JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University has announced four graduates selected for its 2026 Alumni of the Year Awards, recognizing accomplishments in education, business, military service and continued involvement with the university.
The honorees are Anthony Kingston, Alumnus of the Year; Claudette Smith, Alumna of the Year; Viachaslau “Slava” Katliarou, Young Alum of the Year; and Col. Scott Brannon, Military Alumnus of the Year.
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Presented annually by the Jacksonville State University National Alumni Association, the awards recognize graduates for their professional achievements, community contributions and ongoing support of their alma mater.
Anthony Kingston — Alumnus of the Year
Anthony Kingston, a 1993 and 1998 graduate of Jacksonville State, serves as Assistant Superintendent of Technology for Alabaster City Schools.
Throughout his career, Kingston has worked to expand technology access and digital learning opportunities for students. He led the Warrior Device Initiative at Alabaster City Schools, overseeing the deployment of more than 8,000 Chromebooks.
Previously, Kingston directed the One to World Initiative at Jacksonville City Schools, which received recognition as an Apple Distinguished Program.
Kingston remains involved with Jacksonville State as a lifetime member of the National Alumni Association. He also serves as president of the Men’s Basketball Alumni Network and as a committee member for the Jax State Athletic Foundation.
Claudette Smith — Alumna of the Year
Claudette Smith, a 1972 graduate, is being recognized for her career in public education and her continued involvement in alumni activities.
Smith spent 41 years with Arab City Schools, serving in instructional and leadership positions involving students in grades six through 12.
Her professional responsibilities included serving as school chairman during two accreditation cycles and representing her school in the Arab Education Association.
Smith is a lifetime member of the Jacksonville State National Alumni Association and continues to participate in alumni engagement and student recruitment initiatives.
Viachaslau “Slava” Katliarou — Young Alum of the Year
Viachaslau “Slava” Katliarou, who graduated from Jacksonville State in 2012 and 2016, is being recognized for his professional accomplishments and service to the university.
Katliarou began his time at Jacksonville State through the university’s International House program and earned degrees in biology and geographic information systems.
Following graduation, he worked as an adjunct instructor at Jacksonville State before pursuing a career as a senior geographic information systems analyst and cartographer.
Katliarou later founded Coosa Consulting, a full-service land surveying firm where he serves as managing partner.
He remains connected to the university through his service on the International House Foundation Board and is involved in community activities in the Gadsden area.
Col. Scott Brannon — Military Alumnus of the Year
Col. Scott Brannon, a 1992 and 1993 graduate of Jacksonville State, serves as Commander of the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate.
Brannon earned degrees in criminal justice and political science from the university before beginning his military career.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1996 and received his commission in 1999 through Officer Candidate School.
During his military service, Brannon has completed six deployments in support of the Global War on Terror.
His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star with Valor device and three additional Bronze Stars.
Honorees to Be Recognized During Homecoming
Jacksonville State University will formally recognize the four alumni during its Homecoming football game on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The annual Alumni of the Year Awards are intended to highlight the contributions of Jacksonville State graduates across professional fields and their continued relationships with the university.
Additional information about the recipients and their accomplishments is available through the university’s alumni website at jsu.edu/alumni/nominations.html.
