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Jax State Names Department of Teacher Education, Establishes Endowed Scholarship Through Gift From Dr. Beverly Ann Lorren

Jacksonville, AL (04/29/2026) — Jacksonville State University (Jax State) will honor the legacy of educator Dr. Beverly Ann Lorren through two transformational gifts supporting the College of Education and Professional Studies-one that will shape the future of teacher preparation and another that will open doors for graduate students pursuing leadership roles in education.

Approved by the Jax State Board of Trustees on April 14, the Department of Teacher Education will be named The Dr. Beverly Ann Lorren Department of Teacher Education following an irrevocable endowed commitment of over $1 million through the Dr. Beverly Ann Lorren Charitable Trust.

In addition, the Board approved the creation of The Dr. Beverly Ann Lorren Instructional Leadership Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Education in Instructional Leadership (P-12) within the College of Education and Professional Studies.

Together, the gifts reflect Dr. Lorren's lifelong dedication to education and her desire to honor the legacy of her parents, Robert and Ann Lorren, both alumni of Jax State who built distinguished careers in education.

Dr. Lorren, who passed away on March 6, 2025, was born in Anniston and raised in Jacksonville. The daughter of two educators, she followed in their footsteps, devoting her professional life to teaching and leadership. She earned her bachelor's degree in education from Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University, and later completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida. Over the course of her career, she served as a teacher, principal, grant writer, and researcher in the Duval County Public School System in Jacksonville, Florida, and also taught graduate students in educational leadership at the University of North Florida.

Her commitment to education-and to honoring her parents' connection to Jax State-began prior to her passing. In 2022, she established an endowed scholarship supporting students majoring in Elementary Education or Special Education, created in memory of her parents, who met as students at the university.

"This extraordinary gift ensures that Jax State will continue preparing highly effective educators for generations to come," said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. "By investing in both the Department of Teacher Education and in graduate students pursuing instructional leadership, Dr. Lorren's legacy directly strengthens the quality of education in our schools and communities. It is a meaningful tribute to her lifelong commitment to teaching."

The naming of the Department of Teacher Education places Dr. Lorren's name at the center of one of the university's most critical academic areas-one that produces graduates who go on to serve classrooms across Alabama and beyond. The endowed scholarship extends that impact, supporting graduate students as they prepare to lead schools, districts, and educational systems.

"Dr. Lorren's generous gift ensures her legacy is permanently woven into the heart of one of our most impactful programs-Instructional Leadership," said Dr. Kimberly S. Gaiters-White, Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. "Through the endowed scholarship, graduate students will be empowered to step into instructional leadership roles with confidence and purpose. This investment not only honors her life's work but also strengthens the pipeline of visionary leaders who will shape the future of education for generations to come."

The scholarship fund will prioritize students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing advanced degrees in instructional leadership, helping remove financial barriers and accelerating their path into positions where they can influence student outcomes at scale.

Through these gifts, Dr. Lorren also ensured her support would continue beyond her lifetime by naming the Jacksonville State University Foundation as a beneficiary of her charitable trust-extending her impact for generations to come.

For Jax State, the dual investment represents both a recognition of the university's strength in teacher education and a forward-looking commitment to meeting the growing demand for highly qualified educators and leaders.

Through the naming of the department and the creation of the endowed scholarship, Dr. Lorren's legacy will continue to shape the student experience-ensuring that future generations of Gamecocks are prepared not only to teach, but to lead.

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

From left, JoAnn Perez, Dr. Lorren, Kimberly Dalesandro, Director of Planned Giving at Jax State

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