Welcome Home Gamecocks

In 1883, the State Normal School began, merging a "polytechnic school or high grade for young men" with Jacksonville's "female academy for young ladies." In 1929, the school became Jacksonville State Teachers College. In 1957, the institution became Jacksonville State College, and in 1966, it became what it is today, Jacksonville State University.
Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Jacksonville is often referred to as "the Gem of the Hills." Nestled in between Atlanta and Birmingham, Jacksonville is a convenient drive to anyone and near perfect for the college experience.
Each fall, you must forgive our "cocky" behavior, as we cheer on the Gamecocks. It's a setting "made for champions by champions." JSU and the surrounding hills echo the late night practices of the Marching Southerners. The field's lights reflect on every cloud in the sky, as players prep for the weekend's events. Red and white appears in store windows. RVs and grills unload to tailgate, and fans of all generations gather at Burgess Snow Field for traditions and hopefully another win.
Homecoming is more than football. It's reunions of previous champions, parades of current students and alumni lining the streets, and 20J tubas and Ballerinas taking to the field for another spellbinding performance. The Letterman's Club is painted up, and we're ready for another trip to Frisco for the Championship.