Jax State Unveils Victory Center with Ribbon Cutting, Announces Prestigious Grant
11/17/2024
Jacksonville State University (Jax State) celebrated the grand opening of its Victory Center on Friday, November 15. This innovative facility is designed to serve veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Located at Jax State’s McClellan Center, the center is a testament to the university’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served.
Dr. Marie Valentin, Assistant Vice Provost of Institutional Research & Effectiveness and lead principal investigator of the Victory Center project, welcomed attendees with heartfelt words of gratitude for the partners who made the project possible. “This facility reflects our dedication to the ‘Total Military Community,’” she said, referring to veterans, active-duty members transitioning to civilian life, and their families. “It’s a place of hope, healing, and empowerment.”
A significant highlight of the event was the announcement of the “Veteran and Spouse Transition Assistance Grant” in the sum of $561,604 awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Brent Cunningham, Dean of the College of Business and Industry, and Dr. Celestino Valentin, Department Head of Management and Marketing, revealed the news. “Of 65 applications nationwide, Jax State was one of only 13 recipients and the only higher education institution in Alabama selected for this prestigious award,” Cunningham said.
The grant will fund the Victory Workforce Development Services program, which will offer career training, leadership development, and entrepreneurship workshops tailored to veterans and their spouses. From resume assistance to project management training, the program promises to provide a comprehensive toolkit for transitioning to civilian careers.
This recognition follows a $250,000 grant awarded earlier this year by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. Together, these grants will support the Victory Center’s mission to serve over 53,000 veterans across a 15-county region. The center offers mental health counseling, case management, and social services, taking a holistic approach to address the needs of veterans and their families.
President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. emphasized the university’s unwavering dedication to the military community. “Our veterans are the backbone of our freedom, the guardians of our democracy,” he said. “Yet their challenges often persist long after their service ends. The Victory Center exists to ensure they and their families receive the care, resources, and recognition they deserve.”
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees toured the facility, guided by Lead Counselor Dr. Janekia Mitchell. She detailed the center’s holistic approach, which combines mental health services, family support, and crisis intervention training. “This is more than a building,” Mitchell explained. “It’s a lifeline for veterans and their families to flourish.”
With the Victory Center now open, Jax State is poised to make a transformative impact on veterans and their families across its 15-county service area, reaffirming its role as a Military Friendly University.