A 'Megaphone' for the Student Body: How Hayden Jones Serves Through People-First Leadership

Hayden Jones
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Human Resource Management

"I wasn't supposed to go to college."

That's how ORU senior Hayden Jones describes the surprising start to his university journey. But when his friend came to ORU, he decided to follow. What began as an unexpected decision turned into a life-changing call to leadership and service.

For someone who wasn't "supposed to go to college," Hayden, who was raised just minutes from campus, has become a campus leader. He co-founded Eagles for Israel, a student club that supports Israel. This leadership experience has opened doors to a much bigger world. Through the club, Hayden has had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York as an ORU student representative.

People-First Leadership on Campus

SA President Raja Lagadapati and SA Vice President Hayden Jones Last year, Hayden stepped down from club leadership to serve as Student Body Vice President in ORU's Student Association (SA). As a member of SA, Hayden helps improve the student experience by overseeing clubs, organizations, intramurals, events, and community building. He also serves the University as a "megaphone" for the student body.

"As vice president, my job is to advocate for the students," Hayden explained, "to make sure they are heard. Student Association is important because we represent students to faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees."

Hayden's leadership style blends human resources skills, politics, and personal conviction. Known in SA as "The Hammer," he keeps the team focused on deadlines and accountability. For Hayden, leadership isn't just about getting things done; it's also deeply relational.

"People need someone who will listen," Hayden explained. "Sometimes that means giving them space to talk; other times, it's helping solve a problem. I want people to leave feeling seen, heard, and valued. Part of this is remembering names. The sweetest word in the English language is someone's name. I try to remember names, smile often, and live in a way that shows the love of Christ."

Following God Through Unexpected Turns

From being uninterested in college to being elected ORU's Student Association Vice President, Hayden's choice for college has been life changing. As Hayden prepares to graduate in May, he will not only carry a degree but also a mission: to combine his passion for people, politics, and faith into a life of influence.

"God has been so good to me," Hayden reflected. "My story at ORU is proof that when you follow Him-even through unexpected turns-He'll take you further than you ever planned."

Hayden Jones

Nationally Ranked, Globally Recognized

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 17 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 174 nations in the last 6 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.