Incoming MCG student earns USG student leader award 

A recent honors graduate with a Bachelor of Science in cell and molecular biology, Madden Jones has worked for more than four years to create a welcoming experience for new Augusta University students within the Office of New Student and Family Transitions. His dedication to fostering a community of scholars, visionaries and change-makers earned statewide recognition when he received the CAL-SA Star Student Leader Award from the University System of Georgia‘s Council of Academic Leaders in Student Affairs (CAL-SA). 

“Madden’s the person you trust with the things that can’t go wrong,” said Mark Myers, EdD, director of NSFT. “He’s spent four years building the systems and the team that hold orientation together, almost all of it behind the scenes, and he raised my expectations for what a student leader can do. This award is for work most people never see and that’s exactly why it matters.” 

Since joining the NSFT office as a first-year student, Jones has focused on improving systems that allow orientation programs to operate efficiently. His work ranged from overseeing student support teams to developing automated processes that reduced hours of manual work and allowed staff to focus more on the student experience. This unique role relies on holistic campus collaboration, problem-solving skills and a knack for finding solutions amidst constantly evolving circumstances.  

His path began the traditional route when he first applied to be an orientation leader as a first-year student but shifted when he identified opportunities to improve behind-the-scenes operations. Jones ultimately credits his undergraduate experience with strengthening the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that allowed him to develop creative solutions. 

“I’ve built many of the programs that allow orientation to happen,” said Jones. “The goal was to create programs that would outlive my time here, make the student experience better and serve the students of our institution and, therefore, students within USG as well.” 

Reflecting on the recognition, Jones said the CAL-SA Star Student Leader Award was particularly meaningful because much of his work occurred behind the scenes, serving as a reminder that the work matters and positively impacts the students it is intended to serve. 

Jones will continue to work within the NSFT office as he begins his Doctor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. While he has not yet chosen a specialty, he hopes to continue combining his interests in student support, mentorship and higher education with his future career in medicine.