Jax State Graduates First Cohort of Southeastern Leadership Command College

Jacksonville, AL (02/02/2026) — Jacksonville State University celebrated a milestone in law enforcement leadership education today as the first cohort of the Southeastern Leadership Command College graduated during a ceremony held in the Ken and Jenny Howell Auditorium in Merrill Hall.

The nine-week, executive-level program was created to prepare experienced law enforcement professionals for the challenges of senior leadership. Coursework focuses on management principles, ethics, budgeting, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making. Leaders from local, county, and state agencies across the region completed the intensive program, becoming the first class to graduate from the Command College.

"This first graduating class set the standard," said Kaleb Littlejohn, executive director of the Southeastern Leadership Command College, during the ceremony. "They didn't just complete a program-they helped build it. Their collaboration, feedback, and commitment directly shaped what this Command College will be for years to come."

"The Southeastern Leadership Command College reflects Jax State's commitment to serving those who serve our communities," Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth said. "This inaugural class represents leaders who were willing to invest in themselves, challenge their thinking, and prepare for the responsibilities that come with command. We are proud of each graduate and the impact they will have in their agencies and communities."

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall delivered the keynote address, challenging graduates to view leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility grounded in service. He emphasized that the transition to command requires courage, ethical clarity, and a willingness to make difficult decisions for the right reasons.

"You're not just completing a program," Marshall told the graduates. "You're building a tradition of excellence and leadership. Years from now, future graduates will look back at this first class and draw inspiration from the standard you set."

Marshall also encouraged the graduates to lead with integrity and humility as they return to their agencies, reminding them that every decision made at the command level shapes culture, trust, and public confidence in law enforcement.

During the ceremony, two members of the class were recognized for outstanding leadership and contributions throughout the program. Lieutenant Andrew Hunter of the Weaver Police Department received the Emergent Leadership Award, which is voted on by the class and honors an individual who goes above and beyond by taking initiative and emerging as a leader among peers. Lieutenant Dusty Ford of the Gadsden Police Department received the Executive Director Leadership Award, selected by program staff and instructors, recognizing excellence in coursework, leadership in the classroom, and dedication to the success of the program.

Graduates of the inaugural Southeastern Leadership Command College class include: Jonathan Alfred, Jonathan Butler, Jason Campbell, Matt Coupland, Matthew Emlich, David Entrekin, Jacob Entrekin, Dusty Ford, Christopher Grier, Jimmy Harrell, Cliff Heard, Corey Holcomb, Jace Holley, Steven Humber, Andrew Hunter, Clay Johnson, Lane Keener, Alan Kelly, Jimmy Lancaster, Wayne Layton, Brett Lloyd, Gerald Lyons, Chris Madrigal, William Mapp, Joshua Miller, Jerome Mitchell, Jason Patty, James Perry, Daniel Phipps, Adam Sample, Donald Simmons, Lucretia Smith, Joey Stone, Tomathon J. Tuck, Abdul Unlu, Nick Vaughn, Willis Whatley, Jarrett Williams, Kip Williams and Bradley Young.

As the first class to complete the program, the graduates establish a foundation for future cohorts of the Southeastern Leadership Command College and reinforce Jacksonville State University's role as a leader in law enforcement education and professional development.

The Southeastern Leadership Command College is one of several advanced law enforcement education programs housed at Jax State, supporting the university's role as a statewide leader in public safety training and professional development.

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