Jax State Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Kathy Roe Buttram Team Room

03/14/2025

On Friday, March 7, Jacksonville State University and the College of Business and Industry hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly dedicated Kathy Roe Buttram Team Room, located on the third floor of Hugh D. Merrill Hall. The space, made possible by a generous gift from Judge H. Dean and Kathy Buttram, is designed to enhance student collaboration and learning.

The Kathy Roe Buttram Team Room will serve as a hub for students working on group projects, study sessions, and presentations, featuring modern technology and collaborative workspaces. The ceremony highlighted the impact of such spaces on student success, noting their role in recruitment, retention, and creating an engaging academic experience.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Brent Cunningham, Dean of the College of Business and Industry, expressed gratitude for the Buttram family’s generosity. "This is the newest academic building on campus, and it is well used. We are grateful for the support of families like the Buttrams, who help make spaces like this possible," he said.

Kathy Roe Buttram, an alumna of Jax State’s Department of Communication, reflected on how the university prepared her for a successful career in journalism. She spent a decade with The Birmingham News, 15 years with The Orlando Sentinel, and later served as editor of The Cherokee County Herald before retiring. “I'm a proud graduate of JSU, which gave me the foundation I needed to build a career in journalism. I'm particularly excited about what the Department of Communication is doing here, preparing the next generation with every changing minute in a very fast paced world,” she said.

The event was attended by university leaders, faculty, staff, and supporters. The dedication of the Kathy Roe Buttram Team Room is a meaningful addition to Merrill Hall, furthering Jax State’s mission to provide students with innovative spaces to learn, collaborate, and succeed. For more information on Merrill Hall and the College of Business and Industry, visit the Jax State CBI website.