Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University is celebrating one of its students this week as Trey’Vionne (Trey) Marshall, a junior majoring in Collaborative Special Education, has been recognized with a national award honoring his contributions to improving the first-year student experience.
Marshall, a native of Brantley, Alabama, has been named a recipient of the Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship Award, a distinction presented annually to students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting and enhancing the transition experience for first-year college students. He is one of five students nationwide selected for the honor this year.
As part of the fellowship, Marshall traveled to Seattle, Washington, from February 14–18 to attend the annual First Year Experience Conference. The award includes a scholarship to participate in the conference, where recipients network with higher education professionals and explore best practices in supporting new college students.
University officials say Marshall has made a significant impact on campus since arriving at Jacksonville State. During his first semester, he became involved in Freshman Forum, where he earned the titles of Mr. Freshman and Elite One of the Year, the organization’s highest honor. He also helped coordinate the group’s annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness 5K, supporting mental health outreach initiatives for students.
In his sophomore year, Marshall served as a Jax State Ambassador and joined the Lambda Sigma Honor Society. Through Lambda Sigma, he participated in several service initiatives, including an award-winning project that raised more than $6,000 and built over 60 beds for local children in need. The initiative was later recognized as Best Annual Event by the Jacksonville State Student Government Association.
Now an upper-division student, Marshall continues to serve in multiple leadership roles. He is currently a Gamecock Orientation Coordinator, Jax State Ambassador, and Vice President of the First Gen Society. He has also previously served as a Gamecock Guide, Admissions Student Worker, and GO! Leader, experiences that helped shape his interest in higher education and student development.
“Trey represents the best of what Jax State strives to cultivate in its student leaders,” said Keaton Glass, Director of First- and Second-Year Experience. “His compassion, resilience, and commitment to supporting his peers make him an extraordinary role model. Trey has a remarkable ability to help first-year students feel seen, supported, and confident as they begin their college journey.”
Marshall balances academic responsibilities, work, and leadership roles while remaining actively engaged in campus life. University officials note that he is entirely self-supported while maintaining strong academic performance and service commitments.
Following graduation, Marshall plans to pursue a master’s degree in higher education or a related field and hopes to work professionally in student success and transition programs.
“I’m passionate about helping new students find their place at Jax State because I know how important those first connections can be,” Marshall said. “I’ve had incredible mentors here, and I want to be that person for someone else.”
University representatives say Marshall’s recognition highlights Jacksonville State’s continued presence on the national stage. In 2024, former Jax State student Olivia Fields received the same fellowship and now serves as Peer Mentoring Coordinator for First and Second Year Experience at the university.
Marshall will be featured on the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition website following the conference, alongside previous fellowship recipients.
