On Monday, February 1, the Jacksonville State University Alumni Association in conjunction with the Higher Education Partnership hosted a Legislative Luncheon on the twelfth floor of the Houston Cole Library.
Special guests were Alabama State Representatives Blaine Galliher (R- Dist. 30), Steve Hurst (D- Dist. 35), and Richard Laird (D- Dist. 37); Alabama Senator Del Marsh (R- Dist. 12); and Calhoun County Democratic Party Chair Roy Hanner. All state legislators from the area were invited to attend.
Dr. William A. Meehan, JSU president, welcomed lawmakers in attendance. Also taking their turn at the podium were Mrs. Emily Bonds, president of the JSU National Alumni Association, and Mr. Gordon Stone, director of the Higher Education Partnership.
In his remarks, Stone told the legislators that the purpose of the luncheon was not to twist their arms or hand out cards; rather, it was an opportunity to thank them for their service to their districts and their state.
Stone did take advantage of his time at the podium, however, to express to lawmakers the importance of their continued support of higher education in the state.
“We do have a great return on our investment when we invest in higher education,” he said. “You can’t find a better resource than your regional universities. We don’t just impact what you see on this campus, we impact what goes on across this state.”
He added that, through the Legislative luncheons, the Higher Education Partnership supports alumni associations at the state’s universities and assists them in playing a more visible role in supporting higher education at the grassroots level.
At the conclusion of the luncheon, Rep. Blaine Galliher, a JSU alumnus (’01) who now represents voters in Etowah and St. Clair Counties, voiced his support for equity in education funding and a move away from the forecast mode of funding.
“We’ve got to go back and regroup, and it’s going to require leadership from the top down,” he told the gathering.
Attending the February 1 Legislative Luncheon at the Houston Cole Library are, seated, from left: Roy Hanner, Calhoun County Democratic Party; Rep. Richard Laird (D- Dist. 37); Sen. Del Marsh (R- Dist. 12); Rep. Steve Hurst (D- Dist. 35); and Rep. Blaine Galliher (R- Dist. 30). Second row, from left: Dr. Lori Owen; Diane Causey, Higher Education Partnership; Dr. Rebecca Turner, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs; Patty Hobbs; Kaci Ogle, JSU Alumni Director; . Emily Bonds, JSU National Alumni Association President; David Hammett; Suzanne LaRocca, JSU Director of Internal Audit and External Funds Compliance; Emily Raley; Gordon Stone, Higher Education Partnership Director. Third row, from left: Jane Claire Horton, Higher Education Partnership; Tim Garner; Jamie Etheredge, JSU Trustee; Dr. Bill Meehan, JSU President; Sarah Ballard; Dr. Alicia Simmons, Director, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment; Melanie Delap, Acting Vice President, Institutional Advancement; Dr. Joe Delap, Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs. Fourth row, from left: Oval Jaynes, Athletic Director; Don Killingsworth, Director of Government Relations; Clint Carlson, Vice President for Administrative and Business Affairs; Dr. Tim King, Associate Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Frank King, Associate Vice President for Distance Education. (Angie Finley/JSU photo)
