Student Spotlight: Ja'Kobe Jones
By Tony Scott

Ja'kobe Jones aims for a career as a financial advisor for underrepresented communities. (Photo
by Ja'kobe Jones)

Ja’kobe Jones aims to become a financial advisor with a focus on serving underrepresented communities, after achieving his goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in finance in the spring of 2027.
 

“I am passionate about using my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact,” he said. “I am committed to promoting financial literacy and empowering individuals with the tools and confidence they need to make informed financial decisions and build generational wealth.”

Jones received a variety of scholarships supported by generous donors to help him continue his education and ultimately cross the finish line to graduation. 

Jones most recently served as the president of the NIU Student Government Association. As such, he received the Don Gereau SA President 1973-74 Leadership Award scholarship.

“In this role of president, I’ve had the privilege of advocating for the student body, addressing key campus concerns, and growing both personally and professionally through the responsibility of leadership,” he said.

Jones has worked hard to be where he is today. He calls himself a “proud Chicago native,” born and raised on Chicago’s East Side, attending Kenwood Academy High School. 

“Growing up in a high-crime neighborhood, I quickly learned to lean on my education and intellect as a pathway to opportunity and a brighter future,” he said. 

Jones counts his high school teacher, Oliver Speller, as a major mentor in his life and a key motivator in his pursuit of higher education. 

“He ultimately guided my decision to attend NIU,” Jones said of Speller. “During high school, he was one of my most impactful teachers—not just academically, but personally. One day in class, he said something that has stayed with me ever since: ‘Ja’kobe, out of all the students in my class, you would be the best teacher.’”

He continued, “Those words resonated deeply and sparked a sense of purpose in me. Until then, I hadn’t seriously considered a future in education, let alone college. But his belief in my potential inspired me to imagine a different path for myself, one where I could grow, make a difference, and perhaps inspire others the way he inspired me. That moment was a turning point, and it ultimately led me to choose NIU to continue my academic journey and pursue my goals.”

Jones is the middle child in a family of five kids. Both of his parents are high school graduates, but neither attended college. 

“I’m proud to be a first-generation college student in my immediate family,” he said.

Jones chose NIU because it offered the perfect balance of being close to home while still providing the independence to fully experience college life. NIU was his first and only choice, largely due to its diverse and inclusive environment, which deeply resonated with him.

Jones continues to work diligently in part to honor the memory of a beloved family member who also attended NIU.

“My decision to attend NIU was also inspired by my older cousin, who was a student at NIU and sadly passed away during my sophomore year, while she was a junior,” he said. “Her memory continues to motivate me in my academic and personal journey.”

During his time at NIU, Jones has been actively involved in several organizations that have shaped his leadership, character and commitment to service. 

He joined the Black Male Initiative, where he said he learned the importance of being present, accountable and consistent in putting his best foot forward. He also became involved in the Association of Collegiate Men, which he said allowed him to deepen his involvement on campus by giving back through community service and engaging in meaningful social initiatives. 

“Next, I became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., an experience that taught me the true meaning of brotherhood, leadership and lifelong service,” he said. “Our motto, ‘Achievement in every field of human endeavor,’ is one I strive to embody in all aspects of my life.”

In addition to his studies and serving as Student Government Association president, Jones mentors young Black community members through the Chicago-based Urban Male Network organization. 

“Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and a clear sense of purpose, but these experiences have strengthened my leadership and deepened my commitment to service,” he said.

Jones was initially concerned that he would only be able to attend NIU for one year because he hadn’t lined up any scholarship funding. 

“Despite this challenge, I remained focused and motivated, thanks to the support and encouragement of fellow students and dedicated faculty,” he said. “I earned a 3.7 GPA in both semesters of my first year, which qualified me for scholarship assistance—thanks in large part to the efforts of the outstanding scholarship office. Receiving that support was an emotional moment for me—it felt like a second chance to pursue my education and achieve my goals, and I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”

Jones said no amount of support for scholarships is too small.

“Every contribution makes a difference,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without the generosity, encouragement and belief of others who invested in my potential. As a student who comes from a background with limited financial resources and support at home, scholarships have played a critical role in my ability to pursue higher education.”

For students like Jones, scholarships represent more than financial aid. 

“Scholarships represent opportunity, hope and a belief in our future,” he said. “They give us the chance to continue our education, focus on our goals, and work toward building a better life for ourselves and our communities. I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received, and I hope to one day give back and uplift others in the same way.”

To help Huskies like Ja'kobe achieve their goals, please visit the NIU Forward website.