JACKSONVILLE — A Gadsden resident who once called Jacksonville State University’s International House home has created a scholarship honoring two longtime leaders.

Jacksonville State University announced the gift in a Sept. 8 report by Brett Buckner. According to the university, alumnus Slava Katliarou established the new endowed award.

The Dr. John J. and Ivania Ketterer Cultural Outreach Endowed International House Scholarship honors the couple’s influence on generations of students.

The scholarship will support an International House student who shows a strong commitment to cultural outreach. That work may include connecting people across cultures, encouraging respect, and bringing diverse communities together.

Those goals reflect the International House motto: “Know one another, and you will love one another.”

Katliarou lived in the International House from 2008 through 2012. He said the approaching 80th anniversary made this the right time to honor Dr. Ketterer.

“The whole idea is I just wanted to give back,” Katliarou told Buckner.

A Student’s Journey From Belarus to Alabama

Katliarou arrived at Jax State from Mogilev, Belarus, in 2008. He was 18 and followed an older brother to the university.

After his first year, the International House selected him as a resident assistant. Katliarou credits Ketterer with teaching him how to work with people and lead effectively.

Katliarou completed a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2012. He later earned master’s degrees in biology and geographic information systems from Jax State.

His career eventually took him to Fort Worth, Texas. There, he worked as a senior GIS analyst and cartographer for Transglobal Services. He also taught as an adjunct instructor at Jax State.

Later, Katliarou founded Coosa Consulting, a full-service land surveying company. He continues to serve as its managing partner.

In 2023, he moved to Gadsden. He and his wife also opened Petite Play, an indoor playground serving children age 10 and younger.

Jax State recognized Katliarou as its 2026 Young Alum of the Year. The university cited his professional achievements, community involvement, and continued support for the International House.

Moreover, Katliarou serves on the International House Foundation Board. He also supports cultural exchanges, youth sports, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, and other charitable organizations.

Honoring John and Ivania Ketterer

Dr. John Ketterer became the International House’s executive director in 2000. He remained in that role until his retirement in July 2014.

Before arriving at Jax State, he spent 17 years working in Latin American countries. His experience included leading international schools with students from many nations and language backgrounds.

At Jacksonville State, Ketterer simplified a lengthy resident rulebook into one guiding principle: “Respect the house.” He said that standard meant respecting the program’s values and every person who lived there.

However, the new scholarship recognizes more than Ketterer’s administrative leadership. It also honors Ivania Ketterer, a native of Nicaragua who helped students make the International House their home.

The couple helped residents through illnesses, injuries, family losses, and the challenges of adjusting to college life. Students sometimes stayed in their guest room while recovering from medical emergencies.

In addition, Ivania Ketterer provided the personal care that students far from home often needed. Dr. Ketterer has described their work with the students as a partnership.

A 2014 university profile credited the couple with helping strengthen the program’s family atmosphere. It also documented Ketterer’s work on international partnerships, cultural programs, and restoration projects at the house.

An 80-Year Program Built Around Understanding

The Jones International House Program began in 1946 with four students from France. Its original emphasis centered on language study.

Today, the program places a broader focus on global understanding and peace among nations and cultures. It includes 20 American students and 20 international students. Each international resident represents a different country and rooms with an American student.

According to Jax State’s International House history, the program has reached more than 2,000 alumni across five continents. More than 700 remain active alumni.

The International House also connects the university with surrounding communities. Its events and cultural programs give area residents opportunities to learn directly from students representing countries around the world.

As a result, the new scholarship extends the program’s mission beyond one generation. It will recognize students who actively build understanding across cultural lines.

Katliarou said the friendships he formed at the house continued after graduation. He also credited the program with helping shape the leader and business owner he later became.

Supporters may contribute through Jax State’s official scholarship giving page. The university’s announcement did not include the scholarship amount, first award date, or recipient-selection schedule.

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