Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (JSU) has recently solidified a collaborative partnership with the Alabama State Games, the state’s largest annual multi-sport event, offering athletes a unique opportunity to vie for scholarships to the university. The announcement was made by Laura Creel Burt, executive director of the Alabama State Games, who expressed enthusiasm for the potential academic impact of this alliance.
“We are so excited about this partnership,” stated Burt. “Partnering with Jacksonville State University furthers our commitment to academic success and benefits all of our scholarship recipients in 2024 and beyond who want to study at JSU.”
Established in 1982 at the request of the US Olympic Committee, the Alabama State Games stands as Alabama’s premier sporting event, providing athletes of all ages and skill levels the chance to compete in over 20 sports in an Olympic-style setting. Organized by the non-profit ASF Foundation, the event has awarded over $363,000 in academic scholarships to participants since its inception.
“At the Alabama State Games, we use sport as the vehicle to promote academic excellence, healthy lifestyles, and good citizenship,” Burt explained. “Knowing that we have a university partner willing to work with us to encourage Alabama athletes and welcome them to JSU with a scholarship match is fantastic.”
Athletes participating in the 41st Alabama State Games, scheduled for June 7-9 in Birmingham, will have the opportunity to win scholarships totaling $40,000. JSU has committed to matching the scholarship amounts awarded as part of the ASF Foundation’s scholarship initiative.
Dr. Alan Medders, Jax State’s vice president for philanthropy and executive director of the JSU Foundation, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “The university is proud to partner with the Alabama State Games to provide these scholarships to students who choose Jacksonville State University to follow their college career and for those who are looking to pursue a college education.”
To be eligible for the scholarship drawing, athletes must register for the Alabama State Games and attend either the State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit or the opening ceremony. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the conclusion of each event.
Burt emphasized, “Our commitment to academic success does not waver. Success is not one size fits all, and we feel very fortunate to have Jacksonville State University’s partnership as we encourage athletes to get the academic training needed to attain their desired success and realize their dreams. Both the ASF Foundation and JSU are committed to the youth of this state.”
