The history of Jacksonville State University started in 1883, and it was first founded as a state college for teachers. In 1930, the name of Jacksonville State Teachers College was given and in 1966 the university status was settled.

Jacksonville State University played an important role in providing a higher education, since the beginning. Today, it is a teaching institution providing educational, social and cultural programs for over 7000 students from USA, as well as international students from other 50 countries.

The university is offering academic programs at graduate level, as well as undergraduate. It contains four colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Commerce and Business Administration AND the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

One of the most popular majors, here at JSU, is The Department of Criminal Justice, providing a bachelor science degree in Criminal Justice.

A number of 13 famous personalities studied at Jacksonville State University, all NFL players, including Alvin Wright, Walter Broughton, Ralph Battle and Eric Davis.

All students from JSU are members of the Student Government, a special segment being provided for freshmen. The campus holds eight sororities and nine fraternities, and in order for the students to participate in these Greek organizations, they must maintain a grade average.

There are 14 sports teams representing JSU, covering areas such as football, basketball, soccer, softball, golf, baseball and tennis. In 2003, the university gained national attention thanks to Ashley Martin, who became the first female football player to score 6 points in a Division 1 game.

Jacksonville was founded in 1833 under the name of Drayton. In 1834 the current name was given in the honor of President Andrew Jackson. The Creek Indians was Jacksonville's first inhabitants, the land being purchased from Chief Ladiga. Until the year 1899, Jacksonville was the county seat of Calhoun County. Today, Jacksonville has a population of over 9 000 inhabitants and it covers over 17.421 square km.

Jacksonville has a warm weather during summer and cold during winter. The best time to visit is in July, considered to be the warmest period of the year, with temperatures of around 80°F. During winter, more exactly in January, temperatures can get as low as 30°F.