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Jax State and Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama Sign Agreement to Launch STEAM Institute

Jacksonville, AL (11/03/2025) — - CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD B-ROLL FOOTAGE FROM MONDAY'S SIGNING

Jacksonville State University and Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama formally established their partnership today during a signing ceremony held in Angle Hall on the Jax State campus. The agreement, approved by the university's Board of Trustees in October, officially creates the Jacksonville State University STEAM Institute - Home of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama.

President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. and Tony Smith, chairman of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama Board, signed the memorandum of understanding before a large gathering of representatives from both organizations.

Dr. Killingsworth recalled the early meetings that first brought the idea to Jax State's attention. "Jacksonville State has always wanted to be a partner with Challenger Learning Center-we just didn't know how we were going to be able to do it," he said. "I'm glad we've worked through those opportunities and reached the point where we can move forward, not only for a Challenger Learning Center, but for a regional STEAM opportunity that will serve students of all ages."

Dr. Farrah Hayes, Executive Director of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama, thanked Jax State and the Center's leadership team for helping bring the project to life. "Thank you so much for having us and for all the JSU employees who took time to be with us this morning," she said. "This is a very big deal for us and for you as well. My board has supported me through every idea-no matter how ambitious-and this partnership represents an incredible opportunity for our region."

Dr. Kimberly White, dean of Jax State's College of Education and Professional Studies, shared her enthusiasm for the educational collaboration, saying she was "very excited about the opportunities for our educators to be involved and looking at the curriculum that will be taught to the middle school students who come to the Challenger Center. But as I found out about the growth of what will be entailed there, I'm very excited about opportunities for our students, our candidates to be able to go to the center to engage in coursework, other things. So, it's really a true partnership."

Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, echoed that sentiment, noting that "there are numerous opportunities for our students, our teachers, and our leaders. We will all work together and see where we can take Jax State and Challenger Learning Center."

In his remarks, Tony Smith, Chairman of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama Board, expressed appreciation for the university's leadership and commitment to education. "I just want to thank Jacksonville State for all that you have done," he said. "You have set yourselves up to be one of the premier universities, and for you to have this vision and connection with us-knowing that we need to start early with these kids-is great."

Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama, located in Rainbow City, will be the only center of its kind in the state. Part of the international Challenger Center network-founded by the families of the Space Shuttle Challenger STS-51L crew-the facility will provide hands-on STEAM education, simulated space missions, and engineering labs designed to inspire curiosity and prepare students for success in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Expected to open in 2026, the Jacksonville State University STEAM Institute - Home of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama will serve as a regional hub for innovation, discovery, and workforce development-strengthening Alabama's educational pipeline and preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and educators.

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.

About Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama: Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama is part of the global network of Challenger Centers, which use space-themed missions and hands-on STEM programs to engage students in real-world problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. The Center serves middle school students across a 12-county region, helping to inspire the next generation of innovators, explorers, and leaders in science and technology.

Media Attachments

Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama Chair Tony Smith (left) and Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., sign the agreement on Monday morning (Photo by Alyssa Cash/Jax State Digital Media Services)

Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama Chair Tony Smith (left) and Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., sign the agreement on Monday morning (Photo by Alyssa Cash/Jax State Digital Media Services)

Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama Chair Tony Smith (left) and Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., sign the agreement on Monday morning (Photo by Alyssa Cash/Jax State Digital Media Services)

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