JSU's First Bham Promise Scholar to Graduate on Dec. 15

12/07/2023

by Brett Buckner

Ashia Hudson will be awarded a bachelor's in social work on Dec. 15.On Friday, Dec. 15, around 500 graduates are expected to cross the stage at Pete Mathews Coliseum. After shaking the president's hand and posing for photos, each will take their first steps into a future, diplomas in hand.

Among those celebrating this next chapter will be Ashia Hudson, who is the first Birmingham Promise scholarship recipient to graduate from the university.

“It feels good that I can shed light on a great opportunity for those that are coming after me so that they can take advantage of it and use it to their full potential,” said Hudson. “I am happy and excited that I am able to have a positive outcome from accepting and using the scholarship.”

The Birmingham Promise provides up to four years of tuition assistance for graduates of Birmingham City Schools who attend public colleges and universities in Alabama. Through JSU’s partnership with the program, 137 students have received more than $1.1 million in funding over the past three years.

“It is extremely rewarding to see the first of many students in this program reach that final milestone and graduate from Jax State,” said Logan DeBoer, JSU’s Associate Director of Scholarships. “Birmingham Promise is such an impactful program because they provide financial support to deserving students who may not have initially been able to access college otherwise. Students like Ashia are great examples of how hard work and opportunity can result in incredible success.”

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in social work, Hudson will attend the Advance Standing Program for Social Work, with the intention of completing a master’s degree in December 2024.

“My JSU journey has been one to remember,” Hudson said. “I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me.”

JSU's Fall 2023 commencement will be held at Pete Mathews Coliseum in three ceremonies:

10 a.m.

  • College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences
  • College of Business and Industry
1 p.m.
  • College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
4 p.m.
  • College of Education and Professional Studies
  • College of Health Professions and Wellness

All three ceremonies will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, visit the commencement website.