Alumni Spotlight – Jennifer Swafford ('94 & '99)
By Brittney Kimber
Jax State alumna Jennifer Swafford ('94 & '99) is serving students, families and her community in Cleburne County. With degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, and school counseling, Swafford has served as the school counselor for Cleburne County Middle School in Heflin, Alabama, for more than 20 years.
She was awarded the 2025 Alabama School Counselor of the Year and continues to dedicate her time investing in students through mentoring, character education, peer leadership, community partnerships, and innovative school programs.
"Being named the 2025 Alabama School Counselor of the Year is one of the greatest honors of my career. While my name is on the award, I have always viewed it as a recognition of the incredible students, educators, administrators, families, and community partners who make our work possible every day at Cleburne County Middle School," Swafford said.
"This award affirmed something I have believed throughout my career—that school counseling has the power to transform lives when it is proactive, comprehensive, and centered on relationships. I have been blessed to work alongside an outstanding principal, an amazing faculty and staff, supportive district leadership, and a community that believes in investing in children. Together, we have created opportunities that extend far beyond the counselor's office."
Swafford said the counseling team strives to remove barriers to learning while ensuring every student develops academically, socially, emotionally, and personally. She leads the Volunteer Mentoring Program, the Peer Helper Program and other initiatives to help students develop confidence and build integrity and resilience.
"Our counseling program is data-driven, proactive, and built around the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Every initiative begins with one question — what barriers are preventing our students from reaching success, and how can we remove them?" Swafford said. "That philosophy has shaped my personal mission of 'Connecting people to resources and resources to people.' Whether the need is academic, social-emotional, behavioral, college and career readiness, or simply providing hope during a difficult season, our goal is to ensure every student knows they have someone who believes in them."
Swafford said one of the most unique and meaningful additions to the counseling program has been the facility dog, Juice. His story began through a partnership with the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, where Swafford was introduced to him as a young bloodhound. He completed specialized training, and through that process was able to teach students that growth doesn't always happen in a straight line, and perseverance matters.
"From the very beginning, I saw something special in Juice. His gentle nature, curiosity, and love for people made me believe he could become another member of our counseling team. Juice has quickly become a source of comfort and encouragement for students experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges. Whether helping students prepare for state assessments through our 'Calm Like Juice' initiative, supporting struggling readers, encouraging attendance, or simply providing unconditional acceptance, Juice has become another way we remove barriers and help students feel safe and supported," Swafford said.
"Perhaps what makes Juice so special is that his story mirrors the message we want every student to believe. Everyone faces obstacles. Everyone has moments of uncertainty. But with patience, encouragement, and people who believe in you, growth is always possible. Juice has become a daily reminder at Cleburne County Middle School that every student deserves grace, support, and the opportunity to become the very best version of themselves."
It was at Jax State, Swafford said, that the faculty challenged her to think beyond traditional approaches and instilled the belief that school counselors can create systemic change, advocate for students, and positively influence an entire school community.
"Jacksonville State University gave me far more than a degree—it gave me the confidence, knowledge, and purpose to become the educator and leader I am today. As I reflect on earning my Master of Science in School Guidance and Counseling, I realize just how intentional every hour of that program was. Every course, every discussion, every case study, every practicum experience, and every conversation with professors was carefully designed to prepare us not only to become school counselors, but to become advocates, collaborators, and leaders for children," Swafford said.
"Dr. Jerry Kiser and the faculty challenged us to think critically, to always put students first, and to understand that effective counseling is built on relationships, trust, ethical practice, and a genuine desire to serve others. At the time, I was preparing for my first counseling position. Looking back nearly three decades later, I realize those lessons have never left me."
Swafford said Jax State has always held a special place in her heart because it is where she discovered not only her profession, but her purpose. She is a first-generation college graduate and the first person in her family to earn a master's degree.
"My journey to Jax State represented so much more than continuing my education—it represented opportunity, perseverance, and the realization of a dream that would forever change the trajectory of my life and the lives of those I would eventually serve," Swafford said. "Perhaps what means the most to me is that Jacksonville State prepared me to lead with both my head and my heart. The university equipped me with the knowledge and professional skills necessary to be an effective school counselor, but it also instilled values that continue to define my career: integrity, service, collaboration, compassion, and a belief that every child deserves someone who believes in them."
Swafford said she is incredibly honored to continue to represent Cleburne County Middle School, her alma mater, and the state as Alabama's candidate at the American School Counselor of the Year recognition and advocate for students.
“While awards and recognition are certainly meaningful, they are not what define my career. What matters most is the opportunity to advocate for students, strengthen the profession of school counseling, and inspire the next generation of educators and leaders. If my story encourages even one first-generation college student to believe in themselves, or one future school counselor to pursue this incredible profession, then I consider that a success," Swafford said.
"I hope the Gamecock community knows how grateful I am for the education, mentorship, and encouragement I received at Jacksonville State University. The lessons I learned there continue to influence my work every day, and I will proudly carry the Gamecock spirit with me wherever this journey leads. I will always be thankful to call Jacksonville State University my home and will forever be proud to represent the Gamecock family."