Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s Media Department, Family Savings Credit Union has earned national recognition for its innovative financial education initiative at Jacksonville State University, receiving a prestigious Cutting Edge Diamond Award for the Family Savings Financial Wellness Program at Jax State.
The award, presented by the Marketing, Public Relations, and Development Council, is part of an annual competition celebrating marketing excellence among credit unions across the nation. Family Savings stood out among fierce competition, selected as one of just 180 credit unions nationwide from more than 1,400 submissions.
“I was so ecstatic because the competition was fierce,” said Auburn Taylor, Associate Director of Default Management and Financial Wellness at Jax State. “I know there were over 1,400 submissions for various awards, so the fact that our program won is just a testament to the significant impact of our work.”
The award-winning program operates within Jacksonville State University’s Office of Financial Aid and takes a comprehensive approach to financial education. The initiative focuses on empowering Jax State students, faculty, and staff to take control of their financial futures through a combination of personalized coaching sessions, interactive workshops, online learning modules, and campus events.
“Our mission is for every Gamecock to be well informed of the impacts made from their various financial decisions, such as loan borrowing,” Taylor explained. “We want to encourage everyone to make consistent healthy financial habits that will help them achieve their long-term financial goals and create the life they desire.”
According to Taylor, this national recognition validates the program’s innovative approach and highlights the successful partnership between the university and the credit union. “For the program itself, it validates our approach and the hard work that everyone has put into creating this valuable resource for students, faculty, staff, and our community,” she said. “This award also highlights the strong partnership between Jax State and Family Savings Credit Union, demonstrating our shared commitment to financial education.”
The recognition comes at a time when financial literacy among college students remains a critical need. Research consistently shows that students who receive financial education are more likely to make informed decisions about student loans, credit cards, and budgeting—skills that benefit them throughout their lives.
Looking ahead, Taylor expressed optimism about the program’s future impact. “We believe we’ve only just begun to make a difference in our community’s financial well-being,” she said. “We are excited about the future of our partnership and its continued positive impact on the lives of our Gamecocks.”
The Family Savings Financial Wellness Program continues to expand its offerings and reach across the Jacksonville State campus, with plans to develop additional resources tailored to specific financial challenges faced by today’s college students.
For more information about the Family Savings Financial Wellness Program at Jacksonville State University, visit the university’s Office of Financial Aid website.
