JACKSONVILLE, AL. – Jacksonville State University has announced the inaugural class of its 22 Under 40 Young Alumni recognition program, honoring graduates under age 40 for professional achievement, leadership, service and engagement with their communities and the university.
The program recognizes 22 alumni annually, with the number commemorating the university’s founding on Feb. 22, 1883. According to Jax State, recipients must have earned at least one degree from the university and meet criteria related to professional achievement, community involvement and continued engagement with Jax State.
“These young alumni demonstrate what it means to be a Jax State graduate,” said Dr. Wendy Cash, director of Alumni Engagement. “They are rising leaders in their professional careers who are caring, involved citizens who give back to their communities and set an example for others around them.”
The inaugural 22 Under 40 Class of 2026 includes:
- Jasmine George Amiker (‘11) – Atlanta, Georgia
- Mackenzie Harris Corbin (‘17) – Jacksonville, Alabama
- Torsten A. Dryden (‘14, ‘18, ‘19) – Jacksonville, Alabama
- Briaunna Buckner Durhal (’15, ‘18) – Detroit, Michigan
- Whitney Flynn (’15, ‘17) – Northport, Alabama
- FranShay Kendal Garrett (’18, ‘20) – Hiram, Georgia
- Keaton Glass (’17, ‘21) – Jacksonville, Alabama
- Katy Knauss (’17, ‘19) – Moody, Alabama
- Mark Knauss (’16, ‘18) – Moody, Alabama
- Alex Martin (‘15) – Jacksonville, Alabama
- Taylor McAllister (‘19) – Piedmont, Alabama
- Cami McKenzie (’17, ‘22) – Oxford, Alabama
- Geraldi Mejia (‘12) – Oneonta, Alabama
- Destin Mince (‘14) – Piedmont, Alabama
- Darby Angle-Nealy (’20, ‘22) – Aubrey, Texas
- Landon Rice (‘19) – Cartersville, Georgia
- Josh Robinson (’14, ‘17) – Alexandria, Alabama
- Frank James Roscoe Jr. (’09, ‘12) – Leeds, Alabama
- Matt Shaffer (‘10) – Gadsden, Alabama
- Stuart Whitaker (‘07) – Huntsville, Alabama
- Clay Whittemore (‘08) – Cullman, Alabama
- Jesslan Wilson (‘17) – Birmingham, Alabama
The honorees were scheduled to be recognized during Jax State’s Sept. 26 football game. Additional information about the recipients and the recognition program is available through Jax State Alumni Engagement.
Nominations for the 2027 class are scheduled to open Oct. 1 and continue through Nov. 15. Alumni may nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else.
