Jax State Announces 2026 Alumni of the Year Honorees

Anthony Kingston (‘93 & ‘98)

Anthony Kingston serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Technology with Alabaster City Schools and has made a profound impact on education, technology, and student success. He led the Alabaster City Schools Warrior Device Initiative, deploying over 8,000 Chromebooks, and directed the One to World Initiative at Jacksonville City Schools, earning the Apple Distinguished Program. He continues to support Jax State as a Lifetime Member of the Jax State National Alumni Association, volunteers as president of the Men's Basketball Alumni Network, and serves as a committee member for the Jax State Athletic Foundation.

Claudette Smith (‘72)

Claudette Smith has devoted her life to education, leadership, and service. Her career spans 41 years with Arab City Schools, where she served in instructional and leadership roles across grades 6-12. Smith has held significant professional leadership roles beyond the classroom, including school chairman for two accreditation cycles and school representative for the Arab Education Association. As a Lifetime Member of the Jax State National Alumni Association, she remains actively engaged with Jax State alumni and student recruitment efforts.

Viachaslau “Slava” Katliarou (‘12 & ‘16)

Slava Katliarou began his journey at Jax State when he joined the International House program, earning degrees in biology and geographic information systems. Katliarou taught as a Jax State adjunct instructor before becoming a Senior GIS Analyst and Cartographer. He founded Coosa Consulting, a full-service land survey firm where he serves as managing partner. Katliarou continues to support Jax State by serving on the International House Foundation Board and is an active and engaged member of the Gadsden community.  

Col. Scott Brannon (‘92 & '93)   

Col. Scott Brannon serves as the Commander of the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate. He holds degrees in criminal justice and political science from Jax State. He enlisted in the Army in 1996 and was commissioned in 1999 through the Officer Candidate School. Col. Brannon has six deployments in support of the Global War on Terror. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including 1 Legion of Merit, 1 Bronze Star with Valor device, and 3 Bronze Stars.