Jacksonville State University Earns Gold Military Friendly School Designation for 2026–27

University recognized for commitment to serving military-affiliated students

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a military-themed graduation cap in a grid pattern, using bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday academic symbol into a modern pop art piece.Jacksonville State University's recognition as a Gold Military Friendly School celebrates its dedication to supporting the academic and professional journeys of military-connected students.Jacksonville Today

Jacksonville State University has been recognized as a Gold Military Friendly School for the 2026–27 academic year in the small public institution category, highlighting the university's continued commitment to serving military-affiliated students. The institution was also named a Military Spouse Friendly School.

Why it matters

The designation reflects Jacksonville State's ongoing efforts to provide academic pathways and support systems tailored to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, positioning the university as a destination for military-connected students looking to advance their careers.

The details

The recognition is based on a combination of publicly available data and responses to an annual survey evaluating institutions on criteria such as student retention, graduation rates, job placement, and the availability of military-specific resources. Support for military-affiliated students at Jacksonville State is coordinated through the university's Veteran and Military Services office, which assists students with VA education benefits, enrollment processes, and access to campus resources.

  • Jacksonville State University has received the Military Friendly designation five times.
  • This is the third consecutive year the university has earned the Gold Military Friendly School honor.

The players

Jacksonville State University

A public university located in Jacksonville, Alabama that has a long history of serving the military community through its Army ROTC program and military-specific support programming.

Dr. Christie Shelton

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Jacksonville State University.

Dr. Justin Parker

Director of Veteran and Military Services at Jacksonville State University.

Kayla Lopez

Vice President of Memberships for Military Friendly.

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What they’re saying

“Jax State is proud to support those who are serving and have served our country by providing clear pathways to complete their degrees and advance their careers. This recognition highlights the work happening across our campus to ensure military-affiliated students are not only welcomed but positioned for success from their first day through graduation.”

— Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

“Jax State values the experiences and contributions of military-connected students to our campus and local community. Jax State has a long history of serving the military community through our Army ROTC program and military-specific support programming. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve the academic, personal, and professional journeys of our students. Jax State is a destination for military-connected students looking to improve their career trajectories.”

— Dr. Justin Parker, Director of Veteran and Military Services

“Earning the Military Friendly designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution's deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don't just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”

— Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships for Military Friendly

What’s next

University officials say the recognition reflects a campus-wide effort to remove barriers for military-connected students through flexible course offerings, dedicated support staff, and programs designed to support long-term academic and career success.

The takeaway

Jacksonville State University's designation as a Gold Military Friendly School underscores its commitment to serving the military community and providing a supportive environment for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to succeed academically and professionally.