海角社区

Lion VoicesJune 09, 2025

DeJon Jordan: Practicing What He Preaches

Written By: Ian Silvester

DeJon Jordan had a criteria when it came to taking on a new role in life: Stay close to home and continue to make a positive impact on students.

The University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith proved to be the answer to both.

鈥淚 found a place where I can work, thrive, and become a better professional while staying close to my family,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd when I got here, it felt like I had gone to school here. I didn鈥檛 feel like I was the new kid on the block.鈥�

Jordan, the assistant director for Student Support Services TRIO STEM, quickly found his footing and became involved in all things 海角社区 soon after arriving in early 2021. He is the outgoing Staff Senate chair, but joked that it was a role he happened upon by accident.

A conversation with a colleague brought Staff Senate to Jordan鈥檚 attention. He told Jordan that there were openings and asked if he鈥檇 serve. 

鈥淚鈥檓 someone that if called upon, I鈥檒l say yes,鈥� he laughed.

Jordan will hand over his position at the end of June. He said the best part of serving was working toward finding a solution to help make 海角社区 the place it is and a place where people want to be.

鈥淚 have a seat at the table where I can have conversations about life and what鈥檚 going on with our fellow staff members, and give everyone a voice,鈥� Jordan said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just giving lip service. We鈥檙e really focused on how we can help today.鈥� 

But Jordan is not just interested in ensuring staff are heard and appreciated at 海角社区. His passion and motivation lie with the students.

In his role with TRIO, Jordan and his team each work with more than 100 students who may be first-generation, from a low-income home, or have a disability. 

鈥淲e act as an extra support for our students,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur program directly makes a positive impact on student success. Our office acts as a bridge for them.鈥�

As a student, Jordan utilized the TRIO services provided at his alma mater, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla., where he graduated in 2010 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science and a minor in sociology. He credits the program for his career success.

鈥淚 used all of my resources when I went to my TRIO office, and they connected me to what eventually became my career,鈥� he said.

The TRIO office at NSU directed Jordan to the dean of students, who ended up offering him a job as a student worker.

鈥淚 ended up in a career, 15 years later, that I love. It goes to show you can never know what type of impact making connections on campus can have on your life or where you go in the future,鈥� Jordan said.

In March, Jordan graduated from the American College of Education with a Master鈥檚 degree in Higher Education. He said the experience made him better at what he does.

鈥淚 had to practice what I preach daily,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 had to practice all those things that I tell my students; the things will make them better students. It helped me become a better student and advisor.鈥�

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• TRIO SSS-STEM
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