Published 2:01 pm Friday, September 5, 2025
By Carey Reeder
Dennis Mitchell, far right, was one of eight Jacksonville State University students to receive an Honors Scholarship in 2025. (JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY | CONTRIBUTED)
Dennis Mitchell is a graduate of Chilton County High School. (JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY | CONTRIBUTED)
From Jacksonville State University
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University has announced the eight recipients of its prestigious 2025 Honors Scholarship, the university’s most competitive academic award.
Each year, only eight high school seniors are selected for the scholarship, which covers tuition, housing, a meal plan, and books for four years. To qualify, students must have an ACT score of at least 30, a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and demonstrate leadership and service in their schools and communities.
“It’s an honor to welcome this exceptional group of eight Honors Scholars to Jax State,” said Dr. Lori Owens, Dean of Honors and Special Programs. “They bring not only outstanding academic credentials, but also leadership, creativity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. We look forward to seeing the difference they will make in our classrooms, on campus, and in the community throughout their time here.”
Dennis Mitchell
A graduate of Chilton County High School, he served as Drum Major for two years and principal trumpet for three in his school band, earning superior ratings and leading in statewide music events. He held leadership roles in Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, and attended the 84th Alabama Boys State, where he was elected Director of the Alabama Medicare Agency and received the City 8 Citizenship Award. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Dennis plans to major in Nursing.
About the JSU Honors College
The Honors College is designed to engage students’ intellectual curiosity and develop their skills to think and study independently, creating connections between students and their communities. The main component of the program is the offering of classes that focus on these educational aspects, helping students who are intellectually curious and self-motivated find ways to expand their ideas and perspectives on the world and their place in it. Honors College members have first priority to enroll in honors classes. Applying to and becoming a member of the Honors College includes additional benefits: small classes, special advisement, career planning, study away/study abroad and service opportunities. Upon completion of the program, Honors College members will receive special recognition at graduation. More information can be found at www.jsu.edu/honors.
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.
