Special to the
Opelika Observer

Jacksonville State University conferred degrees to 582 students at its fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 13. Due to ongoing repairs at Pete Mathews Coliseum following the destructive March 19, 2018 tornado, the ceremony was held on Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium.
JSU President John M. Beehler presented degrees to 441 undergraduates and 141 graduate students, including:
• John Edgar of Opelika (36801)
• Reginald Hall of Opelika (36801)
• Abbie Smith of Opelika (36804)
• David Strickland of Opelika (36801)
Provost Rebecca O. Turner served as mistress of ceremonies. Curtis McGhee, Jr. – who graduated with an MA in English – served as the student commencement speaker. Derrick D. Jordan (BS, criminal justice, 1992) spoke on behalf of alumni. The bell ringer was Ashlee Goff, who graduated with a BS in psychology.
About Jacksonville State University
Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, JSU offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.