4 interesting facts about JSU, the uni Jordan Fisher attended

When it comes to some of the most beloved Disney stars of the last few years, few can hold a candle to the multi-talented Jordan Fisher. The young star first broke out on screen in the televised special of “Grease: Live” in 2016, stealing the show with his heartfelt rendition of “Those Magic Changes”. 

Since then, he’s accumulated a number of impressive acting credits on stage and screen. He was quickly cast in the popular Broadway production of “Hamilton” as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton — a famously demanding role — as well as the lead role in “Dear Evan Hansen”. On screen, he’s returned to his musical roots in “Rent: Live” and as a love interest in “To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You”. 

Most recently, he lent his voice and vocal chops in Pixar’s “Turning Red”, a progressive and sincere coming-of-age animation. The film was praised for being culturally expansive, capturing the essence of adolescence, and offering a depiction of growing up in an honest, inclusive way. 

Jordan Fisher attended Jacksonville State University in 2011. Source: Emma McIntyre/AFP

Where did Jordan Fisher study?

For many celebrities — including actors and producers — school or university served as a platform where they could first hone their craft.

Zendaya, for instance, grew up around the California Shakespeare Theatre in Orinda — known as Cal Shakes — which was where she got her first taste of acting.

Hwang Dong-Hyuk, the director of “Squid Game”, was a student of the University of Southern California.

USC’s famous graduates include the creator of “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” franchises George Lucas, one-eyed assassin Elle Driver in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” films Daryl Hannah, director of films “A Beautiful Mind” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Ron Howard, and director of the film “Grease” Randal Kleiser.

Jordan Fisher grew up with a love for musical theatre. He was home-schooled as a child and earned a high school diploma from Harvest Christian Academy, taking part in productions at the Red Mountain Theatre Company — a non-profit professional theatre organisation — all the while. 

Once he earned his high school diploma, Fisher enrolled in classes at Jacksonville State University (JSU), a public institution in Jacksonville, Alabama. 

4 facts about Jacksonville State University, where Jordan Fisher studied

It’s known for its achievements in athletics

JSU is famous for being home to the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Here, talented athletes play a variety of competitive and non-competitive games, from American football and baseball to basketball and cross country. 

Playing since 1904, the JSU Gamecocks have since made leaps and bounds in the world of American football, placing nationally in 1992. That’s not to distract from its expertise in baseball and gymnastics, as well — placing nationally twice for both sports — and men’s basketball.  

Jacksonville State University, where Jordan Fisher studied in 2011, is home to a thriving drama department. Source: Theo Wargo/AFP

It’s a great place to study drama and film

Formal education can prove useful for those who wish to take their career to the next level.

For instance, the Duffer Brothers — producers of the award-winning science fiction and horror drama “Stranger Things” — are graduates of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University (Dodge College).

The college did not only provide the brothers with an opportunity to collaborate closely with one another, but they also offered the duo a practical learning experience from the get-go. Today, the duo are enjoying unparalleled success.

Similarly, JSU is known for its warm and welcoming Department of Theatre and Film. Here, students learn in a lively environment that encapsulates the vigour of theatre, putting on productions of all kinds throughout the year.

A unique offering at JSU is the opportunity to study for a minor Film and Entertainment Technology — a course that gives you a comprehensive education on camera and film techniques, the technology used in crafting film, and more. 

It’s known as “the friendliest campus in the south”

Another title commonly held by JSU is that it’s home to the friendliest campus in the south — making it one of the best places for you to go to if you’re leaving home for the first time. 

“The best thing about JSU is that the environment and community is clean and positive,” Luther, a student at JSU, was quoted saying. “They treat you with great respect and your learning attitude changes because they help you prepare for whatever it is that you want to accomplish.”

It offers a diverse and inclusive campus environment

With the reopening of borders after the worst of the pandemic, many international students are beginning to flock to the US once again for higher education. JSU is no exception. Its alumni come from all 50 states across the US and 136 countries around the world, marking one of the most diverse campuses in the country. 

Current numbers of international students are smaller, with 149 students from 44 different countries, but rest assured that the warm and friendly environment will make you feel right at home at JSU.