Of the hills GEMThe Magazine of Jacksonville State University | SUMMER 2019 - BENEFIT CONCERT 14 - JSU
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GEM
The Magazine of Jacksonville State University | SUMMER 2019
of the hills
6
PAGE
BENEFIT CONCERT 14 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 20 PROVOST RETIRES 30
GEM of the hills
|contributors|
JSU PRESIDENT
John M. Beehler, Ph.D., CPA
VICE PRESIDENT FOR
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Charles Lewis, Ph.D.
CHIEF MARKETING AND
6
COMMUNICATIONS
Tim Garner ’69
DIRECTOR
OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
Kaci Ogle ’95/’04
DIRECTOR
OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
AND EDITOR
Buffy Lockette
DIRECTOR
14 20 30 OF MARKETING & LICENSING
Mary Smith ’93
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
FEATURES Emily Lankford ’16
Harley Stickney '19
WRITERS
Buffy Lockette
6 EDUCATING ALABAMA
Brett Buckner
PHOTOGRAPHERS
14 COUNTRY MUSIC LEGENDS ROCK Matt Reynolds '14
CAMPUS RAISING $1.28 MILLION Grace Cockrell
COPY EDITOR
Bill Hubbard
20 JSU STUDENTS WIN NATIONAL
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
|alumni association
30 END OF AN ERA: executive officers|
Provost Rebecca Turner Retires PRESIDENT
after 38 Years Blake Arthur '07
VICE PRESIDENT
Tyrone Smiley '09/'12
SECTIONS
TREASURER
Chris Reynolds ’85
3 PRESIDENT’S LETTER
RECORDING SECRETARY
4 AROUND CAMPUS Nancy Turner
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
17 SPORTS Kaci Ogle ’95/’04
22 WITH ALUMNI ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Alan Renfroe ’88/’07
32 ALUM NOTES
Gem of the Hills is published by the
Division of University Advancement:
700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville,
Alabama 36265 © 2017 Jacksonville
State University
COLLEGIATE COUNCIL FOR ADVANCEMENT phone: (256) 782-5404 or 877-JSU-ALUM
ADVERTISING AWARDS AND SUPPORT OF EDUCATION fax: (256) 782-5502 | email: alumni@jsu.edu
WINNER (CASE) AWARDS WINNER web: jsu.edu/alumni
2013 • 2018 2019
2 | GEM OF THE HILLS
a message from THE PRESIDENT
GREETINGS, GAMECOCKS!
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,
Greetings from the Friendliest Campus in the South! our outstanding David L. Walters Department of Music, is
This redesigned edition of “GEM” is just getting some much-needed upgrades. As we wrap up repairs
one of the many positive changes taking to damaged facilities, we have drawn up plans for the new
place at your alma mater. More than a state-of-the-art Merrill and Wallace Halls.
year following the devastating March Of course, what is more important than the physical
2018 tornado, the repairs and renovations buildings housed on JSU’s campus is the work that goes
are really starting to take shape. We are on inside them. As the cover story illustrates, JSU is at
showing the resiliency of being true the forefront of academic innovation and community
Gamecocks by recovering from this engagement. Our renowned School of Education, with its
disaster in record time. Center for Autism Studies and programs like On to JSU,
We have opened two amazing is one example of how JSU continues serve the people of
new facilities - the Recreation and Alabama while educating tomorrow’s leaders.
Fitness Center and the Jim
Case Baseball Stadium It is a great time to be a Gamecock!
(page 17). We have also Go Gamecocks and we are JSU Strong!
taken over management
of the former Reserve
Apartments (page 13). John M. Beehler, PhD, CPA
Mason Hall, home to President
a message from THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR
HELLO, GAMECOCKS!
Summer has arrived and campus is filled with incoming Until we can rebuild, you can reach us at the School of
freshman attending our outstanding Gamecock Orientation. Business and Industry Complex (Bldg. 3) at the former Kitty
It is always exciting to see future members of our alumni Stone Elementary School located at 115 College Street SW,
family beginning their journey at JSU! just a couple of blocks off Mountain Street.
I hope you like the new look of the GEM! Get to know We hope you enjoy this edition and remember we love to
some of our young alumni who are changing lives in the hear from you! Email or call me if you need anything.
education world on pages 7-8. Travel with us to Iceland this
December to see the Northern Lights. Details are on page Go Gamecocks!
16. Remember Mrs. Lou Kennamer on page 29. And if Blow Southerners!
you haven’t already heard, Dr. Rebecca Turner has recently
retired as Provost. Learn more on page 30.
Homecoming will be here before we know it. Join us
under the tent this year on the alumni front lawn for pastries Kaci Ogle, ‘95/’04
and juice before the parade at 10:30 a.m. You can find the Director of
complete homecoming schedule on page 25. Alumni Relations
SUMMER 2019 |3
* FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
The Recruitment Team- Curtis McGhee Jr., Roxanne
Bailey, Brett Underwood, Noelle Stovall, Dr. Messer,
Lauren Findley, Logan DeBoer, Haley Ginn,
Cody Beck, and Arlene Flores.
MEET
DR.MESSER
and the Recruitment Team
By Brett Buckner
4 | GEM OF THE HILLS
Emily Messer has come responsibility – from director of referring those students to us.”
home and she hopes to grow the student life to assistant dean of To that end, Dr. Messer created
family. The Hokes Bluff, Ala. students to, finally, vice president of a Prospective College Referral
AROUND CAMPUS
native has been named associate enrollment management. She also Form, encouraging alumni to
vice president for enrollment previously worked in student affairs recommend potential students.
management at her alma mater. at Southern Methodist University. Alums can also join the Boots on
Messer earned two degrees It was as a student at JSU the Ground Campaign, a volunteer
from JSU – a BA in English in where Dr. Messer first discovered, alumni group that helps recruit
2005 and a Master of Public then heightened, her love for students. Information on both
Administration in 2007. She the administrative side of higher opportunities is available online
went on to earn a Doctorate of education. As a student, she served at www.jsu.edu/alumni. JSU has
Education in higher education as SGA president, worked for then recruiters working nationwide.
administration from the University associate vice president of student Alumni are encouraged to look
of Alabama. In 2012, she was affairs, Dr. Alice Cusimano, and up their area’s recruiter online at
named JSU’s Young Alumna of the was a JSU ambassador and an www.jsu.edu/undergraduate/meet-
Year. orientation leader. counselors to connect.
“Being back at my alma mater “I just did a little bit of For Dr. Messer, the joy of
is really a dream come true,” Dr. everything,” she said. “I loved working in enrollment comes both
Messer said. “I love enrollment what I was doing and realized that from giving back to her alma mater
management, and to be able to do I could really see this as a career, and also brightening the future of
that at JSU is so very special.” working in higher education and young people who grew up just like
Dr. Messer comes to impacting the lives of students.” she did.
JSU from Messer came on board at “Being at JSU and working
JSU in May 2018 and she and in these 11 regional counties is
her staff have begun working to intriguing to me because that’s
implement their plan for increasing where I grew up,” she said. “To
enrollment. One of the main be able to help provide higher
areas of concentration moving education to those students is a
WHAT I REALLY LOVE forward will be opening lines of great opportunity. What I really
IS BEING ABLE TO communication between JSU and love is being able to see a student
SEE A STUDENT younger high school students. through from high school to
“We’re using all forms of the transition into college and,
THROUGH FROM HIGH
communication – text messages, ultimately, through graduation.”
SCHOOL TO THE phone calls, emails, postcards
TRANSITION and letters,” she said. “But not
INTO COLLEGE AND, just for seniors. We’re targeting
ULTIMATELY, sophomores and juniors, to build
THROUGH GRADUATION. that admissions funnel for years to
come.”
Dr. Messer also wants to get
alumni more involved.
“Word of mouth will always
Shorter be the best way to recruit,” she
University in said. “We want them to share the
Rome, Ga., where she served great experiences they’ve had while
in various roles of increasing also being a little more active in
SUMMER 2019 |5
ON THE
COVER
C A T I
EDU B
A L A
by Brett Buckner
K
ENDALL REYNOLDS ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A TEACHER. USING A KIT ORDERED
FROM A TOY CATALOG, SHE PLAYED TEACHER TO HER LITTLE SISTER AND A
CLASSROOM OF STUFFED ANIMALS. IT WASN’T UNTIL HER SENIOR YEAR OF
HIGH SCHOOL THAT SHE FULLY COMMITTED, INSPIRED BY THE ENGLISH TEACHER SHE
WANTED TO EMULATE.
6 | GEM OF THE HILLS
“There are so many kids who
BEGINNINGS
just need an adult to believe in
and love them,” Reynolds said. “I JSU traces its beginnings to
wanted to be that for the children the establishment of the State
FEATURE
in my classroom.” Normal School in 1883, when it
trained teachers and educated local
G
Reynolds graduated from JSU
N
children. In 1897, the Jacksonville
I
in 2018 with a degree in early
childhood/elementary education Public School District was formed,
and is now a third grade teacher at with its schools serving as a training
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary ground for Normal School students.
A
In 1929, the two-year Normal
M
School in Huntsville, Ala.
BA
That first day on the job, Schools of Alabama officially
Reynolds was nervous, but confi- became four-year teachers colleges.
dent. She had an irrational fear of That same year, Jacksonville sold
forgetting everything she’d learned its city school land and buildings
and she questioned her ability to to what would be known as the
manage a room full of 8-year-olds. Jacksonville State Teachers College.
Once the day started, however, In 1957, the name was changed to
everything fell into place. She Jacksonville State College before
knew she was ready. After all, she finally becoming Jacksonville State
was a graduate of JSU’s School of University in 1966.
Education JSU’s legacy as a teachers col-
“I believe JSU produces the lege is a source of pride. However,
most prepared and qualified educa- having a rich history does not
tors who love what they do and ensure a prosperous future.
have passion unmatched,” Reynolds “The assumption is that we’re
said. “I am beyond blessed to be always going to be here,” said Dr.
a product of, in my opinion, the Janet Bavonese, associate dean for
best School of Education in the the School of Education. “But our
country.” challenge is to raise the bar, to go
That’s the goal in the JSU above and beyond, to push innova-
School of Education – to produce tion to the next generation. Yes, we
the best, first-day-ready educators. have a storied history. Yes, we have
“We want to reach a world- one of the most successful programs
class standard, which means raising in Alabama, but there are other
the bar beyond Alabama,” said Dr. things to be accomplished. We don’t
Tommy Turner, dean of the School want to be on the cutting edge. We
of Education. “Our teachers need want to be the cutting edge – to
to be equipped to go anywhere in have other schools follow our lead.”
the world – anywhere – and impact
CHANGING MINDSETS
student learning positively. That’s
our goal, and it’s connected to the Payton Golden was a problem
legacy that began here.” child, the kid with ADHD bouncing
off the walls with energy. Today, the
SUMMER 2019 |7
problem child has become the ad- University. Transition University A love of learning was why
vocate. The 2018 alumna is now a cultivates relationships between Mackey became a teacher.
special education teacher at Emma high school students with intellectu- “JSU provided an excellent
Samson Middle School in Gadsden. al and severe disabilities and JSU’s environment, even back then,”
“I may be the only love some special education teacher candi- Mackey said. “We had rigorous
of these children see throughout dates – providing socialization and classes. It was focused on under-
the day,” Golden said. “Give that educational enrichment. On to JSU standing children, and children with
difficult child a chance. Don’t quit provides a two-year postsecondary special needs, and then there was
on them because they’re a problem. educational experience aimed at the practicum experience, where
Give them the chance to learn, and improving economic and indepen- we’d work in actual classrooms with
they will surprise you.” dent lifestyle options. Participants students. I’m sure it’s even better
Valerie Wheat, a special educa- take part in academic classes and now.”
tion instructor and assistant director social events with non-disabled If anything, those classes have
for JSU’s Center for Autism Studies, peers, live on campus, and complete gotten tougher, but the love for
has spent 30 years teaching and an internship. learning that brought Mackey to
studying special education. “It’s all about teaching inde- the School of Education still thrives
“We’re really changing mind- pendence,” said Karen Carr, On to within its classrooms and continues
sets,” Wheat said. “It’s why we like JSU program director. “We want to inspire future generations.
to say that special education is not them to be able to live and work on “I have never seen teachers who
a place, it’s a service. We need to their own someday.” are as passionate about their jobs as
prepare our teachers for entering a the instructors are in JSU’s educa-
neuro-diverse environment.” FUTURE LEADERS tion program,” Reynolds said. “It
Beneath the special education Dr. Eric Mackey is part of the is such an inspiration to see people
umbrella, the School of Education School of Education’s legacy of who love what they do. It rubs off
fosters several programs and leaders. on their students and causes us to
areas of study that aim to change Mackey – who graduated from be passionate about what we’re do-
perspectives about special needs JSU in 1992 and was the first in his ing as well.”
children and their place in the family to earn a college diploma – Makayla Isley became a teacher
classroom. JSU’s Center for Autism worked in the public school system because she understood those needs
Studies prepares the next genera- from 1993 to 2010, serving as a that often go unrecognized.
tion of teachers with strategies to high school physics teacher, assistant “When I was younger, I needed
better interact with students with principal, principal, and superinten- my teachers,” said Isley, who
autism. dent of Jacksonville City Schools. In graduated from JSU in 2018 with
“If given the right opportu- April 2018, he was named Alabama a degree in early childhood educa-
nities, students with autism can Superintendent of Education. tion. “I had some really rough days
accomplish great things,” Wheat “JSU does an excellent job in and hard things going on.”
said. “There have been many preparing teachers first, to teach One teacher made sure Isley
great contributors to science and students, and then to teach the was taken care of, asking if she’d
math who have been on the autism material,” Mackey said. “To be ef- eaten and constantly telling her
spectrum. That’s why we’ve got to fective, you have to love kids. That’s that she was good and loved. That
find a way to assimilate them into something that universities can do compassion carried Isley. She
the classroom because they have so a better job of – helping students wanted to someday show her own
much to contribute.” to figure out if they’re really meant students that kind of love. Today,
Two additional JSU programs to be teachers. Once you figure out she is a fourth grade reading and
designed to help those with special who has that calling, the rest comes Alabama history teacher at
needs are On to JSU and Transition easy.” Oxford Elementary School in
8 | GEM OF THE HILLS
Oxford, Ala. She also teaches read- a portfolio of materials for review, During the day, her students played
ing intervention. including a series of lesson plans, a “get to know you games,” and
“You never really know what video of themselves teaching and she read “Mr. Morris’ Fantastic
happens at home,” Isley said. “I written analysis of their instruc- Flying Books” before delivering a
remind myself I might be the only tional practice. As of September “Hallmark-movie worthy pep talk.”
FEATURE
smile, hug and ‘I love you’ that a 1, 2018, Alabama – along with 39 Then she got confused lin-
child hears that day. In my prayers other states – approved this assess- ing the kids up for the buses and
every morning I ask for each ment option for candidates seeking panicked at the thought of having
student to leave my room with full initial teaching certification. JSU put some on the wrong bus. It was a
bellies, hearts and minds.” has been “ramping” up for using it heck of a first day – for the teacher.
with its students for three years. “I left that day with my heart
THE STATS
“I’m very happy about 96 fuller and my mind and body more
The School of Education has percent,” Dr. Turner said. “I think exhausted than I ever have felt,”
no shortage of statistics proving that’ll stand up against any univer- Isley said. “I will never forget it.”
the readiness of its graduates. But sity anywhere. That 96 percent puts For Reynolds, there have been
to Dr. Turner and his staff, only us on track for achieving that goal hard days. There have been days
one stat matters – the school’s 96 of a world-class standard.” when she didn’t think she could do
percent pass rate on the Teacher it any more. On those days, she just
NEVER GIVE UP
Performance Assessment. Of the 90 remembers why she wanted to be a
students who presented their portfo- For those in the classroom, the teacher in the first place.
lio for national scoring, 86 passed. recent graduates still finding their “Every time I see a lightbulb
“That’s the only stat I’d give – a voice and their footing, some days go off in a kid’s head,” Reynolds
96 percent pass rate,” Dr. Turner are filled with tiny miracles while said, “every time I see one of my
said. “And it was our first time.” others are a series of disasters. students do something kind, every
Developed by the Stanford Isley was filled with first-day time I see my students engaged in a
Center for Assessment, Learning, jitters. Her mind swirled with all lesson, I remember this is why I’m
and Equity in 2009, the test mea- those “What ifs,” imagining all the doing it, and it that makes every
sures a teacher-candidates’ abilities worst things that could happen. other hard day so worth it.”
in planning, instruction and assess- Her desk was covered with sticky
ment. It requires students to submit notes from new teacher training.
a c h er s w ho
e r s e en t e
n e v jobs
“I have e abo u t t h e i r
a s s i o n a t
are as p ar e i n J S U’s
e i n s t r u c tors
as t h r am,”
o n p r o g
e ducati y n o l d s '18
l R e
-Kendal
SUMMER 2019 |9
10 | GEM OF THE HILLS
ciao,
AROUND CAMPUS
Y'ALL!
Design by: Harley Stickney // Student Designer
JSU’s beloved band, the Marching Southerners, oceans to perform. The band was invited to play for
received a New Year's Day blessing from His Holiness the Queen of England in London's 2012 New Year's
Pope Francis at the Vatican on Jan. 1, 2019, after Parade. They performed at the 75th anniversary of the
performing in the annual World Peace Day Parade. attack on Pearl Harbor in 2016 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The world-renowned band marched through In 1996, they marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day
the streets of Rome playing "Ode to Joy" to 100,000 Parade.
spectators gathered to hear the Pope's annual New More that 400 JSU students, faculty, staff, alumni
Year's Day message at St. Peter's Basilica. At the end of and family members participated in the week-long
the Pope's address, the band played the JSU Fight Song journey throughout Italy. In addition to the New Year's
and other game day favorites, including singing "I'll Fly Day performance in the Vatican, the Cocky travelers
Away." visited the cities of Venice, Rome, Florence and
Parade organizers extend invitations to select Pompeii – taking in museums, monuments and historic
American and Canadian bands. This isn't the first time sites along the way.
the Marching Southerners have been asked to cross
SUMMER 2019 | 111 GRAND AWARD
for Communications and Marketing:
“When the Storm Hits: How PR Can
Pick Up the Pieces When the Sky Falls.”
Honorees include: Buffy Lockette, Sydney
JSU Jones, Sebastian Mendez and Chris
Newsome. This entry will be considered
Recognized for the national CASE Platinum Award.
with 2 GRAND AWARD
in Online Innovation/
HIGHEST Experimentation for
“When the Storm Hits: How
3 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
in Crisis/Issues Management.
HONORS
Facebook LIVE Can Pick Up Honorees include Buffy
the Pieces When the Sky Lockette and Sydney Jones,
Falls.” Award Winners: Sydney with the support of Dr. Jeff
in University Jones and Buffy Lockette. Ryan and Officer Elizabeth
Morrow.
Communications
4 SPECIAL MERIT
The JSU Office of for Social Media Strategy and Execution,
for the creative use of Facebook LIVE
Marketing and following the March 19 tornado. Honorees
Communications has include Sydney Jones and Buffy Lockette.
been recognized with
the highest honors
bestowed 5 GRAND AWARD
in university for Excellence in Photography for the
advancement, by portfolio of JSU University Photographer
Matt Reynolds. This entry will be considered
the Council for the for the national CASE Platinum Award.
Advancement of
Schools and Education
(CASE) awards. 6 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
in Graphic Design for
Recruitment Publications for
The honorees were the Undergraduate Viewbook,
recognized at an awards created by Emily Lankford and
celebration at the CASE Trevor Grimes.
District III conference in
Atlanta in February. 7 SPECIAL MERIT
in Graphic Design 8 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
for a Single-Page
Publication or Flier for the in Graphic Design for a
Undergraduate Viewbook Single-Page Publication
by Emily Lankford and or Flier for the "You Are
Trevor Grimes. In" admissions brochure
created by Emily Lankford.
12 | GEM OF THE HILLSDarby Angle
Crowned
AROUND CAMPUS
Miss JSU
2019
Sport management major Darby Angle was
crowned Miss JSU in January, and represented the
university at the Miss Alabama pageant in June.
A second generation Gamecock, Darby is a JSU Takes Over
Management
junior hailing from Dallas, Texas. The Marching
Ballerina demonstrated her range as a dancer during
the pageant, delighting the audience with a humor-
of Former Reserve
Apartments
ous and high-energy tap route to Dolly Parton’s “9
to 5,” winning the talent portion of the competition.
Her social impact initiative is “Precious As Rubies,”
a personal platform to help women who have gone Students now have more housing options at
through sexual violence, specifically on their college Jacksonville State, as the university has taken over
campus, to realize their true value and purpose. management of the former Reserve Apartments –
Taylor Snider, a nursing major from Hueytown, now repaired, renovated and renamed The Pointe
Ala., was named first runner-up and won the at JSU.
Lifestyle and Fitness portion of the competi- The off-campus housing community was signifi-
tion. Courtney Williams, a nutrition major from cantly damaged by the EF-3 tornado that struck the
Leesburg, Ala., was second runner-up. city and campus on March 19, 2018. The property
is now under new ownership, has been completely
renovated, and is ready for occupancy. JSU has
entered into a management agreement with the new
owners and will operate the apartment complex as a
student residence.
The Pointe is open to upperclassmen and offers
four-bedroom, four-bath housing units with fully
furnished common areas and bedrooms, new stain-
less steel kitchen appliances, washers and dryers in
every unit, patios and balconies, pool and clubhouse
access, an exercise gym and basketball/tennis and
volleyball courts.
“The Pointe offers students upscale accom-
modations within walking distance of campus,”
said Brooke Lyon, director of housing operations.
“A year following the March 19 tornado, JSU has
rebounded from a student housing shortage and we
are happy to provide our students even more options
like The Pointe to call home.”
SUMMER 2019 | 13|featurestory|
COUNTRY MUSIC LEGENDS ROCK CAMPUS,
RAISING $1.28 MILLION
Country music and JSU fans alike packed JSU JSU President John Beehler said, "We are so
Stadium on Sept. 26 for a sold out tornado relief con- thankful to Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook
cert benefiting JSU, organized by iconic Country Music of Alabama and all the other artists, sponsors and
Hall of Famers Alabama. university personnel who worked together selflessly to
The legendary band assembled an all-star lineup of make this event a huge success. Not only was nearly
talent – including Charlie Daniels, Jason Isbell and the $1.3 million raised to help us rebuild our campus, but
400 Unit, Shenandoah, Jamey Johnson, Riley Green, smiles were put on the faces of thousands of attendees
Drake White, Home Free, John Berry, Gordon Mote, who have endured so much since the devastating tor-
Darren Knight "Southern Momma," Sixwire, Sweet nado of March 19, 2018. The impact of this concert
Tea Trio, and SiriusXM's Storme Warren – who all will be felt for years to come."
came together to donate their time and voices to raise Nationwide Insurance (Randy Jones & Associates,
funds for the tornado-ravaged university. The historic Inc.) was the presenting sponsor of the evening.
concert generated a grand total of $1.28 million. Platinum sponsors included Dr. Pepper (official drink
"Teddy, Jeff and I are so proud of the artists who of the show), Ford, Alabama Power Foundation,
played this benefit for tornado damage at Jacksonville Marc and Mary Angle, Ken and Jenny Howell and
State University," said Alabama frontman Randy Trycon Tufters. Gold sponsors were Jim and Gina
Owen, a JSU English alumnus and member of the Nolen, Thomas Dedrick/Raymond James and Webb
Board of Trustees. "With over $70 million dollars Concrete and Building Materials. Collectively, these lo-
in damages, we're glad that we, along with our artist cal Alabama companies and individuals donated more
friends, were able to help raise over a million dollars. I than $300,000 in sponsorship dollars.
graduated from JSU so it's very personal for me. Teddy
and Jeff said 'let's do this' the day I called them after the
tornado. #JSUSTRONG."
1. Thomas Dedrick, Marc Angle, Earl Warren 7. Cocky was happy to share the spotlight with some of
and Mary Angle chat backstage. his favorite performers.
2. Alumnus Riley Green gave a surprise performance. 8. Alumnus and trustee Randy Owen presented a $1.28
3. The whole crowd sang along with million check from the proceeds to President Beehler.
Jamey Johnson’s “In Color.” 9. The Sweet Tea Trio sang in sweet harmony.
4. Charlie Daniels brought the house down 10. Comedian Darren Knight had the audience laughing
with his classic “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” with his Southern Momma tales.
5. Alum Keaton Glass and Jesi Lankford enjoy 11. The event united the JSU family and celebrated the
the show. Gamecock spirit of resilience.
6. JSU stadium was packed with country music
fans, despite the rainy forecast.
14 | GEM OF THE HILLS1 2 3
FEATURE
4 5 6 7
8
"THE IMPACT OF THIS CONCERT WILL BE
FELT FOR YEARS TO COME."
-PRESIDENT BEEHLER
9 10 11
SUMMER 2019 | 15
ICELAND
December 16-22
7
Days
10
Meals
Highlights Include:
16 | GEM OF THE HILLS
lp ay
b a l l
SPORTS
University
Dedicates
New Baseball
Stadium
JSU Baseball enjoyed a new stadium this season. first-class facility that will be the home of a first-class
Named in honor of Coach Jim Case, who is now in program that Jim Case has run in his time here at JSU."
his 18th season with the team, the new state-of-the- The baseball field itself has been named in honor
art facility includes a 1,000-seat spectator grandstand of Coach Rudy Abbott since 2000. Construction on
with a shade canopy, seven VIP suites that are able to the new stadium began in spring of 2017 and the first
entertain large groups with seating inside and outside, a game in the park took place on Sept. 30, when the
new state-of-the-art press box with radio and television Gamecocks hosted Mississippi State in an exhibition
broadcast booths and a game operations center. game.
"I do not have words to express how grateful I am The Gamecocks' home dugout is now located along
to have my name associated with one of the finest sta- the first-base line and adjacent to a new clubhouse
diums that I have ever seen," Coach Case said. "It's an that features a locker room, lounge, team meeting area
overwhelming honor and I am so thankful for it. This and athletic training treatment area. The clubhouse is
stadium is a generous tribute to the tradition of JSU attached to an enclosed training facility that allows for
Baseball and is a great commitment to its future." batting and pitching workouts. New step-down team
The JSU Board of Trustees approved the naming dugouts, bullpens, new coaches offices and meeting
of the stadium at its quarterly meeting last summer, space is also included in the project.
granting the request of Bob Kennamer and Earlon "We are very thankful for these generous private
McWhorter, the two donors who made the facility a gifts from Mr. Kennamer and Mr. McWhorter," said
possibility with their contributions to the project. JSU President John M. Beehler, a former Penn State
"When Earlon and I made our pledge to support baseball player and fan of the game. "These transfor-
the construction of a new baseball facility, our only mational gifts, the largest ever made to Jacksonville
request for consideration was the naming rights to the State University, helped fund this new stadium for the
stadium," said Kennamer, a JSU alum and former baseball team, and I know Coach Case is honored to
longtime member of the JSU Board of Trustees. "I have his name on this first-class facility."
can't think of a more deserving name to be on this
SUMMER 2019 | 17gamecock
FOOTBALL
The five-time Ohio Valley Conference champs will host the
most home games in a regular season in JSU history this fall.
"We couldn't be more excited about our 2019 football
schedule," JSU Athletics Director Greg Seitz said. "Not only
do we have a record-number of home games for our fans,
09.14
EASTERN WASHINGTON
but we were able to secure seven Division I games in what
we feel is one of the best settings in the FCS.”
BAND DAY
JSU finished the final polls ranked No. 10 in 2018, the sixth-
straight year finishing in the Top 10 of the FCS rankings. The
Gamecocks are coming off their sixth-straight FCS playoff
appearance, the third-longest active streak in the nation.
gamecock
football schedule 2019
*Home games are in red. 09.21
UNIVERSITY OF
NORTH ALABAMA
08. 29
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA
09.07
UT CHATTANOOGA
FAMILY DAY
09.28
TICKETS AUSTIN PEAY
able for
are avail nline at
eo
purchas kSports.com
S U G a m ecoc ticket
J lling the
or by ca 6-782-8499.
25
office at
18 | GEM OF THE HILLSPREVIEW 2019
SPORTS
10.05
TENNESSEE STATE
10.26
MURRAY STATE
HALL OF FAME
PREVIEW DAY
10.12 11.02
EASTERN ILLINOIS UT MARTIN
11.09
TENNESSEE TECH
10.19
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
HOMECOMING 11.23
EASTERN KENTUCKY
MARCHING
SOUTHERNERS
REUNION
SUMMER 2019 | 19|featurestory|
NATI
JSU STUDENTS WIN
NATIONAL CORNHOLE
CHAMPIONSHIP By Brett Buckner
While tossing bags across the encourages colleges to develop rather than just a tailgate game
backyard into a set of cornhole cornhole as an intramural or club people play for fun. People can
boards that his buddy’s parents sport and develop strategies to earn a living doing this.”
made, Branson Oliver never leverage cornhole to raise funds for Oliver admits that he doesn’t
imagined he’d one day be crowned college athletics. really practice all that much, instead
a national champ in the game. But To the uninitiated, cornhole playing in local tournaments
that’s exactly what happened when is normally a game reserved for whenever possible. “Really it’s just
he and his throwing partner, fellow tailgates and family reunions, but muscle memory,” he said. “Once
JSU student Dustin Travis, won there’s serious money to be won you get the rhythm down, you’re
the American Cornhole League’s for those who put forth a little time good to go.”
College Cornhole Doubles National and effort. Oliver won a total of When it comes to game time,
Championship. $5,000 in scholarships: $2,500 in some like to yell and talk trash to
Oliver, a 22-year-old junior doubles, $2,000 for a second place get into the head of their opponent.
majoring in occupational health finish in the singles competition and Oliver is more laid back. He can
and safety, and Travis, also 22 and $500 in the pro tournament. Travis usually be found listening to rap
a junior majoring in computer won $2,750: $2,500 for the doubles music through his earbuds and
science, graduated together from win and $250 for placing ninth in sipping on a frothy beverage until
White Plains High School – singles play. it’s his turn to throw.
located just over the mountain “I know lots of people who “I’m pretty quiet, trying to get
from Jacksonville. Yet, they beat make a living out of this,” Oliver in the zone,” he said. “The whole
teams from as far away as Ohio said. “They travel all over the tournament, I usually keep my head
and Virginia on their journey to country playing in $10,000 and down and listen to music to drown
winning the tournament in Myrtle $25,000 tournaments. And anybody everything else out.”
Beach, S.C. on Dec. 30. can be in them – just practice and When it comes to plans for the
The National College Cornhole get really good.” future, Oliver hopes to get a job
Championship crowns the best People are normally shocked with Honda as a safety monitor
college team and college alumni by just how popular cornhole is and perhaps, one day, work for
team from around the country. becoming. OSHA. Travis, who currently works
It provides scholarship money to “ACL has a contract with as an assistant pro at the Anniston
students and donations to booster ESPN, and they’re really trying Country Club, aspires to go through
clubs. The open format allows to expand things,” Oliver said. the Professional Golf Management
for any size college to participate. “They’re trying to bring it up to Program and eventually manage a
The American Cornhole League where it’s seen as a national sport golf course.
20 | GEM OF THE HILLSIONAL
CHAMPIONS
FEATUREalumni volunteers
needed for
BOOTS
ON THE
GROUND
Our “Alumni Boots on the Ground”
initiative to utilize our alumni to help
JSU’s enrollment and retention efforts
is growing strong, but there is always
room for more volunteers.
Opportunities include:
Representing JSU at college
recruitment fairs in your local area
Hosting an alumni/prospective
student dinner or reception in
your area
Bringing a student to JSU for a
campus visit or setting up a visit
Representing JSU at your local
high school or community college
awards program to present
scholarships to future Gamecocks
Serving as a mentor for current
JSU students through the online
mentoring program
Participating in an alumni career
panel on campus for our students u p c o m i n g
SIGN UP TO HELP AT ALUMNI EVENTS
jsu.edu/alumni/get-involved
QUESTIONS? Aug 18-30
Contact Kaci Ogle Scotland/Ireland Trip
Director of Alumni Relations Oct. 4-6
kogle@jsu.edu or 256-782-5405 BAC Weekend
JSU Preview Day
Oct. 18-20
Homecoming Weekend
Oct. 26
J-Club Reunion and
Athletic Hall of Fame
Nov. 22-23
T
L P U S RECRUI S! Southerners Reunion Weekend
H E K
R E G A MECOC ho Dec. 13
FUTU ew
w someon cock?
Commencement
y o u k no Dec. 16-22
Do ame
ou ld b e a great G pective Iceland Trip
w the Pros
Complete ferral Form on
e
Student R ni website at l
the alum dent-referral.htm
lumni/ s t u
jsu.edu/aWITH ALUMNI
Alumni Bricks
JSU is still selling alumni bricks for the sidewalk on
the alumni lawn. Proceeds from the brick program go
directly to student scholarships, so order yours today at
jsu.edu/alumni/docs/brick.pdf.
NEW LIFE MEMBERS
WHAT’S YOUR OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
JSU STORY? The Alumni Association welcomed the following new life
We want to hear about your members between July 2018 and February 2019:
experience at JSU! Please • Ashley Martin Cockrell, ’02 • Dr. Gina Moses, ‘91
share your story with us at • Mark du Pont, ‘13 • Cheryl Bevelle-Orange, ‘90
alumni@jsu.edu and tell us why • M. Chris Lee, ‘81 • Ken Dale Wiggins, ‘17
you chose JSU and how that • Tommy Lowe, ‘93 • Darryl E. Williams, ‘94
decision has impacted your life! • Eric McCulley, ‘95
Have you considered supporting the JSU Alumni Association
through an annual or lifetime membership? When you
become a member of the Alumni Association, you assist our
programming efforts for our students and alumni. Membership
dues allow us to support our regional and affinity chapter
activities along with reunions and Homecoming events.
Annual membership is $25 per person or $40 per couple.
Lifetime membership is $500 per person or $750 per couple
and you can pay over a 12-month period. Membership also
comes with discounts for events and purchases. Become a
member today at www.jsu.edu/giving or text JSUFAMILY
to 91999.
Alumni Pens
Get your own piece of history from
the alumni house. Along with the
house, it's great oak and walnut trees
were destroyed by the storms. These
limited edition pens, with wood
salvaged from a walnut tree near the alumni house
parking lot, are available for $75 and $100. Contact
the JSU alumni office to purchase yours today.
SUMMER 2019 | 23Mark your
calendar for
HOMECOMING
2019!
OCT. 18-20.
24
24: | GEM
GEMOF
OFTHE
THEHILLS
HILLSWITH ALUMNI
HOMECOMING
2018 RECAP
Thousands of JSU alumni and fans
returned “Home” on Sept. 28-30 for
Homecoming 2018. Festivities included
a 50-year reunion for the Class of 1968,
a 70th anniversary celebration for the
ROTC program, a Gamecock Orientation
reunion, and numerous other events and
activities over Homecoming Weekend.
schedule for
homecoming 2019
Friday, Oct. 18
Class of 1969, 50-Year
“Golden Gamecock” Celebration
ROTC Alumni Banquet,
Jacksonville Train Depot
Sixties Group Alumni Dinner
Saturday, Oct. 19
Homecoming Parade, 10:30 a.m.
JSU vs. SEMO, 3 p.m. – Alumni of
the Year and Homecoming Queen
and King Recognition at Halftime
Sunday, Oct. 20
UN Day Tea, 2 p.m.
SUMMER 2019 | 25STEVE LOWERY
Steve Lowery, noted Birmingham artist and musician,
was commissioned in the summer of 2018 to create a
new Fighting Gamecock painting. Lowery’s art includes
illustrations of 26 world boxing title fights and team
illustrations of the New York Yankees for the New York
Times. He has drawn or painted numerous sports legends,
musicians, artists, and performers including Salvador
Dali, The Neville Brothers, John Coltrane, Muhammed
Ali, Catfish Hunter and Andres Segovia, just to name a
few. His work has hung in Madison Square Garden and
has been featured on jacket covers on books by Dali and
Coltrane.
Prints of the Gamecock painting are unique, using a
multi-layer digital printing technique with a holographic
background that gives the print a shimmering quality as
light reflects off of it. The signed numbered prints are a
limited edition of only 100.
Signed numbered prints from 1-50 are being offered For more information on making a gift
in appreciation to donors who make a gift of $2,500 to the University Excellence Fund please
or more to the University Excellence Fund. Signed contact Dr. Charles Lewis, Vice President for
numbered prints from 51-100 are offered in appreciation University Advancement at, 256-782-5003 or
to donors who make a gift of $1,000-$2,499 to the by email at crlewis@jsu.edu.
University Excellence Fund.
26 | GEM OF THE HILLSALUMNUS
“I’ve been blessed and now I want to bless
others,” Hixon said. He recently announced three
separate commitments to his alma mater.
JIM HIXON After talking with Athletics Director Greg Seitz,
Hixon made a pledge to support the JSU Athletic
makes
Excellence Fund. Next, he donated an antique
GIVING
Conn 20J upright recording bass to the Marching
generous
Southerners, after consulting with Band Director
Dr. Kenneth Bodiford.
“This specific antique tuba is very difficult to
commitment find so I jumped at the opportunity to purchase
it when it became available,” Hixon said. “This
to JSU instrument is what gives the
Marching Southerners its signa-
ture deep-bass sound.”
Hixon has also made a sig-
When Jim Hixon was a teenager playing clarinet nificant planned gift by includ-
in his high school band, he watched the Marching ing JSU in his estate plans.
Southerners perform during competitions and knew When realized, this donation
then that Jacksonville State University would be his will fund two full scholar-
university of choice. ships for deserving students
In 1978, young Jim fulfilled his dream of becoming in the School of Education
a Marching Southerner. He said of the experience, “I and the School of Arts
loved it. We practiced as hard as the football players. and Humanities. Hixon, a
The band was wonderful and I got goosebumps every scholarship recipient himself,
time we took the field. In addition, the band was like knows how meaningful these
a second family to me and I cherish my experiences at gifts can be for hard-working
JSU.” students.
Hixon graduated from JSU with a degree in ac- “I lived in Jacksonville
counting in 1980 and the university helped him secure for 23 years and attended
his first banking position. athletics events and Marching
“My degree and assistance from the university Southerners reunions,” he
helped to launch a wonderful career,” he said. “Next said. “It has been like a fam-
year, I will retire from Family Savings Credit Union ily. It was time to give back
after 35 years with this outstanding company.” because I really love JSU.”
Due to Jim’s suggestion of having a credit union Earl Warren, director
chapter meeting at JSU Stadium, that Family Savings of development, said “JSU
Credit Union now has a suite on game days. As a is proud to claim such an
Gamecock football fan, Hixon has season tickets to outstanding alumnus as Jim
JSU home games and always attends. His plans in Hixon. We appreciate his
retirement include traveling to all of the away games, generosity so much. Jim and
as well. I hope that his gifts will spur
others to give back, as well.”The second annual event doubled its attendance. Allison and Amado Ortiz
Back: Chris Betzler Darren and Tonya Marc and Darby Angle Will Loeffler, Hannah
and Tyler Brown, Douthitt with Dean Bill Fielding Hurst, Sydney
Front: Garrett Squires, Jones-Wright and
Mike Dalesandro, Kevin Madison Wright
Barajas, and Devin Rios
Development Hosts Annual
RED TIE DINNER AND AUCTION
The Office of University Development hosted Foundation board and the JSU Annual Fund board.
JSU’s second annual Red Tie Dinner and Auction on President Beehler welcomed the guests, thanking the
Feb. 1 at Leone Cole Auditorium. Doubling the first supporters and volunteers who have offered their time,
event in attendance and proceeds, an elite group of money and resources to help bridge the gap between
JSU supporters kicked off a new year of annual fund- state funding and the realistic needs of a growing uni-
raising, recognizing loyal 2018 donors and benefitting versity. The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of philan-
the JSU Annual Fund. The formal event featured din- thropy at JSU. Through various means, the JSU Annual
ner, silent and live auctions, and entertainment from Fund solicits gifts annually from alumni, friends,
the JSU Steel Drum Band. Thanks to the generosity corporations, foundations and government entities to
of the event sponsors, all proceeds, over $50,000, were support and enhance the various schools and programs
applied directly to the schools and programs across of the university. Sponsorship opportunities for the next
campus. The guest list for this invitation-only event Red Tie event are available now. Contact the Office of
included leadership level donors in 2018, the universi- University Development for details.
ty’s executive council – including the president, deans,
directors and trustees – and members of the JSU
28 | GEM OF THE HILLSremembering
LOU
GIVING
KENNAMER
By Brett Buckner
Everyone knew Miss Lou. be made to the Lou Kennamer in and around JSU. Bob served
She was a successful business Memorial Fund at the JSU on JSU’s board of trustees for
woman, dedicating 30-plus years to Foundation instead of flowers sent 26 years, and Lou was on the
helping ladies keep pace with the to her funeral. It was fitting. Lou JSU International House board.
latest fashion trends as owner of loved Jax State. It’s where she met Together, they were long-time
Lou’s Dress Shop on Jacksonville Bob, her true love, the man she was supporters of JSU, most recently
Square. She was an avid golfer, married to for six months and one donating $1 million to start con-
competing in championship tour- day short of 60 years. struction of the new JSU baseball
naments at the Anniston Country The Kennamers met back when stadium. Bob and Lou Kennamer
Club. She was a community leader JSU was known as the Teachers Hall, home to the Department
and a visible champion for small College. Every year the school of Kinesiology, is named in their
business owners, serving on numer- hosted three or four big dances with honor.
ous city and county development live music by bands like the Woody It was Bob who initially felt
boards. She was a philanthropist, Herman Band or the Glen Miller indebted to his alma mater. Having
her name adorning a JSU faculty Band. attended JSU on the G.I. Bill, he
award, an academic scholarship “To take a date to one of those saw the university as creating the
and even a building. dances made it real special,” Bob educational foundation that allowed
Many adjectives and definitions remembered, “and you had to get both he and his wife to have suc-
have been and will continue to be that lined up well in advance or else cessful careers.
used to describe Louqueta “Lou” all the pretty girls would be taken.” “We both developed a deep love
Kennamer. To her husband, Bob, Bob asked Lou to be his date for Jax State,” said Bob, who retired
she was “soul mate.” a month or so before the dance. from State Farm Insurance. “The
“She was one of the most lov- She said yes. Only before their first university did so much for me, and
ing and compassionate people I’ve date, something else came up – a Lou developed her love, in a way,
ever known,” said Bob Kennamer, Sadie Hawkins dance. This time, it because of how I felt. It became
his voice thick with tears. “She was was Lou who did the asking. “The very important to her.”
unselfish, smart, generous and so rest was history,” Bob said. “From JSU President John M. Beehler
very, very brave.” then on, I got to tell people that she said, “Mrs. Kennamer was one of
Mrs. Kennamer died in August, asked me out on the first date we JSU’s greatest champions. Her style,
after a long battle with cancer. But ever had.” charisma and deep love for the
even in death, she was concerned Over their years together, both university are unmatched and she
for others, requesting donations Bob and Lou became fixtures will be greatly missed.”
SUMMER 2019 | 29|featurestory|
END OF
AN ERA:
Provost
Rebecca
Turner
Retires After
38 Years
By Brett Buckner
A career that has a rare feat. But for the an undergraduate degree job – July 29, 1981
lasted almost half a Calhoun County native, in that field – an issue she – because it was the
lifetime and helped JSU was where she would later remedy. same day of the historic
transform JSU into a belonged. Her career was After graduation, Royal Wedding between
renowned university is fated from the beginning. she spent eight years as England’s Prince Charles
coming to an end. On “I love JSU, it’s just a social worker before and Lady Diana.
June 1, Dr. Rebecca that simple,” she said. an advertisement in a “I thought that would
Turner, provost and vice “This university gave me monthly newsletter for be my legacy,” Dr. Turner
president of academic my first introduction to social workers caught said with a laugh. “But
affairs, retired from JSU higher education, and her eye. It was from as the years passed, so
after 38 years. that’s a game-changer.” JSU, which was looking many other amazing
“I can’t tell you what Dr. Turner was a for someone to come opportunities came my
a wonderful time I have first generation college in, teach classes and way, and I think I made
had,” Dr. Turner said. student when she entered develop a social work the most of it.”
“I can’t imagine a better JSU as a freshman. undergraduate degree. Dr. Turner would go
place to work than in a She transferred to the “It had my name written on to become JSU’s first
university setting.” University of Montevallo all over it,” she said. woman vice president.
In academic circles, as a junior in 1969 to Dr. Turner Over her past 17 years
to spend nearly 40 years major in social work remembers the date she in Academic Affairs, her
at the same university is because JSU didn’t offer interviewed for the accomplishments have
"I love JSU, it’s just that simple."
-Dr. Rebecca Turner
30 | GEM OF THE HILLSincluded bringing the “I’m looking forward for us, our programs, peers on the licensure
Red Balloon Initiative to not constantly looking and our students. As exam.
to campus in 2010, at my phone, checking for time went on, I came to She serves as
which was focused on emails,” she said. “But I’ll know her much better. treasurer of the State of
transforming traditional always answer the phone She and I were the only Alabama Association of
FEATURE
learning spaces into if it comes from JSU.” two females at the table Colleges of Nursing and
learning environments Taking over the helm amongst four male deans as a board member-at-
that are movable as JSU’s next provost when I first became large of the American
and flexible and use is Dr. Christie Shelton, dean. I watched her lead Association of Colleges
technology. She has JSU professor of nursing with power and passion of Nursing. She is also a
also led the university and dean of the School and watched her move member of the Alabama
in adding several new of Health Professions forward many successful Health Action Coalition
academic programs, and Wellness. The JSU initiatives. I experienced and serves as a board
including its first doctoral member for Cleburne
degrees. County Hospital, The
Turner decided to "....I watched her lead with power Spectrum Option, and
retire in order to spend and passion and watched her move the Sanctuary Home.
more time with family, forward many successful initiatives.
Dr. Shelton became
I experienced her encouragement
especially her 90-year-old provost on June 1, and a
and her guidance that she so readily
mother, who lives alone national search is being
following the death of Dr.
provided to those on her team. " conducted to secure her
Turner’s father in 2017. -Dr. Christie Shelton replacement as dean in
“Just making sure all the School of Health
of her needs are being Professions and Wellness.
met is a real priority, alumna earned her her encouragement and She will serve in a dual
especially now that she’s BSN and MSN from her guidance that she so role as provost and dean
by herself,” Turner said. the university before readily provided to those until a new dean comes
“I want to be able to receiving a PhD from the on her team.” on board. As she assumes
spend as much time with University of Alabama Dr. Shelton’s tenure her new position, she is
her as possible.” at Birmingham. She as dean has been one thankful for the strong
In addition to returned to JSU in 2003 of marked growth for legacy passed on by her
spending time with and served in a variety her school. Under her predecessor.
family, Dr. Turner hopes of leadership roles – leadership, the School “As I have told her
to travel and write in including BSN program of Health Professions several times and as I still
retirement. She also director, co-principal and Wellness has created say, she has tremendous
plans to continue serving investigator, nursing several new programs – shoes to fill,” Shelton
on community agency instructor and associate including a bachelor’s said. “Her legacy at this
boards and participate dean – before becoming in respiratory therapy university will always
in accreditation reviews dean in 2013. and a doctorate in permeate Academic
for the Council on Social “I first remember nursing practice. Affairs. I am thankful for
Work Education and the Dr. Turner as a powerful The nursing program the opportunity to have
Southern Association leader at JSU when I was has grown to become been a mentee under
of Colleges and Schools an instructor,” Dr. Shelton one of the largest her and to learn from
Commission on Colleges. said. “The faculty within and most successful on someone I consider to be
But mostly, she’s looking nursing always viewed her campus, with graduates one of the best.”
forward to relaxing. as a tremendous advocate regularly outperforming
SUMMER 2019 | 311 2 3
4
5
6
7
1. Luke Christian Newsome
2. Alexia Reed
3. Charles "Charlie" Levi
4. John Robert Worthington Jr. '08
and Taylor Michelle Nicolle '12
5. Susan Leanne Kelly '13 and
Michael Brock Pyle
6. DeLana Jean Harris '18 and
Tyler Austin Delano
7. Sabrina Alyssa Martin '18 and
Joseph Graves Dothard '18
32 | GEM OF THE HILLSALUMnotes
ALUMNOTES
Relations while she was Santiago “Santi” Hechart
BIRTHS own a farm in Lineville,
Ala., and were named the in school. She currently ’15 and Alex Woodfin,
1990-1999 Outstanding Young Farm works as an animal Dec. 22, 2018. Mr.
Family of Alabama for hospital supervisor. They Hechart was a member
1 Chris Newsome ’96 2018. reside in Sewanee, Tenn. of Kappa Alpha. He is
and Tasha Newsome employed as a finan-
2010 – 2018
of Jacksonville, Ala., WEDDINGS cial planner with Merrill
announce the birth of Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
1990-1999 5 Susan Leanne Kelly Smith.
their son, Luke Christian
’13 wed Michael Brock
Newsome, on April 11,
Jonathan Eric McCulley Pyle, Dec. 15, 2018. She Thomas David “Todd”
2019 in Huntsville, Ala.
’95 and Matthew Lee is a fifth grade teacher Cunningham III ’16 mar-
Luke was born at 9:16
Howell of Atlanta, Ga., at White Elementary ried Elizabeth Ellen
a.m., weighed 6 lbs. and
were wed on June 26, School. She was a mem- Verdone in November
8 oz., and was 19 inches
2018, in a ceremony of- ber of Alpha Xi at JSU. 2018. The former
long. Chris has been the
ficiated by JSU Dean of The couple resides in Gamecock baseball play-
university’s webmas-
Students Terry Casey. Taylorsville, Ga. er now plays profession-
ter since 1998 and was
named Employee of the McCulley is a flight at- ally for the Pittsburgh
tendant with Southwest Misha Whatley ’13 Pirates.
Year in 2003 and 2017.
Airlines. As a student, wed Aaron Rudolph
’14 on Nov. 3, 2018. 6
2000-2009 he was a member of DeLena Jean Harris
the SGA and served as Mrs. Rudolph, who ’18 wed Tyler Austin
2 Devin D. Beasley ’00 a peer counselor and was a housing resi- Delano on Dec. 30, 2018.
and his wife, Kesha, of assistant. dent assistant at JSU, She was a member of
Huntsville, Ala., wel- is employed by Health the Student Alumni
comed their third child, 2000-2009 Services Center. Mr. Association, was active
Alexia Reed, on June 28, Rudolph is employed by in the SGA and served as
2018. They have another Joshua Pritt ’03 and Central Network Retail a Gamecock Orientation
daughter, Avery, and son, Brenna Kaminski, Group. They reside in leader. They reside in
Ashton. Mr. Beasley, a Melbourne, Fla., mar- Birmingham, Ala. Madison, Ala.
former Gamecock bas- ried on Sept. 8, 2018. He
is employed as a senior Mary Hannah Brittain 7 Sabrina Alyssa Martin
ketball player, works for
the City of Huntsville’s software engineer at ’14 wed Josh Keith on '18 wed Joseph Graves
Department of Parks and Schneider Electric. Oct. 27, 2018. She was Dothard '18 on Sept. 22,
Recreation. a member of Alpha Xi 2018. Mrs. Dothard was
4 John Robert Delta. The couple resides a member of Zeta Tau
2010-2018 Worthington, Jr. ’08 wed in Jacksonville, Ala. Alpha, SAA, served as
Taylor Michelle Nicolle ’12 president of SAEA, a
Carrie Maxwell Poole ’13 on April 14, 2018. As stu- Steven Matthew Chubay Freshman Forum mentor,
and AJ Poole ’14 an- dents, Mr. Worthington ’15 married Kimberly served as a Gamecock
nounce the birth of their was a member of Kappa Addison Eskins ’17, Orientation leader, and
daughter, Nola Jean Alpha Order, was active on Oct. 20, 2018. Mr. a JSU Ambassador.
Elizabeth, July 14, 2018. in SGA and served as a Chubay is employed Mr. Dothard served as
Mrs. Poole was a mem- Gamecock Orientation at Decostar Industries, president of Kappa
ber of Alpha Xi Delta. leader. He is currently Inc. as an automation Alpha Order, a Freshman
working as a country engineer. He was a mem- Forum mentor, served as
3 Jordyn Brown music tour manager. Mrs. ber of Sigma Nu and the a Gamecock Orientation
Upchurch ’15 and her Worthington was a mem- Marching Southerners leader, and JSU
husband, Christopher, ber of Alpha Omicron drumline. Mrs. Chubay Ambassador.
welcome the birth Pi, served as a JSU was a Marching Ballerina
of their son, Charles Ambassador and worked and performed as a Go
“Charlie” Levi, as a student assistant in Go with the Hardcorps
September 13, 2018. They the JSU Office of Public Pep Band. They reside in
Carrollton, Ga.
SUMMER 2019 | 33You can also read
