December 02, 2021

Government major, Rhetoric minor

from Suffolk, Virginia


Jordan Blackwell '22 has found a passion for leadership and academics at Hampden-Sydney—he is learning to think critically, to engage with the work on his own, and to step into leadership roles that he may have never considered before.

Jordan Blackwell headshotActivities and Clubs

Student Senate chairman, Tiger Rec student employee, Kappa Alpha Order, Bowling Club, Maker’s Collective, College Republicans, Glenn Youngkin campaign volunteer

Why did you choose Hampden-Sydney?

Two big reasons: One being the class size and the type of education I knew I would receive. Coming from a smaller high school, I was already familiar with the benefits of a smaller class size and being able to develop relationships with my instructors, and that has also been my experience during my time here at Hampden-Sydney. Second is the passion that people have for the brotherhood here. Everyone I spoke with during my admissions process was very passionate about the school, and it wasn’t generic in that everyone had unique reasons for why they love it here.

What is your favorite part about going to H-SC?

The liberal arts education as a whole and the way that we are encouraged to learn. We’re encouraged to think critically about things, which empowers us to engage with the work on our own rather than being told or lectured on why something is the way it is. It has allowed me to find a passion for school and academics. If you take advantage of it, there is really so much to gain from Hampden-Sydney’s academic model.

Who is your favorite professor and why?

Dr. Carroll because she’s taught me government and politics in a way that I never would have expected. She’s very good at keeping content in the middle and representing both sides of each topic and the political barriers for each side. This has inspired me to think of each side in every argument because nothing in this world is black and white or cut and dry.

How has you experience here prepared you for life beyond the Hill?

Jordan Blackwell and Grant YoungkinIt’s given me the opportunity to step into leadership roles that I never considered before. These opportunities across campus really prepare you to be an outspoken leader. Also, our rhetoric program has helped me to not only develop my public speaking abilities but also sharpen my interpersonal communication and writing skills.

If you could give your freshman-self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t wait to join organizations on campus. I think getting involved earlier would have laid an even better foundation for me to pursue more options during my time here.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

I like the fire pits outside the dorms. Once it cools down it’s really a nice place for all of us to just hang out.

Who is your role model and why?

My mom because she’s a really hard worker, which is where I get my work ethic and mentality from. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

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