Posted on Friday, January 30, 2026
From an early age, junior Jada Stephens has had an acute sense of how to care for others, inspired by her mother’s nursing career and her own experience aiding a sibling with cerebral palsy. Now as a college nursing student, she is building on her medical background to help fulfill her goal of working as a medical malpractice attorney, a vocal supporter for those in need.
“I feel that having a nursing degree will give me a strong foundation for that area of law,” she said. “Through both my mother and brother, I was able to see the positive impact that the healthcare field had on people as well as those areas in the healthcare field where work needed to be done. Overall, they strengthened my passion for helping others and my desire to make a difference, something that nursing and law will allow me to do.”
When considering where to go to college, Stephens said she was not just looking for a place to earn a degree, but also a place of belonging.
“When I first stepped foot onto LaGrange College’s campus, I immediately felt a sense of community,” she said. “I felt that I was truly a part of a family and not just another statistic.”
With the task of figuring out how to pay for college at top of mind, Stephens said her worries were put at ease after being selected to receive the Presidential Living and Learning Scholarship.
“This full-ride scholarship has given me the opportunity to focus on my academics, leadership roles and service activities without any financial stress,” she said.
On campus, she serves as Director of Service for SGA, Vice President for Black Girl Magic, Vice President and Co-Director of Social Media for Circle K, Student Liaison and Director of Community Outreach for Black Student Union, a Wilkinson Family Servant Scholar, a member of LC Rotaract and a former Student Ambassador.
“Community was something I was intentionally looking for when choosing a college, and each of these organizations have truly added to that sense of belonging,” Stephens said. “Through these organizations, I found purpose, connection and a support system that continues to shape my college experience.”
In her role as LC’s first Director of Service for SGA, she works with the LC Service Committee, which includes the presidents of LC Miracle, LC Rotaract, LC Campus Circles and Circle K.
“SGA Service serves to support and strengthen service-focused organizations, incorporate fun and creative elements into volunteer experiences and showcase the many diverse forms service can take,” she said. “It aims to inspire students to see service not as an obligation, but as something that is fun, engaging and impactful.”
Through her SGA position, Stephens said she is given the opportunity to bring her innovative ideas to life while also providing meaningful and impactful opportunities for others.
“I have helped implement annual blood drives, service initiatives, collaborations with organizations within LaGrange and surrounding communities, a service week, ServeFest and service projects that mirror the interests of our students,” she said. “As I look ahead on the future to come with SGA Service, I want to continue growing our impact and creating opportunities that bring our campus and community even closer.”
Why LC?
“Students should come to LaGrange College because it truly is a place that fosters growth, meaningful connections and opportunities,” Stephens said.
ServeFest
Saturday, Jan. 31
12:30 p.m., Boopie/Jones Zone, Turner Hall
Black History Month Scavenger Hunt Challenge
Feb. 1-Feb. 28
Rick DeTreville Brass Ensemble Performance
Tuesday, Feb. 3
11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room
Service, Gratitude and Joy
Tuesday, Feb. 3
11:15 a.m., Smith Hall Den
3-Stacy Ortiz, Marketing and Communications
4-Jeff Lukken, Social Sciences and Servant Scholars
6-Carla Esposito, Financial Aid
7-Crystal Miley, Business Office
13-Michael Rupp, Athletics (Sports Information)
21-Steven Kenner, Athletics (Women’s Basketball)
21-Don Livingston, Education
24-Ashley Jenkins, Enrollment Management and Student Experience (Chaplain’s Office)
25-Ellie Boykin, Fine and Performing Arts (Theatre Arts)
Men's Basketball
Following last week’s bounce-back win against Belhaven (Jackson, Mississippi), the Panthers will look to make it two in a row when they travel to Maryville, Tennessee, on Friday, Jan. 30.
Women's Basketball
LC (11-6, 7-1 CCS) is in first place in the Collegiate Conference of the South and off to its best conference start in years under the leadership of first-year head coach Steve Kenner. The team will face two more conference opponents this week when they travel to Maryville, Tennessee, on Friday, Jan. 30, and Wesleyan (Macon, Georgia) on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Senior Laila Battle recently claimed her second CCS Player of the Week honor after a dominating 26-point performance against Belhaven last week.
Track and Field
The Panthers will travel to the University of South Alabama Invitational on Sunday, Feb. 1, for their fourth meet of the season.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Friday, Jan. 30 – Women’s Basketball at Maryville, 4 p.m., Maryville, Tennessee
Friday, Jan. 30 – Men’s Basketball at Maryville, 6 p.m., Maryville, Tennessee
Saturday, Jan. 31 – Lacrosse at Centenary College, 1 p.m., Shreveport, Louisiana
Sunday, Feb. 1 – Track at University of South Alabama Invitational, Birmingham, Alabama
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Women’s Basketball at Wesleyan, 5:30 p.m., Macon, Georgia
Category: Students, Academics
Keywords: Health, Career
