Jacksonville State University, Cleburne County Chamber Sign MOU Expanding Educational Access for Local Workforce

02/24/2026

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Jacksonville State University and the Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce formalized a new partnership Wednesday morning with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding designed to expand educational opportunities for Chamber employees and member businesses. 

Under the terms of the MOU, Jax State will provide a 20% corporate tuition scholarship to qualified full- and part-time employees of the Chamber and its active, dues-paying member businesses. The scholarship applies to undergraduate and graduate degree programs and includes an admission application fee waiver. 

The agreement adds to Jax State’s already extensive list of strategic partnerships and collaborations throughout the region that expand opportunity, strengthen local economies, and prepare a skilled workforce for the future. A full list of the university’s current partnerships can be found at www.jsu.edu/partnerships. 

“We are grateful that Ashley is here representing the county, and we’re excited to enter into this partnership for what we hope will be a real benefit to Chamber members,” said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. “These are our neighbors to the east. We have a lot of alumni who live and work in Cleburne County, and we want everyone there to know that Jax State is here and ready to serve. Whether this helps drive additional Chamber membership or simply provides an added benefit to businesses already involved, we’re thankful for the opportunity to support their employees and their families.” 

“I’m most excited about the fact that our longstanding Chamber members are going to be able to utilize this as a tool,” said Ashley Butler, Executive Director of the Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce. “This partnership gives long-time Chamber members a valuable asset for workforce development and retention. We really love being able to offer something tangible that supports their employees and helps them continue growing professionally.” 

In addition to providing the tuition scholarship, Jax State will designate a liaison to work directly with the Chamber to assist employees with admissions guidance and program information. 

The Chamber will promote the opportunity to its membership and assist with verifying eligibility.  

The agreement becomes effective in the Spring 2026 semester and will remain in effect for two years. It reflects Jax State’s continued commitment to meeting workforce needs by creating accessible pathways to higher education for working professionals across East Alabama. By partnering directly with chambers of commerce, industries, school systems, and community organizations, the university continues to align its academic programs with the real-world needs of the communities it serves.