Hometown: Springfield, IL

Majors: Public Administration and Business Administration

Future Plans: Earn a master’s degree in public administration and work for a nonprofit organization.

R’Lee Jones is heavily involved on campus as the vice president of the Black Student Union and the Voices in Praise Gospel Choir. She is also a member of UIS NAACP and Black Women of Excellence. “My favorite thing about UIS is the culture our students of color bring,” Jones said. “We work hard to make sure our campus understands the importance of not only diversity, but inclusion, equity, equality and the power of acceptance.” She chose UIS because of the “amazing public administration program.” Jones has a family connection to UIS, as her aunt earned two degrees from UIS and is currently earning her doctorate. “(She) told me about the classes and how engaged, attentive and supportive her professors are” Jones said. “I wanted the same for myself.” Following graduation, she plans to earn a master’s degree in public administration and work for a nonprofit organization.

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every day.