Student Story

My main focus was to ensure that students’ voices were heard and to be an active and present President.”

Jadan Martin’s passion for making a difference on campus first began after seeing a poster for the Student Government Association. After attending a congress meeting, Jadan knew he could make an impact if he joined SGA – so he did. Guided by faith, mentorship, and a deep love for Catawba College, his journey reflects a commitment to leaving campus better than he found it.

“In my first year, I served as a senator. In my second year, I served as a class president. In my third and final year, I felt a strong calling from God to run for Executive President. My main focus was to ensure that students’ voices were heard and to be an active and present President,” he said. By being elected Executive President, Jadan became the first Black male to serve in this role in the last 20 years.

The opportunity to serve as executive president has meant a lot to Jadan. He said, “First and foremost, I express gratitude to God for this opportunity. As the SGA President, I’ve utilized this role to serve as a bridge between students and their concerns and voice those to administrators within the institution. While I do appreciate and hope that being the first black male president in 20 years has opened the door for other students of color to take that next step, my objective is to act as a bridge or role model, not just for Black students or student athletes, but for all students, encouraging them to move beyond mere participation and embrace leadership roles.”

Jadan and the other members of SGA set many goals this year focusing on improving the student experience on campus. 

He said, “SGA and I set early, student-focused goals based on student input. These goals were centered around improving campus events and enhancing student life at Catawba College. We’ve successfully achieved these objectives while simultaneously serving as a bridge between student life and academics. Our collaboration with the Dean of Students, Dr. Justin Tyler Owens, and Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Monica Cowart, has been instrumental in our efforts to achieve these goals.”

Along with these two individuals, Jadan named a few others who have helped him along the way, “There are many leaders on campus who have helped me mature and grow as a leader, but a few stand out: Dr. Clapp, especially through my time with him in the Philomathean Society, as well as my defensive line coach and defensive coordinator, Khanis Hubbard ’05 and Tee Overman,” he said.

As he approaches graduation, Jadan now feels called to challenge other students to pursue leadership positions.

He said, "Don't be afraid, you never know the impact or the change that you could inspire until you do it.”

He added, “The ideas and suggestions that you have could be the exact answer that is needed. Diversity in ideas, thoughts, educational disciplines and backgrounds is the best thing to have. Take the next step and don’t look back.”