JSU NEWS 2011
A Nostalgic Look Back


Located in the Appalachian foothills, JSU has grown from its very humble beginnings as a state teachers college in 1883 into the Alabama regional university. For a number of years this was the university's JSU News website.
Content is from the site's 2011 archived pages providing a glimpse of the type of featured news offered its readership. Enjoy a nostalgic trip back to 2011.

The current website for the JSU News is found at: http://www.jsu.edu/news/


Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602
800-231-JAX1

 

Welcome to JSU from the President's Office

Please let me be first to offer an extended hand from the "Friendliest Campus in the South," as well as a heartfelt invitation to visit our physical campus soon.

Cradled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northeast Alabama, truly our Jacksonville State University is a place like no other. Our roots go deep into the red clay that provides the foundation for our picturesque campus yet our vision for continued success is future-driven as we strive to offer the newest technologies and teaching methods that will prepare our students for unbridled success and opportunities for lifelong learning.

Our students come from all walks, but they share a common expectation for their educational experience. Recently, we asked some of our students why they chose Jacksonville State University over other institutions for their post-secondary education. Overwhelmingly, they shared the same sentiment: 

At JSU, I am more than a number. 

When our students tell us that they feel welcomed at JSU and are supported socially and culturally as well as academically during their time with us, we accomplish our mission to be a student-centered university. When graduates leave our campus with degree in hand, armed with the professional skills to build successful communities and nurture families, we are pleased that we have succeeded in our academic mission. When our alumni supplement professional and academic skills with good citizenship and service qualities learned while at JSU, we know that we have realized our mission to be a comprehensive university.

At Jacksonville State University, we cherish our ability to build a brighter future for our region, our state and beyond by calling upon past success. While beautiful historic buildings are plentiful on our campus and traditional methods of instruction are still very much in place, we embrace the opportunity to move beyond plaster and post to offer quality distance education to a growing non-traditional student population. This distinction moves JSU beyond instruction in an ivory tower, firmly establishing us as an institution of innovation and inspiration.

We have come a long way since our beginnings as a state normal school in 1883. As we set our sights on the future, using our recently adopted Strategic Plan as the compass by which we will chart our course, we are excited by the endless possibilities.

As always, we hope you will linger on our website, get to know us better, and join our progress.

Sincerely,

Bill Meehan

 

 

As a freelance developer working in the registrar's office at JSU, I absolutely love my job here. The freedom my boss gives me to manage my assignments is fantastic - I get to work with all sorts of interesting data related to enrollment, classes, billing, and more. It's really satisfying to dive into these different areas and find ways to improve our processes. Now, I'll be honest - the school's technical infrastructure is showing its age in some places. We've been working with some software that's definitely seen better days. But that's also what makes this job so rewarding - there are always new challenges to tackle.

Case in point: we recently hit a major roadblock with an ancient COBOL application that just couldn't play nice with our modern tools anymore. After a hellish week of errors and workarounds, I finally put my foot down and insisted we find a COBOL alternative. Turns out, tons of other institutions were facing the same issue!

Long story short, we got approval for funding to bring in new software that will solve this headache once and for all. I'm really excited to see it arrive and get implemented. It's gratifying to know I played a part in modernizing our systems and making things run more smoothly for everyone. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do here at JSU!  MaryAnn Milgro

 

 

2011 Featured News

 

15th On the Brink Conference Set for February 19

February 3, 2011

The Jacksonville State University Department of English is pleased to present "I Ain't Been Much Farther Than My Mailbox," the fifteenth On the Brink Conference, on Saturday, February 19 at Leone Cole Auditorium...

JSU Drama, Music Departments Present Aida February 17-27

February 2, 2011

The Jacksonville State University Departments of Drama and Music will present Aida, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, February 17-27 at the Ernest Stone Performing Arts Center...

New Fact Book Brings Campus Collaboration into Focus

January 28, 2011

Collaborate is defined by Merriam-Webster as to work jointly with others, especially in an intellectual endeavor...

 

Mardi Gras Dinner at the Café
February 7, 2011
"Let the Good Times Roll" on Thursday, February 10, with Mardi Gras Dinner at the Café...
 
UPDATED: GEM Currently Up; Second Brief Outage Scheduled
February 7, 2011
Thank you again for your patience as we work through some campus e-mail issues today...
 
Upgraded Print System Coming to HCL
February 3, 2011
The University is currently in the process of upgrading the printing system that manages the student computer labs and printing at Houston Cole Library...
 
CAST’s Upcoming Production is “Drop-Dead Funny”
February 1, 2011
CAST puts the FUN in the funeral process with its production of the drop-dead comedy DEARLY DEPARTED by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones, playing February 3 - 13 at Anniston's McClellan Theatre.  Recommended for audiences...
 
Chili-Cook Off Set for Friday, Feb. 4
February 1, 2011
Have you ever wondered just how good your Chili is...

Career Services Accessible Via Email, Voicemail During Merrill Closure
July 11, 2011
Career Services is accessible via email and voicemail, during the week of July 11-15 due to the temporary closure of Merrill Hall...
 
 Primerica Presents 'How Money Works' Seminars July 12-14
July 11, 2011
The Jacksonville State University Office of Human Resources invites you to attend a Primerica "How Money Works" Seminar...
 
Retirement Systems of Alabama On Campus for Informational Sessions on July 18Retirement Systems of Alabama On Campus for Informational Sessions on July 18
July 11, 2011
Retirement Systems of AL will be on campus July 18, 2011 to conduct informational meetings regarding upcoming changes to retiree premiums, the 2011 open enrollment period and the final stages of the SECOVA/PEEHIP depende...
 
Merrill Hall Temporarily ClosedMerrill Hall Temporarily Closed
July 7, 2011
Merrill Hall will be closed the week of July 11 for an emergency electrical repair...
 
Information About PEEHIP Open Enrollment 2011Information About PEEHIP Open Enrollment 2011
July 6, 2011
The 2011-2012 Open Enrollment period will start on July 1 and continue through August 31 for changes to become effective October 1, 2011...

Dr. Charles R. Lewis is JSU's New Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Jacksonville State University is pleased to announce that Charles R. Lewis, PhD., has accepted the position of Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Jacksonville State University beginning Monday, July 11...

Important Info About About Fall Payments, Books and Supplies

For students enrolled in Fall 2011 semester, here are some important details about payment and the purchase of books and supplies using Student Financial Aid...


 
 Biology Study Abroad Program Plans for Peru in 2012
July 29, 2011
The JSU Biology Department is planning another trip to South America next year for the Biology Study Abroad program...
 
 CAST Announces 2011-2012 Season
July 29, 2011
The Community Actors Studio Theatre (CAST) announces its 2011-2012 Season...
 
 Earn CPEs at Accounting and Auditing Seminars
July 29, 2011
Earn 4-8 hours of Accounting and Auditing CPEs at the JSU McClellan Center in Anniston on Friday, August 19...
 
 Jacksonville State University Bond Refinancing Results in Substantial Savings
July 29, 2011
Thanks to a proactive stance on the part of our Trustees, Jacksonville State University (JSU) has successfully completed a refinancing of its Series 2002 Bonds, resulting in a significant savings for the university...

 Montgomery County Circuit Judge approves PACT settlement
August 1, 2011
MONTGOMERY – Montgomery County Circuit Judge Johnny Hardwick today approved a settlement reached in the Lisa Nix Green, et.al v. Kay Ivey, et.al litigation...

Encore! Show Choir Concert Scheduled for Nov. 18

November 1, 2011
Encore! Show Choir of JSU will present its Fall Concert on November 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performance Center of Mason Hall.

This concert is free and open to the public
 
 Free Counseling for Small Business Owners

November 1, 2011
The Jacksonville State University Small Business Development Center and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce will offer one-on-one counseling for prospective and existing small business owners at no charge on Thursday,...
 
 Homecoming Door, Banner, Float and Band Winners

November 1, 2011
The JSU Office of Student Life announces the following winners of the 2011 JSU Homecoming competitions...
 
 Hypnotist Brian Imbus to Perform at JSU Nov. 2

November 1, 2011
JSU Housing and Residence Life will present hypnotist Brian Imbus on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Theron Montgomery Building Auditorium...
 
 Monthly Banner Finance Training Will Be Nov. 8

November 1, 2011
The Office of Controller and Office of Purchasing will hold the November Banner Finance Training class on Tuesday, November 8...

 

Some thoughts.

I was reminiscing with a friend, Scott, the other day about out days at JSU. I was wondering about what happened to Jay, our room mate who had had a serious drinking problem back then in 2011. I had kept in touch for a few years after we gradusted in 2013 and then we just drifted apart. Well, with our 10th year reunion coming up in 2023, perhaps we would find out. Well it turns out he's now sober. I did a double take when we say him. Apparently he found a program online at a site called LifeBac that helped him stop drinking with the aid of an anti craving med called baclofen. I had never heard of it, but Jay had. Baclofen is a FDA approved drug to treat pain and certain types of spasticity (muscle stiffness and tightness) from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or other spinal cord diseases. But as a treatment for AUD? Really. Yes really. Even if abstinence is the best goal for AUD medical treatment, some patients prefer to reduce their alcohol consumption to low-risk drinking, instead of total abstinence. And baclofen can do that. In fact the LifeBac program does not demand total abstinance. Drinking is allowed. That blew my mind. Once a person has found the optimum dosage on baclofen, they lose interest in excessive drinking, binge drinking etc. Their behavior towards alcohol changes, and as Jay said, "The LifeBac program helped me get control of my life. Alcohol no longer controls me." I am impressed.

The reunion was fun and enlightening. I was wondering after the faculty senate voted "no confidence" in university president Thomas Hudson and replaced him with Elayne Hayes-Anthony as the acting president, how it would feel on campus. No different than I was there. New buildings going up. There are hree new construction projects: a North Village residence hall to be built behind Sparkman Hall, a new dining facility behind Curtiss Hall and a new football operations center at JSU Stadium. The North Village Residence Hall sounds fantastic. Those freshman who will be moving in in 2024 will be lucky. The new Loring and Debbie White Football Complex sounds pretty amazing. The new two-level facility will include a game day club level/player lounge and field club area on the first floor. The second level will feature eight suites and two corporate super suites with deck access. Fancy! The project will provide state-of-the-art training equipment, technology, hydrotherapy, coach's offices and additional meeting rooms. As usual, the Sonic Boom of the South was terrific.

What can I say. I'm a proud alumni of JSU!

 

Tips for Getting and Giving Great PR

The Office of Public Relations is the official liaison between the university and the media. All university-related correspondence with the media should be routed through our office. Not only does this help us track university coverage and fine tune our public relations efforts for maximum effect, it gives our office the opportunity to provide internal communicators the best resources available and promotes consistency and accuracy in reporting externally about JSU.

Below are some tips to help you promote your department, program or event. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact our office via e-mail, phone (256) 782-5636 or drop by 301 Bibb Graves Hall.

Working with the Office of Public Relations

Constant contact
We have a good problem at JSU. Our growing student body, the quality of our programs and our level of faculty expertise are outpacing the manpower in our Office of Public Relations! Because good university communications grows from the inside out, we are counting on each individual on our campus to be our eyes and ears, and to notify us when there are events and news happening on campus. 

Use your resources
The Office of Public Relations has established relationships with the media and we have access to a large database of contacts and publications. We also use a variety of social media networks that allow real-time updates. We can help your message get into the right hands, often in a very small amount of time.

Plan ahead
As soon as you have the basic information about your event, fill out a communications request form. Media outlets must have time to plan coverage, and we want to do everything we can to assist them. We highly recommend information be submitted two weeks in advance. When you submit information, please make certain that you have contact information available in case our office or the media would like to interview someone about the event.

Take advantage of Tip Sheets
In addition to frequent press release distribution and ongoing personal contact with reporters and editors, the Office of Public Relations now offers the media weekly 'tip sheets' containing nuggets of information we think may be of interest to their audiences. These tips include ideas we think are worthy of "fleshing out," invitations to upcoming events, and contact information for one or more of our faculty experts whose area of expertise is a hot topic. We encourage all departments and organizations to contribute ideas for these tip sheets via e-mail. 

We value your opinion
The Office of Public Relations encourages the ongoing exchange of ideas and invites all university stakeholders to participate. If you have suggestions for editorials, would like to write opinion pieces for distribution to the media, or would like to submit your departmental or individual blog for consideration on this page, we'd like to hear from you. If you have suggestions for improvement on our site, we'd like to hear those, too.

Working with the Media

Transparency at JSU
Jacksonville State University promotes ongoing exchange with the public through the media and adheres to all open meeting laws. Any university employee unfamiliar with the open meeting or "sunshine" law may request information through the Office of Public Relations.

Our faculty experts
The Office of Public Relations maintains the faculty experts guide for the benefit of reporters and groups seeking speakers on topics of interest. We encourage all our administrators, faculty and staff who can speak on a subject with authority to participate in our experts guide. Please note that the topic need not be of a strictly academic nature. 

General information about interviews
The Office of Public Relations attempts to arrange all interviews at JSU; however, we realize that there are occasions when a reporter will call an administrator, faculty or staff member without going through our office. If this happens and you feel comfortable with the interview request, you may answer the reporter’s questions and notify our office afterward. Please make certain that you get any contact information including the media outlet so that we may follow up with him. 

If you prefer not to be interviewed immediately, you may refer the reporter to our office or set up the interview for a later time or date. Please note that reporters, particularly those in television, work on tight deadlines and will move on to another source if we do not respond. Because the university strives to be as accessible as possible to the media, if you cannot accommodate an interview request for any reason, please ask the reporter to contact our office immediately so that we may assist him. If you need assistance in planning for your interview, we are always available to help.

Sometimes a reporter will request an interview that requires special equipment and capabilities, such as a webcam, sound equipment or a studio. All are available for your use and may be coordinated through our office.

How to participate in an interview
First and foremost, you are a representative of Jacksonville State University and are speaking for the university during official interviews. Please make certain you identify yourself as a JSU employee, offer the correct spelling of your name, indicate your position, and ask that your affiliation with the university be included in any attributions in print or on screen. Any personal opinion expressed during the interview should be identified clearly as such. 

Speak truthfully and succinctly when asked a question, especially during television and radio interviews that rely on brief "sound bites." Remember that the person conducting the interview may not know acronyms or other lingo associated with the subject. Take the time to explain carefully. Pay careful attention to the questions being asked; if you do not understand a question or the reporter does not appear to have understood your answer, offer more detail to be certain your answer is clear and accurate.  If a question is too difficult or you do not know the answer, tell the reporter that you do not have the information and refer him to our office. Do not allow the reporter to lead you into a story. Allow the story to develop on its own and ask the reporter to read back to you what you said if you suspect there may be inaccuracies. 

Never offer the reporter the phrase “no comment,” as it suggests you have something to hide. Try to prepare for the interview well, then keep a cool head if asked a difficult or inappropriate question.  Always offer an explanation when you cannot answer a question. If the information the reporter seeks would compromise someone’s right to privacy, it is okay to tell the reporter. If discussing the matter could have legal consequences for the university, you should refer the interviewer to our office. 

Do not rely on the term “off the record.” As a general rule, if what you're about to say is questionable for publication, it should not be discussed. If you would like to offer background information that will help build a story, make certain that the reporter knows you do not want it attributed.

If you are being interviewed for television and have time to prepare, wear lightweight, solid colors and avoid any jewelry that might create glare. Bring along a handkerchief to blot your face before going under the hot lights. Glasses are okay; television camera operators know how to adjust camera angles to make you look your best.

Remember to look at the reporter instead of the camera. Relax and act natural, paying attention to your gestures so you don't "overdo" them. Unless the subject dictates otherwise, smile often!

 

Request Photos



Photo Assignment Requests 

Photo assignment requests should be forwarded through the appropriate office:

Sports Related
Sports Information
Greg Seitz, Sports Information Director
(256) 782-5279

News/Public Relations Related
Office of Public Relations
Angie Finley, Public Relations Specialist
(256) 782-5636

All Other
Photographic Services
Steve Latham, University Photographer
(256) 782-5341

For more information about JSU Photographic Services, please visit the department website.

 

More Background On JSUNews.com

 

JSUNews.com served for years as the central digital news hub for Jacksonville State University (JSU), a public institution located in Jacksonville, Alabama. While the university now uses its main JSU website to publish official news, JSUNews.com stands as an important archive representing a particular era in the university’s communication history—especially around 2011, when the site actively featured campus events, academic updates, student life announcements, and faculty achievements. Today, JSUNews.com functions as a nostalgic window into that earlier digital presence, showcasing how JSU presented itself to students, employees, alumni, and the general public during a transitional time in higher-education communication.

This article provides an in-depth examination of the history, purpose, content, cultural significance, institutional context, and ongoing value of JSUNews.com as both a news portal and a digital time capsule.

History and Purpose of JSUNews.com

The origins of JSUNews.com reflect a period when universities were developing standalone portals for distributing internal and external news. Before the rise of consolidated university content management systems, independent news subdomains were common. JSUNews.com belonged to this era, offering an accessible, centralized space for:

  • official press releases

  • student-focused announcements

  • event calendars

  • faculty features

  • emergency updates

  • academic and administrative communications

Its purpose went beyond simple news distribution. It served as an outreach tool that reinforced JSU’s identity as “The Friendliest Campus in the South,” a phrase repeatedly used in university messaging. The site helped shape the public narrative around JSU, highlighting the school’s accomplishments, programs, and community engagement.

During the early 2010s, particularly around 2011, JSUNews.com played a key role in JSU’s digital strategy. It documented everything from arts programming to institutional planning, reflecting an active period of growth and modernization at the university.

Today, although the main domain redirects users to the university’s current news section, JSUNews.com continues to hold historical value, preserving snapshots of JSU’s communications during this period.

Location and Institutional Context

Jacksonville State University is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northeast Alabama. Its setting—scenic, rural, and steeped in regional history—has always strongly influenced the university’s identity and recruitment messaging. JSUNews.com frequently highlighted this sense of place, emphasizing:

  • JSU’s picturesque campus environment

  • its connection to surrounding Alabama communities

  • its designation as a regional public university

  • its reputation as a welcoming and close-knit institution

The location also influenced the types of events and news stories featured. Community partnerships, collaborations with Anniston and Calhoun County organizations, and regional cultural programming regularly appeared in news items. This made JSUNews.com not just a campus resource but a regional communications outlet.

Themes and Types of Content Featured on JSUNews.com

A review of the site’s preserved content reveals a rich cross-section of campus life during 2011. The themes give insight into JSU’s priorities, culture, and community involvement at the time.

Academic Announcements and Faculty News

JSUNews.com frequently spotlighted:

  • new faculty appointments

  • academic publications

  • departmental initiatives

  • updates on university strategic planning

Leadership communications, such as the welcoming statement from the university president, helped reinforce JSU’s mission as a student-centered university that blended tradition with technological advancement.

Student Life and Campus Events

Student-focused content was central to JSUNews.com. Examples include:

  • Mardi Gras dinner events

  • chili cook-offs

  • show choir performances

  • on-campus entertainment such as hypnotists and concerts

  • student organization competitions during homecoming

These stories showcased the lively, community-oriented student experience the university sought to cultivate.

Arts and Cultural Programming

JSUNews.com often highlighted productions by JSU’s music, drama, and arts departments, including performances of well-known works like Aida with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. Cultural programming from community groups such as CAST (Community Actors Studio Theatre) also appeared frequently.

Administrative and Infrastructure Updates

From emergency building closures to upgrades in printing systems and campus technologies, JSUNews.com served as a practical resource for faculty, staff, and students. Notable examples include:

  • updates on building outages

  • information about retirement system consultations

  • announcements regarding audits, payments, and enrollment periods

  • refinancings and budgetary improvements for the university

These updates helped maintain operational transparency.

Professional Development and Outreach

The site promoted seminars, continuing education opportunities, and community resources hosted by the university, such as:

  • small business counseling sessions

  • accounting and auditing CPE events

  • human resources programming and financial literacy seminars

This demonstrated JSU’s commitment to serving not only its students but also the region’s professional and economic needs.

Audience and Readership

JSUNews.com was designed to reach multiple overlapping audiences, each of which relied on the site for different purposes.

Students

For students, the site functioned as a centralized place for:

  • reminders about registration and payments

  • event details

  • campus life highlights

  • updated academic information

The student-centered mission of JSU—emphasizing personal connection and individualized attention—was heavily reflected in the site’s tone and content.

Faculty and Staff

Internal audiences used JSUNews.com for:

  • administrative announcements

  • training opportunities

  • human resources updates

  • departmental news

The site acted as a communication bridge between leadership and the broader university workforce.

Alumni and Community Members

JSU’s identity as a regional university meant that its news site also served people beyond the campus. Alumni checking in on university progress, local residents browsing upcoming events, and business owners seeking continuing education resources all used the site.

Prospective Students and Parents

While JSUNews.com was not a recruitment portal, its content shaped visitor perceptions. Seeing a campus full of events, academic achievements, and community spirit reinforced JSU’s reputation as a warm and engaging environment.

Cultural and Social Significance

JSUNews.com captured more than announcements—it provided a snapshot of JSU’s culture during the transition from the early to mid-2010s.

A Student-Centered Ethos

JSU consistently emphasized that students were “more than a number.” News stories reinforced this philosophy by celebrating small achievements, departmental successes, and campus involvement.

Community Engagement

The university’s outreach to regional organizations—arts groups, business associations, educational partners—appeared frequently in news items. This illustrates JSU’s role as an economic and cultural pillar in northeast Alabama.

The Value of the Arts

JSU placed significant weight on music, theatre, and cultural programming. This is evident in the coverage of choir concerts, drama productions, and partnerships with local performing arts groups.

Tradition and Modernization

The site repeatedly highlighted JSU’s push to modernize academic technologies while maintaining its historical campus identity. Messaging stressed both the deep roots of the university and its forward-looking goals.

Transparency and Media Relations

JSUNews.com included detailed guidance on working with the media, emphasizing openness, accuracy, and professionalism. This reflected the university’s desire to maintain consistent and trustworthy public communication.

Technical and Operational Features

Though simple by modern standards, JSUNews.com incorporated several features that made it effective at the time:

Straightforward Navigation

News categories included:

  • announcements

  • arts and entertainment

  • academic updates

  • student services

  • campus alerts

This mirrored the typical structure of university news sites in the early 2010s.

Integration with Public Relations Structures

JSUNews.com worked hand-in-hand with JSU’s Public Relations office. The site provided:

  • faculty expert listings

  • contact information for PR staff

  • media interview guidelines

  • instructions for requesting photography services

This made the site a resource for both internal and external communication.

Emphasis on Timely Updates

Content on the archived 2011 section shows multiple news stories per week, often addressing technical outages, building closures, or time-sensitive administrative information. This made the site vital for day-to-day campus operations.

Popularity and Reach

While specific analytics from the early 2010s are unavailable, the popularity of JSUNews.com can be inferred from:

  • JSU’s enrollment of thousands of students during this era

  • the consistent stream of timely news posted on the site

  • the university’s significant regional influence across northeast Alabama

  • the fact that the site was the central communications portal for official announcements

Given these factors, it is reasonable to conclude that JSUNews.com experienced substantial daily traffic from students, faculty, parents, and community members.

Examples of Notable News Stories from the JSUNews.com Era

A few examples from the preserved content illustrate the range of campus life it reflected:

Arts and Performance

  • Aida performances by the Departments of Drama and Music

  • Choir concerts in Mason Hall

  • Theatre productions by CAST at McClellan Theatre

Academic and Administrative Updates

  • New vice president appointments

  • Bond refinancing that generated significant university savings

  • Releases about departmental fact books and strategic planning initiatives

Student Services and Resources

  • Details about financial aid for purchasing books and supplies

  • Availability of career services during building closures

  • Guidelines for student printing and technology upgrades

Community and Outreach

  • Small business development counseling

  • Retirement system informational sessions

  • Public seminars on financial literacy and workforce development

These stories collectively demonstrate JSUNews.com’s role as a hub for every aspect of campus life.

Press and Media Coverage

JSUNews.com not only published university-generated news—it also operated as a gateway for connecting JSU to external media outlets. The site provided:

  • guidance on interviews

  • media contact protocols

  • faculty expert directories

  • instructions for press photography

This framework helped local newspapers, radio stations, and community media interact easily with university representatives, reinforcing JSU’s transparency and public accessibility.

Legacy and Lasting Importance

Although the university has since consolidated its communications under the main JSU website, JSUNews.com remains significant for several reasons:

A Digital Time Capsule

It preserves the tone, priorities, and culture of JSU during the early 2010s—an era before the complete dominance of social media as a university communications channel.

Historical Documentation

JSU undergoes constant change, including new construction projects, academic program expansions, and leadership transitions. JSUNews.com helps document a previous stage in that evolution.

Cultural Insights

The archived site reveals the values JSU promoted strongly at the time:

  • student-centered support

  • community engagement

  • expansion of arts programming

  • academic modernization

  • transparency in communication

These remain part of JSU’s identity, but they are expressed differently through modern digital infrastructure.

Institutional Memory

For alumni who studied during the period when JSUNews.com was active, the domain offers a nostalgic connection to student life, campus events, and the atmosphere of the university at that time.

 

JSUNews.com was more than a simple news website—it was a centralized communications engine for Jacksonville State University during a critical phase of technological and institutional transition. Through its detailed announcements, arts coverage, academic updates, and operational notices, it reflected the daily rhythms of campus life and the broader mission of JSU to serve both its students and its regional community.

Today, while its content has moved to the main university website, JSUNews.com preserves a moment in time. It remains a valuable historical resource, offering future generations a clear view into the culture, priorities, and spirit of Jacksonville State University during the early 2010s.


 

JSUNews.com