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Jax State Celebrates First 'Full Circle' Graduate of New Victory Center Programs

by Brett Buckner

Jacksonville, AL (05/19/2025) — James Monroe knew he needed help. The 59-year-old veteran who served seven years in the National Guard was dealing with depression and had recently been laid off when both his brother, a fellow vet, and the local Veterans Affairs Office made a suggestion that changed his life.

"They said I should go over to JSU," Monroe said. "I was going through a lot at the time. Really, asking for help was the hardest part."

Through Jax State's Victory Center and the Victory Workforce Development Services, Monroe found what he needed to improve his mental health and his job prospects. He became the first veteran to come to complete both programs, according to Christine Franklin, Victory Workforce Development Services specialist.

"Because of Mr. Monroe's dedication to the program and determination to make a better life for himself he became our first full circle client," she said. "This means that he was able to utilize all resources of the Victory Center and Victory Workforce, making it a full circle of services."

Opened in January, the Victory Center is a collaboration between Jax State and community providers that offers mental and physical health services, training, and support programming for veterans, reservists, and their families. Its companion program, Victory Workforce Development Services (VWDS), focuses on career readiness through employment training, resume assistance, peer support, and other essential services for veterans and their spouses.

Monroe spent about six weeks in counseling while also getting assistance through Workforce Development. "And so, we all just started figuring out what might be the best jobs for me," he said. "They offered all kinds of help for me. They really seemed to care about me. Since completing the job prep, he's lined up several interviews. "I don't think it'll be long before something comes up for me," he said. Monroe is a jack of all trades with a specialty in welding and maintenance fabrication. "I'm really good at what I do," he said. "I Just need someone to see that. I just always try to keep moving forward."

Franklin expects that Monroe will be the first of many full-circle clients. "Being able to change the life of a veteran not only changes them, but it changes us too," Franklin said. "We go through this journey with them and to see them come out on the other side smiling and so grateful means the world to us because we know they are going to be ok. And they know that if they ever need anything, we are here for them. It's a journey that is just beginning. "The future success of our transitioning military, veterans, their spouses, and their family members is bright," Franklin said. "When they come through our doors, we want them to know they will be well taken care of."

Though he was the first, Monroe expects these programs will benefit other veterans seeking help. "It's amazing," he said, "I can't say enough about it. The only problem is that not enough veterans know that something like this is out there for them."

Monroe's journey through Jax State's Victory Center and Victory Workforce Development Services exemplifies the university's dedication to supporting veterans. This commitment is further demonstrated by Jax State's recognition as a Military Friendly School for the 2025-26 academic year and the expansion of its Military Tuition Rate to include veterans.

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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