JACKSONVILLE, AL — 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.
The recognition reflects ongoing efforts by the university to provide academic pathways and support systems tailored to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. This marks the fifth time Jacksonville State has received a Military Friendly designation and the third consecutive year earning the honor.
The designation 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. The evaluation process is overseen by an independent advisory council and aims to identify schools that deliver meaningful outcomes for military-connected students.
“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,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christie Shelton. “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.”
Support for military-affiliated students at Jacksonville State is coordinated through the university’s Veteran and Military Services office, which serves as a central resource for navigating admissions, benefits, and campus life. The office assists students with VA education benefits, enrollment processes, and access to campus resources, while also helping ease the transition from military service to higher education and career placement.
“Jax State values the experiences and contributions of military-connected students to our campus and local community,” said Dr. Justin Parker, Director of Veteran and Military Services. “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.”
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 designation also underscores Jacksonville State’s role in contributing to Alabama’s workforce by helping veterans and service members translate their military experience into in-demand skills and credentials.
According to Military Friendly, the designation measures an institution’s commitment and effectiveness in supporting the military community through a data-driven evaluation process. More than 2,900 organizations participate annually.
“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,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships for Military Friendly. “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.”
