Histories, Biographies & Miscellanea | University History

This collection contains histories of the institution as well as biographical information on notable JSU figures, digitized primary source documents relating to JSU, videos, and more.

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My Relative Helped Found JSU: A Biographical Article on Wilson Parks Howell

Winston Mark Fagan

This biographical article is the work for Mark Fagan, Professor Emeritus in the university's Department of Sociology and Social Work. It offers a brief summary of the life of Wilson Parks Howell, a relative of Fagan's and a founding member of the Board of Directors of the State Normal School at Jacksonville, which would later become JSU. Fagan has also published a book-length biography of Howell: A Biography of Captain Wilson Parks Howell (1832-1912).
Cultural Resources Survey and FEMA Section 106 Condition Survey of the Jacksonville State University Main Campus

Stacey L. Griffin

This architectural and condition survey of JSU's main campus (Survey PA-04-AL-4632-PW-00065) was prepared for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Environmental Planning & Historic Preservation section by Panamerican Consultants, a part of the Commonwealth Heritage Group, at the request of the Alabama Historic Commission. The impetus for the survey was the demolition of Alumni House and the former Merrill Hall, both damaged by the EF-3 tornado that struck JSU's campus March 19, 2018.

The report contains historical contextual information (e.g., campus growth from 1883-present), an architectural survey of all relevant buildings, and findings and recommendations regarding Angle Hall (formerly Bibb Graves Hall), the Quad Historic District, and the Kitty Stone Campus Historic District.
9/11 20th Anniversary Remembrance Panel | 2021

Jacksonville State University

The 9/11 20th Anniversary Remembrance Panel was held at the Stone Center Performing Arts Theatre on 9 September 2021, from 11:00am-12:30pm. A variety of panelists shared their memories of how the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 affected them and Jacksonville State University.

Panelists included:
- Ben Cunningham
- LTC Travis J. Easterling
- Robert F. Hayes, III, Ph.D.
- Angie L. McPherson
- (COL. Ret.) David A. McPherson
- William A. Meehan, Ed.D.
- Lori J. Owens, Ph.D.
- Miranda Killingsworth Pate
Fight On, Fight On for Ole Jax State: Houston Cole Library's Historical Collections Highlight JSU's Resiliency During Its First Pandemic

Bethany Latham, John-Bauer Graham, and Allison M. Boswell

This document highlights some of the Houston Cole Library's archival materials as they relate to the Jacksonville State Normal School during the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919. The authors examine events in the greater context of Alabama and other institutions of higher education, and focus on how JSNS responded to its first pandemic.
The Legacy of William A. Meehan: 1968-2015

Jacksonville State University

This biography of JSU's 11th president, William A. Meehan, was produced by the Offices of Marketing and Communications and Public Relations, upon Meehan's retirement in 2015. It is written and illustrated by various JSU personnel, including Heather Greene, Buffy Lockette and Angie Ayers Finley Ray, with photographs by University Photographer Steve Latham. It details Meehan's life from JSU student to faculty member to university president, and includes insights into Meehan's family and community life, in addition to his career.
The Houston Cole Library, Jacksonville State University, 1836-1988

Thomas J. Freeman and Martha Merrill

"The Houston Cole Library, Jacksonville State University, 1836-1988" is a chapter from the book A Dynamic Tradition: The History of Alabama Academic Libraries from Their Establishment through 1988 (ed. by Vicki L. Gregory). The chapter was authored by Library faculty members Thomas J. Freeman and Martha Merrill, and recounts the history of the Library from 1836-1988, covering the institution, collection, librarians, and physical facilities.
The Life and Times of Houston Cole

Jacksonville State University

This biography of JSU President Dr. Houston Cole was created under the auspices of the Friends of the Houston Cole Library.
The First Hundred Years: The History of Jacksonville State University, 1883-1983 | Video, Vol. 1

Jacksonville State University

This video was created in 1983 by JSU Television Services as part of the University's centennial celebration. It accompanies The First Hundred Years book. There are 3 volumes of video; this is volume 1. Volume 1 presents still photographs and interviews that focus on the early history of the University, from 1883-1942. Introduction by Harry Butler. Featuring Clarence W. Daugette, Jr. and Effie Sawyer. Speakers include: Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Shelton, James B. 'Red' Kemp, Newburn Bush, John Stewart, Clare Renfrow, Alie Renfrow, Albert Rains, Jim Johnson, and Catherine Whitehead.
The First Hundred Years: The History of Jacksonville State University, 1883-1983 | Video, Vol. 2

Jacksonville State University

This video was created in 1983 by JSU Television Services as part of the University's centennial celebration. It accompanies The First Hundred Years book. There are 3 volumes of video; this is volume 2. Volume 2 presents still photographs and interviews that focus on the University during the presidency of Dr. Houston Cole, from the 1940s to the 1970s..Introduction by John Stewart. Host: Houston Cole. Speakers: Alta Millican, Don Salls, John Stewart, Lawrence R. Miles, Mrs. Clifford Coffee, Ralph Porch, and Theron Montgomery.
The First Hundred Years: The History of Jacksonville State University, 1883-1983 | Video, Vol. 3

Jacksonville State University

This video was created in 1983 by JSU Television Services as part of the University's centennial celebration. It accompanies The First Hundred Years book. There are 3 volumes of video; this is volume 3. Volume presents still photographs and interviews that focus on the history of the University from 1971 to its centennial in 1983. Introduction by John Stewart. Host: Ernest Stone. Speakers: Theron Montgomery, Charles Rowe, Bascom Woodward III, Jerry Cole, Al Searway, John Stewart, Effie Sawyer, and Jack Hopper.
The First Hundred Years: The History of Jacksonville State University, 1883-1983

Effie White Sawyer

This book was written as a brief history of JSU by Effie White Sawyer, who served as secretary to two JSU Presidents. The book was published by JSU's Centennial Committee to commemorate the University's 100th anniversary in 1983.
Antebellum Jacksonville: Events that Shaped the Character of a Northeastern Alabama Town

Worden Weaver

This is a paper presented by Worden Weaver, Assistant Professor of History at Jacksonville State University, to the 36th Annual Meeting of the Alabama Historical Association held in Birmingham, Alabama on 23 April 1983.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Censorship in Calhoun County Schools: A Speech by Thomas J. Freeman

Thomas J. Freeman

This is a transcript of a speech or possibly a report meant for circulation by Thomas J. Freeman, who was a Department Head at the Library under Dean Millican. It details book challenges in Calhoun County school libraries in the Fall of 1982.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Speech to JSU Honor Graduates by Knox Ide

Knox Ide

This is the transcript of a speech given by Knox Ide to JSU Honor Graduates, possibly as a part of commencement exercises, in December 1982.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
A Centennial Salute: Jacksonville State University 1883-1983

Jacksonville State University

This 43-minute video was produced as part of the activities to mark the centennial of Jacksonville State University. The program features still photographs and interviews focusing on historical events and people involved with the university. The video is hosted by Malcolm Street. As the original video was produced by JSU Television Services in U-matic format, this digital conversion has single channel audio and some video quality issues.
Address at Teacher Hall of Fame Ceremony by Terry Herndon

Terry Herndon

This is a transcript of a speech given by Terry Herndon, Executive Director of the National Education Association, at the Teacher Hall of Fame ceremony held at Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama on 2 April 1980.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Commencement Address by Robert Lager

Robert Lager

This is a transcript of a commencement speech given by Dr. Robert Lager at an evening ceremony on the JSU campus on 20 April 1979.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Speech at the Teacher Hall of Fame Ceremony by Wayne Teague

Wayne Teague

This is a transcript of a speech given by Wayne Teague, State Superintendent of Education for the State of Alabama, at the Teacher Hall of Fame induction ceremony held at Jacksonville State University on 5 April 1978.
Remarks Made at the Dedication of the Lurleen B. Wallace School of Nursing

Mary Jo Ventress

This is a transcript of remarks made at the dedication of the Lurleen B. Wallace School of Nursing at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama on 7 February 1975.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Quotations from Houston Cole: Collected from His Speeches

Houston Cole

This list of quotations was compiled from speeches given by Houston Cole, President Emeritus. No date is given, but included stationery from Dr. Cole's time as Emeritus would put the date post-1971.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Education and the Moral Equation: Remarks by Houston Cole

Houston Cole

This is a transcript of remarks made by Dr. Houston Cole, President of Jacksonville State University, at the summer commencement ceremony at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, held at 10 a.m. on 22 August 1970.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Remarks by Houston Cole at the Business and Professional Woman Program

Houston Cole

This is a transcript of the remarks given by Dr. Houston Cole, President of Jacksonville State University, at a meeting of Business and Professional Women, Legislative Program, at the Tutwiler Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama at 7:15 p.m. on 18 September 1969.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Announcing a Teacher Hall of Fame, Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University

JSU instituted a Teacher Hall of Fame under the auspices of Houston Cole in 1969. Its recipients would be noted on a plaque in the lobby of the library building, which was under construction. This brochure announces the Hall of Fame and delineates rules for nomination and committee members.

The original is held in the Crow Collection of Anniston-Calhoun County Public Library; ACCPL temporarily loaned the materials from which HCL created these digital surrogates.
Commencement Address: Today's Dollars for Tomorrow's Scholars by Joseph F. Volker

Joseph F. Volker

This is a transcript of a speech given by Joseph F. Volker at a commencement ceremony held at Jacksonville State University in May 1968.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.
Inauguration of Student Government Officers and Presentation of Awards

Jacksonville State University

This is a transcript of remarks and oaths of office for the JSU Student Government Association's inauguration ceremony and presentation of awards held on 3 May 1967. Participants include: Philip McMahan, Judy West, Hal Vance, Theron Montgomery, Glen Ferguson, Lawrence Miles (L.R. Miles), and Ralph Walker.

This item is part of the JSU Addresses & Speeches collection.