Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (Jax State) celebrated a significant milestone on Tuesday with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts, fondly referred to as The ROC. This visionary $41.3 million project aims to inspire a deep appreciation for the arts among students and enhance the cultural fabric of the Jax State community, all while paying homage to one of its most illustrious alumni, Randy Owen.
Distinguished guests at the event included Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth, members of the Jax State Board of Trustees, and several local elected officials.
Dr. Killingsworth underscored the ceremony’s significance, stating, “Today marks the culmination of years of planning and dedication to transform a dream into reality. Before achieving countless No. 1 hits and earning a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Mr. Owen walked these halls as a student. The groundbreaking of the Randy Owen Performing Arts Center not only honors his remarkable career but also signifies a monumental commitment to our students, both present and future.”
The ROC is poised to become a hub of creativity and innovation, featuring the 1,000-seat Phil and Denise Webb Performance Hall, a recording studio, educational classrooms, a 400-seat recital hall, maker spaces, music technology facilities, a creative collective design space, and versatile event venues. Additionally, it will house the Randy Owen Museum and Archives, preserving the legacy of the legendary musician.
Governor Ivey, whose advocacy and support were instrumental in securing funding for the project, expressed her enthusiasm, remarking, “In 2020, alongside the Alabama legislature, I championed a $15 million grant to realize the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts. Randy’s profound impact on Jax State and Alabama compelled me to support this transformative initiative. His enduring dedication to his alma mater and his passion for the performing arts will ensure that this center becomes a beacon of creativity, enriching the lives of students and community members alike.”
The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts represents a pivotal advancement for Jax State, promising to foster artistic excellence and cultural engagement for generations to come. With construction underway, the university anticipates welcoming students and patrons to this state-of-the-art facility, reinforcing its commitment to educational excellence and community enrichment.
For more information about the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts and updates on its progress, please visit Jacksonville State University’s official website or contact their public relations office.
