryan Thrasher, Jr. ’75, Anniston, of her death. member and executive vice president medical researcher. Shelley Wilson-Coley ‘00/’02, Truss- ’55, Decatur, Ga., is retired after a life- Ala., October 1, 2017. He was retired 1980-1989 at SouthTrust Bank. ville, Ala., (date unknown). A memo- time of teaching high school English Cathy Acker Lanigan ‘74/’77, Pied- from the State of Georgia. Gary Eugene Williams ’76, 1990-1999 rial service was held on June 12, 2018. and drama. She is currently a great mont, Ala., February 6, 2018. She Talladega, Ala., August 18, 2017. Karen L. Hester ‘80/’86, Anniston, Phillip Osawe Igbinadolor ‘82/’84, She was an instructor at Jefferson State grandmother of seven, grandmother taught at Spring Garden School from Virginia “Ginny” Lee Newton Carden He had been a car salesman in the Ala., October 2, 2017, after a coura- Snellville, Ga., November 22, 2017. Elton Donald Greer ’90, Jacksonville, Community College for over 16 years, of nine, and still singing. She is on 1974 to 2013. ‘76/’77, Hartselle, Ala., October Anniston/Oxford area for 35 years. geous fight with ALS. She was a long- He was a teacher for 20 years and Ala., August 31, 2017 where she helped advise the Phi Theta Facebook as Joanne Phillips-Stewart 11, 2017, after complications from At JSU, he was a member of Kappa time teacher, coach and administrator served as truancy supervisor for the Kappa Honor Society. She was also an and would love to hear from her old Richard Emil Loeb, ’74, Huntsville, heart surgery. She taught in Cal- Sigma. at The Donoho School in Anniston. New York City Board of Education. Sallie Gentry Johnston ’91, Jackson- instructor with VIPKID, teaching Eng- classmates. Ala., May 10, 2017, after a short battle houn County for three years before She was awarded honors not only for ville, Ala., August 8, 2017. Starting out lish as a second language to children with lung cancer. He coached teams returning to Hartselle to teach at F.E. Doyce V. White, Sr. ’77, Piedmont, her teaching but her coaching as well. Elizabeth Ann Mason ’84, Houston, as a certified LPN in Texas, she retired internationally. 1960-1969 for Calhoun Junior College before Burleson Elementary for 38 years. Ala., June 19, 2018. He worked at Her volleyball teams at Donoho won Tex., November 18, 2017, after a long from Fort McClellan’s Noble Army becoming director of the Huntsville After retiring, she remained active as a Gadsden Air Depot and was retired state championships in 1992, 1993 battle with cancer. She had a career Hospital then went back to school to Arnold L. Allen ’02, Weaver, Ala., Ellen Cobia Neal ’66, Dalton, Ga., a Boys and Girls Clubs. After retiring, substitute teacher. from Anniston Army Depot with 38 and 1995, as well as 10 area champion- of more than 30 years supporting the become an RN. She worked at RMC February 24, 2018. charter member of the Dalton Junior he became vice president of Huntsville years of service. ships. She was named AHSAA Coach U.S. Space Program as a data manage- Gadsden until retiring again. College faculty and staff, got to stand Radio Service. He played tennis for the Margaret Middlebrooks Horn ’76, of the Year for 1A Volleyball in 1994, ment specialist for the International Juan Thomas Moore ’02, Stone on the steps of the Pope Student Gamecocks. He was married to Betty Ashland, Ala., May 25, 2018. She be- Patty Olene Harper Gilliam ‘77/’82, 1998 and 2002. Her 1995 basketball Space Station. Extremely proud of her Latonya Brand Crawford ’92, Pell City, Mountain, Ga., September 21, 2017. Center in October, along with five of Brown Loeb ’74 and loved attending gan her nursing career at Lloyd Nolen Talladega, Ala., April 14, 2018, of team has the distinction of being the role in the space program, she received Ala., November 3, 2017. She was a Dr. Moore worked for many years in the other original members, to com- Marching Southerners reunions and Hospital in Birmingham and then pancreatic cancer. She had 35 years only 1A girls’ team to date to win the multiple awards for her work and was social worker and educator with a life- the Dekalb County School District as memorate the 50th anniversary of the JSU football games with her. continued working for her husband, of service with the Alabama Institute Girls’ Calhoun County Champion- invited as a guest to a number of Space long commitment to social advocacy a teacher, school level administrator opening of the college. Dr. C.P. Horn, Sr. for the Deaf and Blind, starting as ship. That team was also named Shuttle launches in recognition of her for children. and district level administrator. Donald Rudell Perry ’74, Pell City, a home economics teacher in 1979 regional champions, advancing to the contributions. She spent the past 21 Mike W. Burrell ’69, Birmingham, Ala., December 24, 2017. He served as Johnny Davis Ingram ‘76/’88, Arab, and retiring as director of blind Final Four. An outstanding athlete in years employed by Boeing. At JSU, Myra D. Thompson ‘93/’97, An- Michael Lawrence Moore ‘03/’15, Ala., has had his first book published, president of Metro Bank for 11 years Ala., June 17, 2018. He taught and services in 2011. She later returned high school, she attended JSU on a she was active in the Baptist Campus niston, Ala., September 6, 2017. She Weaver, Ala., January 26, 2018. He “The Land of Grace,” an Elvis tribute. and was currently serving as chairman coached for many years at Walter as an adult education instructor for volleyball scholarship. Ministry. was employed for 14 years by the Social worked as a graphic artist for Southern His short fiction has also appeared in of the board for Metro Bank. Wellborn and Anniston High Schools evening classes. Security Administration. Custom Exhibits and later at the JSU several publications. before moving to administration as Ricky Arledge ’81, Southside, Ala., Diane Rogers ‘84/’88, Jacksonville, Print Shop. James Edward Russell ’74, Birming- assistant principal and principal at Jean Young Starr ‘77/’87, Jack- April 19, 2018. He was an Army Ala., January 27, 2018. She was a re- Charles Jason Liggan ’96, Ragland, 1970-1979 ham, Ala., March 10, 2018. He had Arab High and later Albertville High. sonville, Ala., April 29, 2018. She veteran and retired from government tired math teacher at Jacksonville High Ala., March 7, 2018. He practiced James Adam Harris ’06, Jacksonville, been an English professor at Guang- He retired in 2002, but served a short taught at Kitty Stone Elementary service at Recruiting Command, Mil- School. After retirement, she taught law in Birmingham. At JSU, he was Ala., October 24, 2017. He began Gena Estes Christopher ’79, Jackson- zhou University in China. At JSU, he period as director of Snead State Com- School for 29 years. lington, Tenn. The published author, at Hope Academy at the Presbyterian president of Kappa Alpha. his teaching career in Alexandria, ville, Ala., has retired from JSU, where was a member of Sigma Nu. munity College’s Arab Instructional independent filmmaker and guitarist Home for Children, Talladega, Ala. Ala., before transferring to Cleburne she became full-time English faculty Site. Tony Morris Brown ’78, Weaver, was known as “Ricky Montana” to Andrew “Andy” Russell Picton ’96, County High School to coach football in 1989. Over the years she served as David Gene Worster ’74, Port Saint Ala., September 13, 2017. He was re- those he entertained. La’Tanga Teresa Wallace ’84, Talladega, Oxford, Ala., January 8, 2018. He was and baseball. He then moved to White head of the Center for Excellence in Joe, Fla., April 29, 2018. The Navy Gayle Joyner Martin ’76, Gadsden, tired from the Army after 20 years of Ala., February 2, 2017. a nurse practitioner with Alabama Plains Middle School to coach football, Teaching and Learning and directed veteran and former Marching South- Ala., April 19, 2018. She served as a service and was employed at Honda Keith Wayne Brooks ’81, Birmingham, Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants baseball and basketball. After a career Camp Write, a writing clinic for erner served as a band director for teacher and administrative assistant Manufacturing Company. He was a August 13, 2017. He was a gifted James “Jim” Hyatt ’85, Oxford, Ala., in Anniston. change, he worked for the postal ser- students in grades 3 to 5 in affiliation many years. for 14 years at Episcopal Day School in member of Kappa Alpha Psi. songwriter and pianist. At JSU, he January 8, 2018. He publisher of vice as a mail carrier in Gadsden. He with JSU’s National Writing Project. Gadsden. She briefly taught in the JSU was a member of the Baptist Campus Highlands Today, publisher and region- Elaine Marie Armstrong Romano ’96, was married to Stephanie Schumaker Her husband, Odell, has also retired Fain E. Edwards, Sr. ’75, Ashville, Ala., music department after receiving her Harry “Jim” Gaumer ’78, Hunts- Ministry and Sigma Nu. al vice president of The Bristol Herald Jacksonville, Ala., February 16, 2018. Harris and they have two daughters. from JSU, where he had worked in October 12, 2017. An Army veteran, MA degree. ville, Ala., August 24, 2017. He was Courier, regional vice president for She had been the wife of the late Dr. Facilities since the early 1990s. he had an exclusive men’s shop, Fain retired from the Army after 30 years. Betty Bradley Foster-Summers ’81, Community Newspaper Holding and Frank Romano, who had taught biol- James Rance Young ’06, Glencoe, Ala., Limited, in Birmingham. He was a Marion Fay Rice ’76, Carrollton, Ga., During his military career, he served Anniston, Ala., July 20, 2017. The was chosen by “Presstime Magazine” ogy at JSU. September 26, 2017. February 26, 2018. accomplished teacher and mentor 62 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 63 alumnotes alumnotes

7. Tomoko Akane ’90 7 1980-1989 family in Japan. Hill said proudly of his taught high school and middle school 2000-2010 former student, “She has risen like a sciences before entering school leader- 8 David Glenn ’90. Maj. Gen. Kenneth C. Roberts ’80, meteor, and it’s very well deserved.” ship as an assistant principal and then Courtney Wilburn ‘99/’01/’06 was 9. Cheryl Bevelle Orange ’90 Alpharetta, Ga., was recently honored principal. In addition to his bachelor’s named the Alabama Middle School with a retirement ceremony at Clay Na- 8 David Glenn ’90, Chattanooga, degree from JSU, he also holds a Principal of the Year by the Ala- 10. Dr. Eric Mackey ’92 tional Guard Center, Marietta, Ga. His Tenn., has been awarded the Tennes- master’s, specialist and doctoral degree bama Association of Middle School 11. April Whitmarsh Sutton ’02 career spanned more than 37 years, see Associated Press 1st Place award from the University of Alabama. He Principals. She serves as principal of with his final position being deputy for TV Weather Anchor. He currently is married to Robin Dorsett Mackey, White Plains Middle School. She has 12. Rita Young Allen ‘03/’06 combined rear area coordinator, U.S. serves as chief meteorologist at WTVC- ‘90/’93, and they have three sons. 17 years of experience in the field Forces Korea. He was commissioned TV (ABC) in Chattanooga, where he Their eldest, John C. Mackey, gradu- of education with 10 of those years through the JSU ROTC Program as has been employed since late 2006. ated from JSU in May. While at JSU, in administration. Since 2011, she a second lieutenant. As a student, he Prior to WTVC, he was at WPMI-TV Dr. Mackey was a peer counselor and has been principal of White Plains 8 was a member of Alpha Tau Omega (NBA) in the Mobile/Pensacola area member of Baptist Campus Ministry. Middle School. Previously, she served and played football. In 2012, he was (1998-2006) as Chief Meteorologist Among his many civic commitments, as a teacher, instructional coach and named JSU Military Alumnus of the and at WRCB-TV (NBC) in Chatta- he serves on the executive committee assistant principal. In 2012, she was Year. He is married to Sonja Pittman nooga (1991-1998) as a Meteorologist. of the Tukabatchee Area Council of named Calhoun County Principal of Roberts ’79. He is thankful for career guidance at Boy Scouts of America and is an active the Year. JSU from Dr. Ted K. He is married to leader in Montgomery’s Troop 8 with Thomas Hudson Wicks ’82, Hunts- Rebecca Frost Glenn ’88. his sons. He is also a board member 11 April Whitmarsh Sutton ’02, ville, Ala., became a granddad for the for the Montgomery Rotary Club and Frisco, Tex., was elected the 2018 presi- third time recently when his youngest 9 Cheryl Bevelle Orange ’90, Frisco, teaches high school youth at Wood- dent of the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter daughter, Natalie, welcomed a baby girl Tex., recently received a "Top Women land United Methodist Church. of the Association of Professionals in named Olivia. He is the proud father in Technology" award from the Dallas Infection Control and Epidemiology. of three adult children. Business Journal. She is director of Brandie Michele Julian Cleaver This leadership position focuses on information technology for FedEx ‘95/’96, Richmond, Tex., gradu- influencing, supporting and improving Donna Warren Shamblin ’83, Jackson- Services’ corporate office in Plano, ated from the American Leadership the quality and safety of health care ville, Ala., was hired as a pre-k assistant Tex., including 1800 retail locations. Forum’s Class XLIII-Community through the practice and management at Kitty Stone Elementary School. She As a student, she was a peer counselor Education. She is executive director of of infection prevention and control 9 10 previously taught kindergarten for 13 and member of the SGA. She currently Lemonade Day Houston. The Forum’s and the application of epidemiology in years in Danville, Ala., and served as a serves on the Black Alumni Chapter’s mission is to join and strengthen all health care settings. At JSU, she was Head Start teacher in Centre, Ala. officer committee and is president of diverse leaders to serve the common a member of Alpha Xi Delta. JSU’s “Boots on the Ground” alumni good, bringing together a group of Emily Sides Bonds '87, a partner in program. leaders who have a stake in and a 12 Rita Young Allen ‘03/’06, Brier- the Business & Commercial Litigation passion for significantly improving the field, Ala., placed in the Top 10 in the Practice Group in Birmingham, has Russell Thomas Waits ’90, Gadsden, future of education across the Greater Miss Sr. America Pageant in Atlantic been named a Top Woman Attorney Ala., is principal at Jacksonville High Houston area. Cleaver served as a peer City, representing the State of Ala- by "B-Metro Magazine." This award School. He began his teaching career counselor at JSU and a member of bama. She will hold her title until July recognizes female attorneys for their in 1991 as director of Emma Sansom Delta Zeta. 2018, and will be touring and speaking excellence in the field of law as well High School’s band. He has served on “Life Begins at 60.” As a student, as community involvement. She was as principal of Mitchell Elementary, Bruce Cornutt ’95, Southside, Ala., she was a member of the JSU Chorus, featured in the August 2018 edition of 9th Grade Academy at Gadsden City received the 2017 Michaeline A. Doyle Gospel Choir and Chamber Singers. the magazine. She holds a bachelor's in High School, and most recently as Award for his leadership and outstand- political science from JSU, is past presi- principal of Emma Sansom Middle ing contributions to the Professional 13 Thomas J. Webb ‘04/’07, New dent of the JSU Alumni Association School. At JSU, he was a member of Employer Organizations industry, of Orleans, La., is a popular tour guide in and is an alumna of Alpha Xi Delta. the Marching Southerners and the A which he has been a member since the Crescent City, currently working Cappella Choir. He is married to Shan- 1996. He is president of Alabama- for Lord Chaz Presents. He uses his Mary Margaret “Maggie” Burn Owens non Goforth Waits ‘90/’96, who was a based Lyons HR’s HRO division. degrees in political science and English 11 12 ’88, Anniston, Ala., was named presi- Marching Ballerina and member of the to work as a storyteller, sharing history dent and CEO of YMCA of Calhoun Show Choir. Billy Glenn Shelton ‘95/’06, Dutton, and culture with visitors to the Big County. Ala., has been named president-elect of Easy. He also manages an Air B&B. Michael Don Allison ‘91/’97/’11 and the Alabama Science Teachers Associa- Book a tour next time you’re in town Banyon John Allison ‘95/’96/’02 were tion. He currently serves as principal at www.lordchaz.com and connect 1990-1999 recently selected to the Anniston Star’s of Rosalie Elementary School and is in with him on Instagram at Calhoun County Football Team of the his 23rd year of education. @tourguidethomas. 7 Tomoko Akane ’90, Japan, is Decade for the 80s and 90s, respec- working at The Hague as an inter- tively. They are brothers who played for Heather Kirby Lamey ’98, Jacksonville, 14 Ricketta Wilson ’04, Heflin, national criminal court judge. After Weaver High School and JSU. Ala., currently serves as director of Ala., has been in public education for receiving an MS in criminal justice donor grants and standards for excel- 19 years and is currently the library from JSU, she returned to her native 10 Dr. Eric Mackey ’92, Pike Road, lence with the Community Founda- media specialist at Cleburne County Japan to earn a law degree from Tokyo Ala., has been named State Superin- tion of Northeast Alabama. Previously, Middle School. Her book, “Growing University. She served as a federal tendent of Education by the Alabama she served as executive director of the Up Auburn,” was published by Mascot prosecutor in front of the Japanese Board of Education. He served as Piedmont Benevolence Center. She Books and illustrated by JSU alumnus Supreme Court until being elected superintendent of education of Jack- is married to Dr. Jack Harley Lamey Jonathan Fordham ’15. She credits to her current post at the United Na- sonville City Schools for eight years ‘00/’07, who has taken a position in her master’s degree from JSU for her tions in November. She has remained before becoming executive director of the Vestavia Hills City Schools District success as an author. close friends over the years with JSU School Superintendents of Alabama, after 15 years of service as a teacher professor emeritus of sociology, Lester the state’s professional association for and coach in the Piedmont City Shundreta Adamson Buchanan ’05, Hill, and his Japanese wife Michiko – school system executives and their School District. Jacksonville, Ala., is teaching 3rd with the couple even visiting Akane’s leadership teams. A career educator, he grade at Kitty Stone Elementary in 64 : GEM OF THE HILLS FALL 2018 : 65 alumnotes alumnotes

13 Jacksonville. She previously taught Nancy Bailey Morales ‘09/’12, Annis- Jeffrey C. Moon ’14, Jacksonville, Sydney Reed Jones ’17, Alabaster, for three years in the Anniston City ton, Ala., is teaching special education Ala., is a 6th grade English teacher Ala., was named Young Alumna of the School System. and coaching the varsity cheer team at at Kitty Stone Elementary School in Year by the Alabama and Mississippi Jacksonville High School. She previ- Jacksonville. He previously taught at chapters of Zeta Tau Alpha. Upon 14 Brandy Hammett Morrow ’05, ously taught at Oxford Elementary and Constantine Elementary and Golden graduating with her public relations Piedmont, Ala., has been hired as DeArmanville Elementary. At JSU, she Springs in the Anniston City Schools. degree she was hired as JSU’s social the lead nurse for Jacksonville City was a cheerleader and member of Zeta He also previously worked with the media specialist in the Office of Public Schools. She has 12 years of nursing Tau Alpha. Woodland High School marching band Relations. She is active in the Public experience and served for seven years for six years. At JSU, he was a member Relations Society of America and is as a registered nurse in the county 16 Meredith Jade Garrett ’10, of the Marching Southerners. the advisor of Birmingham Southern school system. She is married to Gadsden, Ala., has recently published University’s chapter of ZTA. She Michael Shane Morrow ’05, who is a book, “Unseen: Intersecting Faith Katlynn Renae Burton ‘15/’17, Heflin, was recently engaged to Madison teaching career prep and management & Sexuality in the Bible Belt.” After Ala., is now teaching at Jacksonville Wright ’17, who is pursing a Ph.D. at Jacksonville High School. graduation she went to Thailand to High School. in chemistry at Vanderbilt University He previously taught at Weaver High teach English before returning to the in Nashville. As an undergraduate, and Centre Middle School. U.S., where she continues to write. 19 Ronald Lackey ’16, Sylacauga, Jones was an officer in ZTA and a peer Ala., received his diploma from JSU at educator while Wright was a drummer Deven Jones Smith ’05, Jacksonville, 2011-2018 the age of 74, more than 54 years after in the Marching Southerners. Ala., is teaching 4th grade science at he began taking classes. He started at Kitty Stone Elementary. She previously Brandi Prichard ’11, Alexandria, Ala., JSU in 1962 but was drafted by the Corey Logan Mize ’17, Alexandria, taught for 12 years in Oxford. is now teaching 2nd grade at Kitty Army in 1968 before being able to Ala., is now teaching 8th grade math 15 16 Stone Elementary School in Jackson- graduate. He was inspired to finish at Jacksonville High School. At JSU, Beverly Yvonne Ervin ’06, Heflin, Ala., ville. She previously taught kindergar- what he started after seeing his daugh- he was team manager for the men’s is the new Cleburne County Chamber ten for five years. ter, Katie, earn her nursing degree. basketball team and served as an of Commerce director. She most re- Realizing it was possible for him to athletic trainer. 17 17 cently worked at Southwire, Carrollton, Jeremy Straub ’11, North Dakota, obtain an online degree from JSU, it 18 Ga., in various roles. She also owns a is the lead inventor on a recently didn’t take him long to do so. small business, Slice of Heaven, that awarded patent for a technology that creates baked goods. solves a key problem related to 3D Jacob Daniel Tweedell ’16, Fort Payne, printing: U.S. patent 9,846,427, titled Ala., has been named the new band Amber Vickery Russell ’08, Southside, “Characterizing 3-D Printed Objects director at Park Crossing High School Ala., is teaching physical education at for 3-D Printing,” was issued on Dec. in Montgomery. At JSU, he was a Jacksonville High School, where she 19. It covers systems and methods member of the Marching Southerners also coaches softball and volleyball. She for using imaging to detect printing and SGA. previously taught at Oneonta Middle defects. He is an assistant professor and High Schools. of computer science at North Dakota Morgan Danielle Barkley ’17, Fort State University Payne, Ala., is teaching 8th grade physi- Samuel L. Green III ‘09/’13, Oxford, cal science at Jacksonville High School. Ala., is a private coach for students 18 Robert R. Zalanka ’11, New wanting to get ahead in track and Brockton, Ala., has joined the law football and he strives to help them offices of Carr Allison in Birmingham be their best to earn scholarships and as an associate, where his practice will degrees. He is a military veteran and 13. Thomas J. Webb ‘04/’07 19 focus on insurance and coverage issues, has taught at Winterboro High and as well as matters involving professional 14. Ricketta Wilson ’04 Anniston Middle Schools. He also liability. He earned his JD magna cum has his own Amateur Athletic Union laude from the University of Missis- 15. Charles David “Chad” Hoffman III ‘09/’11 Track and Field Team, Fast Feet for sippi School of Law, twice winning 16. Meredith Jade Garrett ’10 the Elite Athlete, now in its 11th year. American Jurisprudence Awards. Prior Every year he sends 10-15 students to to joining Carr Allison, he served as 17. Jeremy Straub '11 compete in the Junior Olympics. This a law clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge 18. Robert R. Zalanka ’11 year he will teach at Hudson K8 School David A. Sanders for the Northern WHAT’S YOUR in Tarrant, Ala., but will return to Cal- District of Mississippi. While at JSU, 19. Ronald Lackey ’16 houn County to motivate his athletes. he played football for the Gamecocks. JSU STORY? Seddrick T. Hill, Sr. ’09, McDonough, Kathryne D. Daniels ’12, Baltimore, We want to hear about your Ga., has been named the new vice Md., recently performed in the president of institutional advancement Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s experience at JSU! for Talladega College. original adaptation of Charles Dicken Please share your story with “A Christmas Carol,” playing the roles 15 Charles David “Chad” Hoffman of Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Dilber and older us at [email protected] and tell us III ‘09/’11, Abilene, Tex., has been Belle. why you chose JSU and how that selected to represent the Texas Associa- tion of Secondary School Principals Mahala Starr McAlpin ’13, Heflin, decision has impacted your life! as a Region 14 Outstanding Principal Ala., is teaching 8th grade inclusion of the Year. He has served as principal special education at Jacksonville High of Hawley (Tex.) Middle School since School. She previously taught at Cle- 2014. At JSU, he was a cheerleader and burne County High School. Ambassador. 66 : GEM OF THE HILLS 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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