Jax State Alum David Nast awarded inaugural Huntsville Sports Commission Star of Sports Award
From left to right: Mayor of Huntsville Tommy Battle, Jax State alum David Nast, and Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission Mark Russell.
For decades, Jax State alum David Nast (’81 and ’82) has been building relationships and friendships dedicated to serving his Huntsville community. This September, Nast was awarded the inaugural Huntsville Sports Commission Star of Sports Award and was honored by Mayor Tommy Battle with David Nast Day, September 10, 2025.
The Star of Sports Award recognizes individuals who are making lasting contributions within the City of Huntsville, display leadership and a dedication to sports, helping to enhance the quality of life for community members and contributing to the growth of Huntsville.
“I have been honored to serve on the Huntsville Sports Commission since its inception in 2000 and receiving the first Star of Sports Award was quite a surprise,” Nast said. “So many people have made the Commission successful in its mission of advancing sports tourism in Huntsville, and I’m honored to receive the recognition.”
Having Mayor Battle proclaim David Nast Day in Huntsville made it even more special for him and his family. He has enjoyed his service to the community and plans to continue doing his part to move Huntsville forward.
David’s passion for business and service to the community is evident. He is the current Chairman for Alabama and the Florida Panhandle for United Community Bank and serves on the board for the Huntsville Sports Commission, Huntsville Museum of Art, Leadership Alabama, and the Alabama Bankers Association – all of which he has served as past board chair.
David credits Jax State for giving him the foundation to be successful and considers his time at the university among the most formative years of his life.
“My five years at Jax State changed my life,” he said. “Jacksonville State University gave me an education, lifelong friends, and a quiet dedication to being the best I could be. A kid arrived and a young man left, equipped with an education and the skills to be successful in life.”
David graduated from Jax State in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and received his Master of Business Administration in Finance in 1982.
He emphasized the importance of building relationships, paired with a lot of hard work. Nast worked with Jax State mentors who helped him develop skills that would last a lifetime and utilized the university career center, today known as the College to Career Initiative, to secure his first job.
“I had access to the career counseling center where recruiters came looking for new employees,” Nast said. “I took advantage of that opportunity and landed my first job as a bank management trainee, so I owe a lot to Jax State for giving me a start to my career.”
David’s advice to students is to take advantage of their time at school. “It goes by so fast and then life goes by even faster afterwards,” he said. “Work hard in the classroom, have fun and build relationships with other students and faculty. If you’ve chosen your career field, make sure you are passionate about it.”
David says great things happen in communities where everyone is committed to making their city or organization the best it can be. For David, that could not be more true. After 45 years in banking and service to his community, his retirement is set for January 4, 2026. David’s passion and commitment to Huntsville are undeniable, and his support of Jax State is evident as he remains in close contact with the university and others who helped guide him to the successful alum he is today.
