Jacksonville State Breaks Ground For Randy Owen Center For The Performing Arts – Elmore-Autauga News

2024-07-17
Jacksonville State Breaks Ground For Randy Owen Center For The Performing Arts – Elmore-Autauga News

Honoring a Hometown Hero: Jacksonville State University Breaks Ground on the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts

Jacksonville State University (JSU) celebrated a momentous occasion on Tuesday with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts, known as The ROC. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to inspire a love of the arts in all students and enrich the JSU campus community, all while honoring the legacy of one of its most distinguished alumni, Randy Owen.

Unlocking the Artistic Potential of Alabama's Future Leaders

A Dream Realized: The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts

The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts, or The ROC, is a transformative project that will forever change the cultural landscape of Jacksonville, Alabama, and beyond. This million state-of-the-art facility, made possible by a grant from the Alabama legislature and the unwavering support of Governor Kay Ivey, will serve as a beacon of creativity and inspiration for JSU students and the surrounding community.The ROC will feature a 1,000-seat Phil and Denise Webb Performance Hall, a recording studio, educational classrooms, a 400-seat recital hall, maker spaces and studios, music technology spaces, a creative collective design space, and event spaces. Additionally, it will house the Randy Owen Museum and Archives, a testament to the enduring legacy of the renowned country music artist and JSU alumnus.

Honoring a Hometown Hero: Randy Owen's Lasting Impact

Randy Owen, the man of the hour, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and hopes for the future during the groundbreaking ceremony. "Wow. I'm very thankful," he said. "I hope this building inspires young kids to follow their dreams, not be afraid to do something different, not be ashamed to be different, and not be afraid to step out and say, 'I write songs.' I hope that every first-generation kid who has a dream of doing something different than what all your other family members have done feels encouraged by what's happening today because it's so important."Owen's journey from a JSU student to a country music legend and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee is a testament to the transformative power of the arts. The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy, inspiring generations of JSU students to pursue their artistic passions and leave an indelible mark on the world.

A Collaborative Effort: Bringing the Dream to Life

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, JSU President Dr. Don Killingsworth, the JSU Board of Trustees, and several local elected officials. Their presence and unwavering support for the project underscored the significance of this occasion.Governor Ivey, whose dedication to the project was instrumental in making the dream a reality, expressed her enthusiasm and support for the project. "In 2020, I was pleased to join my friends in the Alabama legislature in approving a million grant to help build the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts," she said. "After all that Randy has done for this University, and frankly, for all of Alabama, my getting involved to support this worthy project just felt so right."Speaker Ledbetter, a friend of Owen and fellow native of DeKalb County, echoed the sentiment, stating, "To say I'm proud of Randy would be an understatement. I'm proud of Randy because he's from my county, and he certainly gives back to that community. But I'm proud of him because he's from the state of Alabama. He doesn't have to be here. He could be anywhere in the world he wants to be. Think about that. But he truly loves his state, and he loves Jacksonville State University."

A Transformative Vision for the Future

The groundbreaking of the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts marks a significant milestone in JSU's commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community on campus and beyond. Dr. Killingsworth, the university's president, eloquently captured the essence of this occasion, stating, "This occasion signifies the breaking of ground, not only for a state-of-the-art facility, but for the culmination of years of planning, hard work, and dedication to making a dream a reality."The ROC will undoubtedly enrich the cultural landscape of Jacksonville and the surrounding region, providing a platform for students to hone their artistic talents and share their creativity with the world. As the university looks forward to the completion of this transformative project, the excitement and anticipation are palpable, as the community eagerly awaits the opportunity to witness the realization of this ambitious vision.

Article "tagged" as:

Related Article

6 Sustainable and Healthy Fish to Eat (And 4 Types to Avoid)

6 Sustainable and Healthy Fish to Eat (And 4 Types to Avoid)

Here's the scoop on the best sustainable and healthy fish to eat regularly according to experts and a few fish types they recommend you avoid.
16 Pumpkin Pie Recipes to Make for Thanksgiving

16 Pumpkin Pie Recipes to Make for Thanksgiving

From traditional pumpkin pie recipes to elegant and creative variations (such as pumpkin pie pudding, cheesecake, and cupcakes), these scrumptious pumpkin pies will make your Thanksgiving holiday dessert a smashing success.
14 Easy Slow Cooker Appetizers that Make Entertaining Low Stress

14 Easy Slow Cooker Appetizers that Make Entertaining Low Stress

These holiday slow cooker appetizers will hit the spot for every guest. Our recipes include sliders, dips, fondue, and more!
Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake

Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake

This sushi bake recipe makes your favorite sushi roll a breeze to make. Get the delicious taste with half the work by following our Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake recipe.
Indian Masala Chili

Indian Masala Chili

Indian Masala Chili
How to Make a Smoothie from Your Favorite Fresh Ingredients

How to Make a Smoothie from Your Favorite Fresh Ingredients

Learn how to make a smoothie with your favorite fruits, veggies, and dairy or non-dairy products. Skip the pricey juice bar or bottled options.
Make-Ahead Mini Cheese Balls

Make-Ahead Mini Cheese Balls

Once you learn how to make cheese balls that you can customize—and then freeze for up to three months—you'll never host a party without them! Depending on which cheese ball seasoning you choose, this make-ahead cheese ball recipe can fit any season or color palette.
Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Enjoy these plant-based meatballs for your next meatless dinner.
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

Make hot Italian sausage subs for a crowd with this easy slow cooker sandwich recipe. This easy Italian sandwich recipe makes enough meat for 12 subs, so it's great for a party or potluck.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Enjoy these moist healthy muffins for breakfast or with your afternoon tea.
How an Orchestra Orchestrates a Live Journey Through a Video Game

How an Orchestra Orchestrates a Live Journey Through a Video Game

A controller will direct a conductor's baton during Journey's live performances at the Brooklyn Acad
Fashion and Beauty: 3 Hottest summer nail colours

Fashion and Beauty: 3 Hottest summer nail colours

This article discusses the latest nail color trends for the summer season. It highlights three popul
Marni SS25 Collection: A Story of Fashion and Beauty

Marni SS25 Collection: A Story of Fashion and Beauty

The article explores how the "hero's journey" narrative structure is reflected in Marni's SS25 colle
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 Makeup-Free Backstage Beauty With Tyra Banks & More Models

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 Makeup-Free Backstage Beauty With Tyra Banks & More Models

The 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is making a highly anticipated return to New York City, feat
5 Video Games Based On Hit TV Shows

5 Video Games Based On Hit TV Shows

The article discusses the cross-pollination between entertainment mediums, focusing on the trend of
“Classic part of the game”: GTA 6 Fans Worry as They’ve Not Seen 1 Iconic Part of the Grand Theft Auto Franchise Yet, While Others Hope It’s Cut

“Classic part of the game”: GTA 6 Fans Worry as They’ve Not Seen 1 Iconic Part of the Grand Theft Auto Franchise Yet, While Others Hope It’s Cut

The article discusses the hype surrounding the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) and th
Spies, breakups and thick glasses: Philly’s Pig Iron obsesses over Aimee Mann in ‘Poor Judge

Spies, breakups and thick glasses: Philly’s Pig Iron obsesses over Aimee Mann in ‘Poor Judge

The article discusses a new theatrical production called "Poor Judge" by Pig Iron Theatre, which is
Weekend Entertainment Highlights: Lizzo, Diddy & More (November 30, 2024)

Weekend Entertainment Highlights: Lizzo, Diddy & More (November 30, 2024)

This text presents various news. Lizzo is on a weight loss journey and shows off her slimmer figure.
Skyline Chili voted ‘Best Regional Fast Food’ in US, according to new poll

Skyline Chili voted ‘Best Regional Fast Food’ in US, according to new poll

Skyline Chili, a beloved Cincinnati-based fast food chain, has been named the "Best Regional Fast Fo
Governor Gianforte Launches 4th State Agency Food Drive on 5th Day of Giving

Governor Gianforte Launches 4th State Agency Food Drive on 5th Day of Giving

The Governor's Office announced the fourth annual state agency food drive competition on December 6,