Jamal Deshaun Ross

Jamal Deshaun Ross is a junior studying political science (legal studies option) as well as philosophy, politics, and economics. He has a GPA of 3.56.  Jamal says that throughout his time at Virginia Tech, he has become interested in research during the academic year which allowed him to collaborate with the State Department and the Applied Economics Department in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. He has also participated in a semester-long study abroad program with the Virginia Tech Honors College (Presidential Global Scholars) and he is also the undergraduate representative at the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors for 2022-23. Jamal’s post-Virginia tech aspiration is to go to graduate school to get a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, followed by law school to work in legal services at the university level, while his personal and career dream is to be able to obtain happiness through giving back. He hopes to start a non-profit called “Ross House”, which would house individuals from all backgrounds and would be oriented on helping people get back on their feet and achieve success. He wishes to carry on the Ut Prosim tradition into his daily life far into his old age.

Jamal says the best thing about being a black male student at Virginia Tech is having access to high-quality education and resources, as well as possibilities for personal and professional development. He believes that the institution and its surrounding community offer him a solid network of support, including classmates, mentors, and success-oriented initiatives. As a black male at Virginia Tech, he has seen and experienced good representation, which has helped to break down stereotypes and develop a feeling of pride and community. These experiences and opportunities have laid the groundwork for his future success in personal and professional endeavors, as well as having a long-term influence on himself and the greater community.

He says his grandma is his role model because she had a significant impact on the person he is today. She helped in raising him with love, care, and courage, instilling in him the ideals that have guided his life to date. She instilled in him the value of endurance in the face of hardship, as well as how to approach life with love and compassion. Jamal is a member of several associations including College of Liberal Arts and Human Science Ambassadors, Phi Alpha Delta (Pre-law fraternity), Student Alumni Associates, Hokie Ambassadors, Black Student Alliance, and Black Organizations Council, among others. During his free time, he spends time with friends and participates in out-of-the-box activities. His interest revolves around community and the ability to spend time with all of the special people in his life.