Jacksonville State Named No. 1 Employer Headquartered in Alabama by Forbes
Jacksonville, AL (09/18/2025) — Jacksonville State University has been recognized by Forbes as the top-ranked employer headquartered in Alabama on its 2025 list of America's Best Employers by State. Jax State placed No. 7 overall among 45 employers that made the Alabama rankings and was the highest-ranked university on the list.
Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to compile the annual rankings, based on evaluations from employees working for companies that employ at least 500 people within the United States. Respondents representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C., assessed their employers on factors such as working conditions, diversity, compensation, development opportunities, and whether they would recommend their employer to others.
Among Alabama-based companies, Jax State earned the top spot, followed by Baptist Health (Montgomery), UAB (Birmingham), the Alabama Department of Public Health (Montgomery), and Books-A-Million (Birmingham). The university was one of only four in the state to be recognized in 2025, ranking ahead of UAB (12), the University of Alabama (25), and Auburn University (32).
"We strive every day to make Jacksonville State a great place to work, so to be recognized on a national stage is very special," said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. "Being named the top employer headquartered in Alabama is especially meaningful and reflects the culture we've built right here at home. This recognition affirms the progress we have made and motivates us to keep strengthening Jax State as a workplace of choice, knowing that when our people thrive, our students succeed."
The Forbes ranking highlights Jax State's ongoing commitment to providing a positive work environment while delivering excellence in education, research, and service to the community.
The complete list of America's Best Employers by State 2025 is available on Forbes' website.
For those interested in employment opportunities at Jacksonville State, current openings can be found at careers.jsu.edu.
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, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.
Jacksonville State University
Josh Underwood, 256-453-0545, underwood@jsu.eduShare this Story
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