Jacksonville State University to Receive $10 Million in Federal Funding Through Congressman Mike Rogers’ Office

02/18/2026

Jacksonville State University will receive $10 million in federal earmarked funding secured through Congressman Mike Rogers’ office, a significant investment supporting advanced manufacturing initiatives and expanded law enforcement training. 

The federal investment includes $6.5 million toward the development of an improved future home for the Center for Manufacturing Support, $2 million for the Additive Manufacturing Training and Innovation Lab, and $1.5 million for the Law Enforcement Training Center. Together, these initiatives strengthen Jax State’s ability to serve industry partners, prepare students for high-demand careers, and expand professional training programs that benefit communities across Alabama and beyond. 

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Rogers for his continued support of Jacksonville State University and the work we are doing to strengthen our state,” Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth said. “This $10 million investment allows us to expand two of our programs that are leading the way in meeting our state’s workforce needs. It will enhance our Center for Manufacturing Support and our Law Enforcement Training Center in ways that directly support industry growth and safer communities across Alabama.” 

“I am proud to see this funding going to my Alma mater, Jacksonville State University,” said Rep. Rogers. “This funding will support additional manufacturing education and local law enforcement on JSU’s campus. I consider it a critical part of my job in Washington to ensure as much investment as possible goes to Alabama’s third district, and I am excited to continue championing Jax State in Washington.” 

Within the Center for Manufacturing Support and the Additive Manufacturing Training and Innovation Lab, the combined $8.5 million investment will expand hands-on learning opportunities for students while strengthening the university’s capacity to support regional manufacturers. The funding will support infrastructure for one of Jax State’s fastest-growing programs and establish advanced reverse engineering and measurement technologies that assist manufacturers in extending the operational life of critical equipment and strengthening their global competitiveness. 

This investment builds on last year’s $2.7 million federal funding that enabled Jax State to construct its Additive Manufacturing Innovation and Training Lab. That initial investment laid the foundation for expanded industry support across Northeast Alabama and the surrounding region. 

With this additional funding, the CMS will add reverse engineering and metrology technologies designed to help manufacturers recreate obsolete or unsupported parts, digitize legacy components, and perform precision inspection and quality verification. These capabilities will allow companies to extend the operational life of high-value equipment, reduce downtime, and remain competitive in today’s global manufacturing environment. 

“The $2.7 million investment last year enabled us to build the foundation for transformative industry support in our region,” said Matt Rosser, Director of the Jax State Center for Manufacturing Support. “This additional funding allows us to expand into reverse engineering and advanced metrology, giving manufacturers the tools they need to sustain operations, modernize legacy equipment, and remain competitive in the global marketplace.” 

Beyond industry impact, the investment will significantly enhance student learning by equipping applied engineering students with experience using the advanced measurement, modeling, and quality assurance technologies that modern manufacturers rely on every day. 

“When a company partners with the CMS, our students are involved in the project,” said Dr. Dana Ingalsbe, Professor of Applied Engineering. “This helps develop not only technical skills, but the soft skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace.” 

The $1.5 million investment in the Law Enforcement Training Center will expand the university’s ability to deliver specialized training programs to law enforcement agencies across Alabama and, for the first time, more broadly across the country. 

Because the funding is federal, the center will have increased flexibility to serve agencies nationwide while continuing to support Alabama officers with high-quality, practical training designed to meet evolving public safety needs. 

“The funding we are receiving is such a blessing,” said Kaleb Littlejohn, Executive Director for the Center for Best Practices in Law Enforcement. “It truly grows our ability to have a positive impact on the law enforcement community and to provide essential training that makes our communities safer.” 

Dr. Killingsworth said the investment reflects both the strength of the programs and the leadership behind them. 

“I want to congratulate Dr. Ingalsbe, Mr. Rosser, Mr. Littlejohn, and Mr. Hopwood for their vision and leadership in developing initiatives that make a meaningful difference for our students, our industry partners, and the communities we serve,” he said. “Their work continues to position Jacksonville State University as a leader in advancing economic growth, workforce preparation, and public safety across Alabama.”