Jaksonville State University is a public, co-educational university located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, in Jacksonville, Alabama. It is nationally recognized for its business and teacher education programs. Jacksonville State University had its humble origin in 1883, as the Jacksonville State Normal School. It served as a preparatory school for the town and the surrounding areas until 1930, which soon became the Jacksonville State Teachers College. In 1935, the college acquired accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. To reflect its growing role in education, the college’s name was changed to Jacksonville State College, which offered master’s degrees in elementary education. In 1966, under the authorization of State Board of Education, the college achieved university status, and was renamed Jacksonville State University. Jacksonville State encompasses four colleges – Arts and Sciences, Commerce and Business Administration, Education and Professional Studies, and Nursing and Health Sciences. These academic units offer bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degrees in various fields. In addition, the curriculum includes ROTC classes and distance education programs. The JSU campus is home to dozens of student organizations and clubs, in which students are encouraged to participate. The library, named after President Emeritus Dr. Houston Cole, houses more than 650,000 volumes, and is the center of the academic community. The Nursing Clinic on campus is a community facility which aims to provide comprehensive health education, health screening, and wellness programs.