This endowed scholarship at UIS honors an SSU/UIS alum who served this university, the city of Springfield and the State of Illinois to promote and model social justice. Leroy Jordan, an Illinois native, was the first black male elementary school teacher in Springfield. He continued to work on educational equality on the District 186 school board, serving as president during the court-ordered desegregation. He retired as Assistant Superintendent. At SSU, Mr. Jordan was the only academic African American Dean and promoted equality as Assistant VP. He continued for the rest of his life to work with community and religious groups in Springfield around issues of race, class, gender and age until his passing in September 2020. Fittingly, this endowed scholarship, donated by a former colleague, will be given to students interested in social justice and community service.