Jacksonville, AL — Jacksonville State University held a special ceremony Monday afternoon to honor the remarkable service and lasting legacy of longtime legal counsel Samuel Monk by dedicating the university’s Legal Office Suite in his name.
Held at Angle Hall, the event brought together university leadership, faculty, staff, community leaders, and friends to celebrate Monk’s decades-long dedication to JSU. The newly named Samuel Monk Legal Office Suite stands as a tribute to his significant contributions to the institution.
Chief University Counsel Emily Davey opened the ceremony with a personal note of gratitude, acknowledging Monk’s mentorship and continued support. “It took two lawyers to replace the good work that Sam did,” Davey said. “Thank you, Sam, from the bottom of my heart for helping me, counseling me, always being available to me.”
Board of Trustees Chairman Randy Jones described Monk as a vital anchor for the university through its most difficult times. “He was our source, he was our inspiration,” Jones said. “We can literally point the finger and say this would not be happening if it weren’t for Sam Monk.”
A JSU alumnus, Monk’s story is deeply intertwined with the university’s history. He began his journey at Jax State as a student in search of purpose, eventually finding it through the ROTC program and the guidance of influential mentors like then-dean Theron Montgomery, who would later serve as university president. Monk went on to serve in the military, return to JSU as an adjunct professor, and ultimately become the university’s trusted legal counsel.
JSU President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. reflected on Monk’s institutional knowledge and the impact he made during his time on campus. “Sam would walk around these halls, every office, every day,” he said. “His success was ultimately the university’s success.”
The event drew several local judges, public officials, and longtime colleagues of Monk. Dr. Killingsworth noted their presence as a powerful testament to Monk’s influence. “It is a testament to Sam,” he said. “His legal knowledge is far better than anybody I’ve ever known. This is a happy time and I cannot think of a better testament and a legacy for you than to have the legal suite named in your honor.”
In an emotional address, Monk expressed sincere appreciation to the mentors, colleagues, and students who shaped his career. Reflecting on his early days as a student “without direction,” he credited Jax State with changing the trajectory of his life.
“I love JSU, always have,” Monk said. “Working in that role was an absolute pleasure… It was a personal honor, professional honor, and it was a pleasure.”
He closed his remarks with optimism for the university’s future. “Coming back, seeing the changes, seeing the camaraderie within the administration, the true meaning of shared governance… has told me that this institution is very healthy, and I think the future is very bright.”
The dedication of the Samuel Monk Legal Office Suite serves as a permanent acknowledgment of Monk’s invaluable contributions and the deep connection he maintains with the Gamecock community.
