Jacksonville, AL – As the academic year draws to a close, Jacksonville State University (JSU) is set to celebrate a significant milestone at its Fall 2023 commencement, taking place on Friday, December 15, at Pete Mathews Coliseum. Approximately 500 graduates are anticipated to cross the stage, marking the culmination of their educational journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Among the graduates, Ashia Hudson stands out as the first Birmingham Promise scholarship recipient to complete her degree at JSU. This noteworthy achievement not only underscores her personal success but also highlights the transformative impact of scholarship programs on deserving students.
The Birmingham Promise initiative, designed to provide financial assistance to graduates of Birmingham City Schools attending public colleges and universities in Alabama, has been a beacon of opportunity for students like Hudson. JSU’s partnership with the program has facilitated the distribution of over $1.1 million in funding to 137 students over the past three years, enabling them to pursue higher education.
Hudson, expressing her joy and gratitude, remarked, “It feels good that I can shed light on a great opportunity for those that are coming after me so that they can take advantage of it and use it to their full potential. I am happy and excited that I am able to have a positive outcome from accepting and using the scholarship.”
Logan DeBoer, JSU’s Associate Director of Scholarships, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “Birmingham Promise is such an impactful program because they provide financial support to deserving students who may not have initially been able to access college otherwise. Students like Ashia are great examples of how hard work and opportunity can result in incredible success.”
Hudson, set to receive her bachelor’s degree in social work, has ambitious plans for the future. She will attend the Advance Standing Program for Social Work with the goal of completing a master’s degree by December 2024.
Reflecting on her journey at JSU, Hudson shared, “My JSU journey has been one to remember. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me.”
JSU’s Fall 2023 commencement will be divided into three ceremonies at Pete Mathews Coliseum:
– 10 a.m.: College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences, College of Business and Industry
– 1 p.m.: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
– 4 p.m.: College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Health Professions and Wellness
All three ceremonies will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, allowing friends and family to join in celebrating the achievements of the graduates. For additional details, please visit the commencement website. As the university community comes together to applaud these accomplishments, it also eagerly anticipates the bright futures that lie ahead for each graduate.
