Jax State and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Establish Transfer Pathway Agreement
Jacksonville, AL (01/06/2026) — Jacksonville State University (Jax State) and Lurleen B. Wallace (LBW) Community College have signed a foundational memorandum of understanding and their first formal Transfer Pathway Agreement, which reflect a shared commitment to expanding transfer opportunities for students. The agreements create a framework for developing additional academic pathways between the two institutions and includes a dedicated Presidential Transfer Scholarship awarded annually to an LBW graduate who continues their education at Jax State.
The partnership is designed to help students move efficiently from associate degrees to bachelor's degree completion. By aligning academic pathways and providing clear guidance on transfer expectations, the partnership reduces barriers, saves students time, and helps them maximize the value of the credits they have already earned.
Under the Transfer Pathway Agreement, eligible LBW students will have a defined pathway to transition into Jax State programs, along with access to advising support and scholarship opportunities available to transfer students. The partnership also reinforces a shared commitment to affordability, student success, and workforce readiness across the region.
"This partnership is about making the next step clearer and more attainable for students who have already put in the work," said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. "By establishing this commitment with Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, we're helping students move forward with confidence, complete their degrees, and prepare for meaningful careers that serve their communities and our state."
"At LBW, our responsibility is not only to help students begin their academic journey, but to ensure they have a pathway to finish strong," said Dr. Brock Kelley, President of LBW. "This transfer pathway agreement with Jax State creates affordable routes to bachelor's degree completion, values the work our students have already accomplished, and strengthens opportunities for student success across our region." Leaders from both institutions emphasized that the partnership reflects a shared responsibility to support students beyond initial enrollment, ensuring they have a clear plan to finish what they start.
The agreements will renew annually and reflect a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, support student success, and strengthen the region's educational pipeline. Additional information on transferring to Jax State, including advising support and scholarship opportunities available to community college graduates, is available through the university's Admissions and Financial Aid offices. A full list of transfer-specific scholarships can be found at www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/transfer.html.
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.
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LBW President Dr. Brock Kelley (left) and Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. (right)
Jacksonville State University
Josh Underwood, 256-782-8156, underwood@jsu.eduShare this Story
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