Jax State Junior Trey Marshall Attends National First-Year Experience Conference as Fellowship Recipient

02/13/2026

Jacksonville State University is celebrating one of its own this week as Trey'Vionne (Trey) Marshall, a junior majoring in Collaborative Special Education, has been honored with a prestigious award recognizing his outstanding contributions to the first-year student experience.  

Trey, a Brantley, Alabama native, has quickly become one of Jax State’s most impactful student leaders—shaping the transition experience for new students and championing a culture of support, service, and belonging across campus. His dedication and leadership earned him this year’s Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship Award, a distinction given to a student who demonstrates exceptional commitment to improving the first-year experience. Trey is one of five students across the nation who will be recognized at the annual First Year Experience Conference in Seattle, Washington, this week from February 14-18. As part of the fellowship, Trey received a scholarship to attend the First Year Experience Conference where he will be able to network and learn from professionals that support the first-year experience in higher education. 

From his very first semester at JAX STATE, Trey immersed himself in leadership roles designed to help students thrive. As a member of Freshman Forum, he stood out immediately, earning the titles of Mr. Freshman and Elite One of the Year, the organization’s highest honor. He played a key role in coordinating the Forum’s annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness 5K, strengthening outreach efforts for mental health awareness on campus.   

Trey continued to expand his impact during his sophomore year as a Jax State Ambassador and as a member of the Lambda Sigma Honor Society, where he participated in numerous service initiatives—including the chapter’s award-winning community project to build beds for local children in need. The project raised over $6,000 and built more than 60 beds, earning recognition as the Best Annual Event by the JAX STATE Student Government Association.  

As an upper division student, Trey’s influence has only grown. He currently serves as a Gamecock Orientation Coordinator, Jax State Ambassador, and Vice President of the First Gen Society, roles that allow him to support new students, first-generation students, and prospective Gamecocks. His past experiences as a Gamecock Guide, Admissions Student Worker, and GO! Leader helped him discover a passion for higher education and student development—fields he plans to pursue professionally.  

“Trey represents the best of what Jax State strives to cultivate in its student leaders,” said Keaton Glass, Director of First- and Second-Year Experience. “His compassion, resilience, and commitment to supporting his peers make him an extraordinary role model. Trey has a remarkable ability to help first-year students feel seen, supported, and confident as they begin their college journey.”  

Balancing work, leadership responsibilities, and a rigorous academic schedule, Trey is known for his determination and resiliency. Entirely self-supported, he continues to excel academically while remaining deeply engaged in campus life.  

After graduating, Trey plans to pursue a master’s degree in Higher Education or a related field with hopes of eventually serving in a professional role supporting student success and transition programs.  

“I’m passionate about helping new students find their place at Jax State because I know how important those first connections can be,” Trey shared. “I’ve had incredible mentors here, and I want to be that person for someone else.”  

With his new award recognition, Trey is poised to continue shaping the first-year experience at Jax State—and inspiring the next generation of Gamecocks along the way. To read more about the Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship you visit the national resource center’s website. Upon conclusion of the conference Trey will be featured on the website along with all the former award winners. Former Jax State student, Olivia Fields, won this award in 2024 and now serves as the Peer Mentoring Coordinator for First and Second Year Experience, showcasing the quality and expertise of Jax State students on a national level.   

To read more about Trey and the announcement of him earning the award, read this jsu.edu feature from Fall 2025. To learn more about the Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship, visit the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition website.