By Brinda Patel
Staff Writer
Since graduating the College summa cum laude and starting law school at New York University shortly after, Jared Williams ‘25 has left an indelible impression through his academic excellence, contributions to the College community and professional pursuits.
As a political science major and the executive president of Student Government, Williams broke barriers all throughout the College’s community. His involvement and leadership within organizations, including the Bonner Program, Omicron Delta Kappa and Late Night Take required a significant commitment of his time and energy, inspiring current students and past graduates alike.
“Jared’s time at this College showed me that I can do anything I put my mind to as long as I am passionate about what I’m doing,” said Sarah Kasziba O’Rahilly, the Student Government vice president of government affairs and senior political science major.
Williams has also had many prolific professional experiences throughout his academic career. In the summer of 2023, he was a congressional intern for Sen. Cory Booker. In the summer of 2024, he interned for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Williams chose the College because the faculty were “kind and very welcoming.” The recent graduate told The Signal, “some of the best qualities of TCNJ is that no matter where you come from, what your background is or what your perspective and experiences are, you’ll be welcomed at TCNJ.” He adds, “The NYU community is really nice and very kind, which definitely reminds me of TCNJ.”
When applying to the College in 2020-2021, Williams was deciding between marketing and psychology to be his major, but eventually chose political science.
He said he knew he made the right choice because from the first class he took, he constantly enjoyed learning from his professors and peers. Williams also tailored his own curriculum to add in more government-focused classes by consulting his advisor. He mentions that his major offered the flexibility to add additional courses that aligned with his interests.
During his sophomore year, as the Student Government’s vice president of government affairs, he worked with TCNJ Votes. He was able to plan and organize various events, including TCNJ Votes: Ballot Bowl Competition, registration drives and a documentary showing to inform the campus of the importance of registering to vote.
Williams also advocated for various initiatives. These included the Meal Equivalency program, a foosball table in Brower Student Center and Chicken Tender Thursdays in The Atrium at Eickhoff Hall. Meal equivalency, specifically, was very important for Williams, given that he brought it back after a period of no equivalency program available during his freshman year.
For all of his contributions to the College, he repeatedly gives credit to his peers and the College itself because this was not an independent effort. He thanks his mentors and family members for where he is today. His grandmother, in particular, is his hero.
“She was somebody who sacrificed a lot for me to be in the seat that I am in, and I think that a way of paying that forward is by opening doors of opportunity for other people,” Williams said.
It is his goal to work in New Jersey or New York after law school. Williams has ambitions to become the governor of New Jersey and eventually run for president.
His advice to current students at the College is that “it all works out,” and “it’s not about where you started, it's about how you finish" in school and professionally.
“A healthy amount of stress is important, right?” said Williams jokingly. “But know that all that you accomplish so far is indicative of the excellence that you can demonstrate, and you’ll be able to carry that into the workforce.”
