With the recent growth in the city of Jacksonville, and also within Jacksonville State University, it seems that we are making strides in the right direction.
So it should come as no surprise that change was the key ingredient to the meeting held on September 1st at 7:30 a.m. in the newly-renovated Jack Hopper Dining Hall on the JSU campus. There, JSU administrators, local city council members and city officials gathered to discuss the recent changes in the Jacksonville community and plans for future projects.
Dr. Rebecca Turner, vice president for academic and student affairs, talked of her hopes for JSU's first doctoral program, emergency management, and a master of fine arts in graphic design.
"The doctor of science in emergency management will be available primarily online," Turner said. "Our emergency management program has already developed a reputation worldwide, and we feel this is a natural outgrowth for our program."
The master of fine arts program will focus on visual communications and graphic design and will be offered through JSU's department of art. Turner said the proposal for the masters program is currently being worked on, and she hopes to have it approved by the spring. This program will be the first of its kind in Alabama.
"We believe that we have the capacity to deliver both of these programs in a way that will be of high quality to our students, and that they will also fill a niche that no one else is filling," Turner said.
Tim Garner, executive director of marketing and communications, is one of the driving forces behind the new JSU commercials, billboards and the new JSU logo that has been seen around campus. He revealed how in less than a year, JSU has formed and executed the plan for a new logo and marketing strategy.
"We have concentrated on a specific goal," Garner said. "This was the goal to form a marketing plan to promote JSU as a more modern university."
Joe Whitmore, director of institutional support services, has been charged with managing the contract for the Gamecock Express. He addressed the common concerns of students who have expressed their opinions as to the recent changes in parking and the addition of the transit system.
"The good news is, the positive feedback we're getting is coming from the SGA and other students," Whitmore said. "I firmly believe that in the next 2-3 years, the transit system will become a campus tradition and if we stopped it, we'd get just as many complaints as when it started."
Whitmore also asked that JSU's students, faculty and community bear with the system in its maturing process.
Paul LaRocca Jr., the head chef from Sodexo, spoke briefly about the new cosmetic and cuisine changes that have taken place recently in the Jack Hopper dining hall.
"I hope everyone is enjoying the changes and the new selections of food across campus." LaRocca said. "I have an open-door policy with everyone, so if you have any issues, just stop by and ask for Chef Paul."
Oval Jaynes, athletic director for JSU, spoke about his excitement for the upcoming sports season.
"Our soccer team opened with a win against Mississippi Valley," Jaynes said. "There was a great crowd there."
Jaynes also talked about the start of football season, then only right around the corner on Sept. 5. JSU is the only school he knew, in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision of Division I, which opened its season with two teams ranked in the top 25 in the nation — Georgia Tech and Florida State.
Jaynes ended by touching on the new stadium expansion that is fully underway.
"It's an ambitious undertaking; there's no doubt about that," Jaynes said. "But we're proud that we're going to have a nicer facility."
Jacksonville's Mayor Johnny Smith wrapped up the meeting by mentioning the newly opened Hampton Inn in Jacksonville, and how he believes it's a step-up from the other Hampton Inns. He also explained that, though future projects in the city may be limited due to the current state of the economy, his hope is to keep Jacksonville a city full of ambiance.
"We want people to drive through Jacksonville, and say, 'That's where I want to be'," Mayor Smith said.
The change circulating through the soon-to-be fall air is not something to shy away from, but rather, something to embrace. As JSU strives to make each facility better and more accessible for students, the city of Jacksonville is also striving to keep the community beautiful and alive. While change is a part of growth and transformation, the friendly, full-of-spirit and scholastic atmosphere that JSU and the Jacksonville community have to offer is timeless, no matter what direction change may lead us.
Julie Skinner, student worker in the Office of Public Relations, contributed to this article.
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