Autumn Daniel Becomes First to Complete Four Jax MIX Microcredentials
02/23/2026
By Brett Buckner
Autumn Daniel wasn’t aspiring to be a trailblazer. The 22-year-old senior pre-health biology major was essentially curious. It was that curiosity that led the Five Points native to enroll in Jacksonville State University’s Jax MIX (Merge Innovation and Experience) general education program.
When she graduates this semester, Daniel will be the first student to complete four of the five microcredential courses available through Jax MIX. Daniel has completed the Ethical Leadership and Media Literacy microcredentials and will soon complete the Environmental Stewardship and Community Engagement microcredential upon graduation.
Daniel learned about Jax MIX from her physics professor and felt the program was both practical and manageable alongside her coursework.
“The Jax MIX microcredentials program allows students to develop specific, career-relevant skills outside of traditional classes,” Daniel said. “Each microcredential focuses on a particular area and emphasizes reflection, helping students better understand their experiences and communicate the skills they gain in a professional setting.”
Daniel most enjoyed the media literacy microcredential.
“It helped me strengthen my résumé and better understand the importance of cover letters and tailoring application materials to specific jobs,” she said. “These are skills that will be especially valuable as I prepare to graduate and begin my professional career.”
One of the most meaningful things Daniel gained from the program was learning how to reflect on her experiences and clearly articulate her skills.
“The microcredentials helped me recognize professional growth beyond the classroom,” she said, “and I would definitely recommend the program to other students looking to enhance their academic and career preparation.”
Like all four-year universities in the state of Alabama, Jax State is required to have students take classes in a variety of core areas, such as math, English, science, and fine arts.
“Unlike other universities, though,” said Dr. Marija Reiff, Jax MIX Microcredentials Coordinator, “we took general education one step further and invented a way to give greater shape and clarity to students' general education experience.”
Jax State accomplished this through what Reiff describes as “inventing” general education microcredentials that allow students to study particular tracks in general education.
“This gives students more value for their time and money,” she said. “Our Jax MIX microcredentials allow students to double dip, fulfilling the state of Alabama requirements while simultaneously gaining credentials that signify what skills and competencies general education has given them.”
The program is best suited for students who, like Daniel, are curious and motivated.
“Students who see general education not just as a requirement to tick off,” Reiff said, “but an opportunity for lifelong learning.”
Daniel will be the first student to complete four microcredentials. Thus far, there are a “handful” of students who have completed two microcredentials.
“Daniel is a great example of the potential of the MIX program,” Reiff said, “showing how she has really harnessed the myriad opportunities available through general education and our innovative MIX microcredentials.”
Daniel’s efforts are proof that the Jax MIX program is gaining momentum. Incoming freshmen have dedicated modules about Jax MIX in their required (Student Success) 101 classes, and we have had “great attendance” at extracurricular MIX events.
“Part of what makes Jax MIX unique is the connection between curricular and extracurricular events, and we have dozens of events each semester that are tagged as being part of one of the microcredential tracks,” Reiff said. “We also have over 30 students slated to complete their microcredentials this spring, and we have launched a new Jax MIX Ambassadors program for students to promote Jax MIX among themselves.”