When Darren Douthitt arrived at Jacksonville State University as a student in 1983, he only had to travel 16 miles from home to attend.
According to Darren, "I grew up in a rural setting so JSU provided me an education beyond the academic realm….The University gave me an opportunity to break out of generational poverty and my college education has had a tremendous impact on my family."
A donor for many years, Darren has now chosen to include JSU in his estate plans with a generous commitment to scholarships and program excellence.
"I am indebted to JSU forever for changing my life. I want to ensure that many more underprivileged, college-ready young adults get the opportunity to experience what I experienced," Darren says.
Now the Anniston City Schools Superintendent, Darren received his bachelor's, master's and Educational Specialist degrees from the University.
"My experiences as a student were such that I had a difficult time disconnecting myself from the campus," he jokes.
Darren is a past President of the Alumni Association and now serves on the Alumni Association Board of Governors.
"I was introduced to a lot of people who were giving back to JSU on a high level. Those experiences convinced me to make a commitment to support JSU financially," he says.
He encourages other alumni to get involved and become donors as he has.
"I think if people make an effort to get involved with JSU, they will find that involvement entertaining and uplifting. We are all obligated to support our alma mater to ensure that we have a top notch institution available for our younger generation," says Darren.
JSU President John M. Beehler, Ph.D., calls Darren a model alumnus who he hopes others will want to emulate.
"Estate gifts are the guarantee of a bright future for the University and its students," according to John. "Our distinguished alumnus has chosen to honor JSU with a planned gift for program excellence and to aid deserving students entering the University in the future. Jacksonville State University is most grateful to Darren Douthitt for his generosity."
Contact Kim Dalesandro '98/'18 at 256-782-5606 or kdalesandro@jsu.edu to learn how you can make a planned gift to Jacksonville State University.