Jim Coxwell Appointed As Trustee

James L. "Jim" Coxwell, Sr.

The newest member of Jacksonville State University's Board of Trustees is James L. "Jim" Coxwell, Sr., of Anniston, a banker, real estate investor and entrepreneur who brings more than 35 years of business expertise to the board.

Gov. Bob Riley appointed and the Alabama Senate confirmed Coxwell on Thursday, March 30. He will replace Bobby N. Kennamer of Anniston, whose term expired.

"Mr. Coxwell's extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the university will make him an important asset to our board. We are pleased he's joining us," said JSU President William A. Meehan.

Reacting to news of his appointment, Coxwell said, "I'm very honored to be asked to serve as a trustee, and I do not take this appointment lightly. There are many things our university needs, and Dr. Meehan and I think alike -- we want JSU to be the best school in the state of Alabama."

Coxwell, owner of Long Leaf Lodge at McClellan and other businesses in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, serves on the finance committee of the JSU Foundation, on which he has served as a board member since the early 1990s.

A longtime supporter of numerous programs at JSU, Coxwell helped revive the university football team's J Club, which raises money to support the football program. Coxwell is past president of the club and is now a director. The university established the Coxwell Room, at the field house, in his honor.

Born in Naples, Fla., but reared in Lafayette, Ga., Coxwell graduated from Lafayette High School in 1959 and attended the University of Alabama on a football scholarship. He later transferred to JSU, where he attended until 1963.

Coxwell went on to launch a number of businesses in Georgia, including two GMC dealerships that he operated for 13 years in Augusta and Marietta. He also owned a John Deere dealership for 14 years in Kennesaw, Ga., and Eagle Golf Course in Douglasville. He owns Mountain Brook Village, a retirement/assisted living facility in Sevierville, Tenn.

Coxwell served as a founder of Commercial Exchange Bank in Kennesaw, Ga., in 1982. Through a series of mergers, that bank eventually became Premier Bank with more than $2 billion in assets. Premier was sold to BBNT. Coxwell served on loan committees and bank boards for 24 years. Coxwell also founded Highland Commercial Bank of Marietta, where he continues to serve on the board of directors.

Coxwell served as budget officer for Georgia's Department of Agriculture for three years. He also has experience in building commercial and residential buildings.

Coxwell's numerous civic involvements include membership in the Rotary Club and serving as vice president of the Lions Club. He is past president of the GMC Dealers Association. He also serves as treasurer of the Kennesaw United Methodist Church.

Coxwell and his wife, Sandra, live on Anniston's historic Buckner Circle, where he is president of the Buckner Circle Home Owners Association.

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