JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University officially opened the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts (ROC) on Tuesday, marking a major milestone for the university while unveiling a performance season that will bring nationally recognized artists, educational programming, and cultural events to Northeast Alabama.
University leaders, elected officials, students, supporters, and members of the Owen family gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new state-of-the-art facility, which is designed to serve students, faculty, and the broader community through performances, instruction, and community engagement opportunities.
Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. said the center represents a long-awaited opportunity for students to showcase and develop their talents.
“Many universities have named buildings after people over the years, but very few, if any, are named after an artist whose music became part of the soundtrack of American life,” Killingsworth said. “We finally have a place where our students’ talents can be displayed, and we have a place where students can learn how to record and even perform their talents. And that has been worth the wait.”
The facility is named in honor of Jax State alumnus, Board of Trustees member, and Alabama lead vocalist Randy Owen, recognizing his contributions to both music and the university.
During the ceremony, Owen reflected on his journey and the impact he hopes the center will have on future generations.
“My wishes, and my hopes, and my dreams are that someday some kid will come through here, like me, and when they leave here, they have a dream,” Owen said. “Because if I can make it, anybody can. I’ve been so blessed to be here, and this is one day that I’ll never forget.”
Nathaniel Ledbetter also addressed attendees, speaking about the long-term educational and cultural impact the facility could have across Alabama.
“What will come out of this for generations to come will change lives,” Ledbetter said. “There are children who haven’t been born in this state today that will receive an education and learning from this facility that will change people’s lives.”
Jax State Student Government Association President Bethany Stoots described the center as a future gathering place for student experiences and university traditions.
“Today, we are not simply opening a building, we are opening a space that will become part of countless memories, traditions, and moments that students will carry with them long after graduation,” Stoots said. “The Randy Owen Center represents opportunity, community, and the continued growth of Jacksonville State University.”
Chairman of the Jax State Board of Trustees Randy Jones also reflected on the collaboration behind the project and its significance for future students.
“What this is going to do for the future and for this great university is something special,” Jones said. “This is a facility like no other, and it is going to mean something for generations to come.”
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christie Shelton announced the ROC’s inaugural 2026-2027 performance season, which will include nationally touring artists, Broadway-themed performances, educational programming, and university productions.
The announced season lineup includes:
- July 25 — The Dan Tyminski Band
- August 13 — Sixpence None the Richer and Augustana
- October 4 — Good Witch/Bad Witch: The Broadway Witches featuring performers from the Broadway company of Wicked
- November 16 — Candlelight Celtic Christmas
- January 23, 2027 — The Secret Sisters
- February 2, 2027 — Glenn Miller Orchestra
- April 2, 2027 — Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: World on a String – Swinging Songs of Broadway
- April 10, 2027 — Vienna Girls Choir
Educational and student-centered programming will also be part of the season, including school performances of The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System on October 22 and Rosie Revere, Ada Twist and Iggy Peck: The Questioneers on February 12.
Additional university productions and Department of Music performances will include the Ballerina Showcase on August 1, Southerners’ Holiday Concert on December 9, and Band-O-Rama on April 1.
Shelton said the significance of the center extends beyond the physical structure itself.
“To me, what makes this moment so meaningful is that this building is not simply about brick, steel, or even performances to come,” Shelton said. “It is about the legacy that Trustee Owen is leaving for Jax State.”
The grand opening celebration continues Wednesday evening with the sold-out “Live in Concert: Randy Owen and Friends,” celebrating the official opening of the Randy Owen Center.
On Thursday, May 28, the university will host guided public tours of the ROC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a free public screening of “My Home’s in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story” at 6 p.m.
Tickets for the 2026-2027 performance season will go on sale to the general public on June 15. University officials said additional performances and events will be announced at a later date.
