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Jax State faculty receive multiple honors

by Brett Buckner

Jacksonville, AL (08/21/2025) — It's been an award-winning summer for a group of Jax State faculty members.

Jennifer Gault, Director of College to Career Initiatives, was awarded the Outstanding College Professional of the Year Award by the Alabama Association of Colleges & Employers (AACE) recognizing her "exceptional professionalism, unwavering dedication, and collaborative spirit."

Gault joined Jax State in 2018 and has served in a variety of roles, starting in the Department of Applied Engineering and later as an Academic Advisor II in the Student Success Center. In May 2024, she transitioned into the Director of College to Career Initiatives. As Director of College to Career Initiatives, Gault leads efforts to prepare students for life after graduation by integrating career readiness into academic experience. It's a collaborative process that incorporates the campus with employers to provide students access to internships, career expos, workshops, and other opportunities that support professional growth.

"I approach this role with a student-first mindset, always aiming to be approachable, supportive, and solution-oriented," she said. "I believe in fostering strong partnerships built on trust and clear communication, ensuring everyone has the resources and guidance they need to help students succeed. Great customer service means listening carefully, anticipating needs, and collaborating effectively to create a positive impact on students' career readiness."

Winning the Outstanding College Professional of the Year Award is special for Gault because it reflects the impact of the work that she and College to Career Initiatives team is doing. "I am lucky to work alongside such a passionate, dedicated team that cares deeply about student success," she said. "It is a shared effort every step of the way, and this honor is a reminder of what we can accomplish together. It inspires me to keep building those connections and creating opportunities that help students move confidently toward their futures.

At the July AACE conference, where Gault was recognized, Jax State career advisor Kirsten Hughes was also elected First Vice President for the upcoming academic year. In this leadership role, Hughes will expand organizational membership and foster stronger connections that support student development across the state. She also presented a session focused on trauma-informed strategies to enhance career readiness support for students, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches in higher education. She also highlighted the connection between the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career competencies and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics as a framework for promoting student success.

Rolonzia Stitts, Athletic Academic Counselor, has been selected as a 2025 New Advisor Annual Conference Scholarship winner. As a scholarship winner, Stitts will be honored at the Global Awards Ceremony on October 27 at NACADA's Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nv. The NACADA Global Awards Program "recognizes individuals and institutions that have made a significant impact on academic advising." NACADA is a representative and advocate of academic advising and those providing that service to higher education.

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.

Media Attachments

Jennifer Gault

Kirsten Hughes

Rolonza Stitts

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