James P. Dorroh of Phil Campbell has been awarded an emergency management degree from Jacksonville State University.

Dorroh was among 582 students who were conferred degrees at JSU’s fall commencement ceremony Dec. 13. Because of ongoing repairs at Pete Mathews Coliseum following the destructive tornado March 19, 2018, the ceremony was held on Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium.

JSU President John M. Beehler presented degrees to 441 undergraduates and 141 graduate students, while Provost Rebecca O. Turner presided over the ceremonies. Trustee Clarence W. Daugette III was also in attendance.

Curtis McGhee Jr., who graduated with a master’s degree in English, served as the student commencement speaker. Derrick D. Jordan, a 1992 alum with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, spoke on behalf of alumni. The bell ringer was Ashlee Goff, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into an Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, JSU offers more than 150 courses of study, including more than 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.