Meet Chaz Jackson ’25 Jackson chose W&L because of the ability to explore different areas of academic interests.

By W&L News Office
September 15, 2022

Name: Chaz Jackson ’25
Hometown: Teaneck, New Jersey

Q: Why did you choose to come to W&L?

I chose to come to Washington and Lee because I thought it would be a great fit and provided great opportunities for me and my family. I have always attended small schools and I thrived.  After visiting W&L I knew it was the school for me. Additionally, I wanted a liberal arts institution because of the ability to explore different areas of academic interests. Plus, W&L is different from most liberal arts universities because it is providing me the opportunity to study two areas that don’t typically go together: computer science and accounting. Finally, I was awarded the Johnson Scholarship for Leadership and Integrity which provided me the opportunity to attend college for free and graduate without any student debt.

Q: What are you most looking forward to during your time at W&L?

 W&L offers an abundance of Spring Term trips, and I am looking forward to studying abroad next spring to fulfill my arts requirement. I am also really interested in participating in a Washington Term trip. Although I am not planning on majoring in politics, I think it would still be an awesome experience to work with the government and live in D.C. for four weeks.

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L?

I have accomplished a lot since becoming a General. My greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L is that I was a top nominee for the Emerging Leader of the Year Award at the Leadership Excellence Awards. Candidates are nominated for the award because of their overall impact on the campus culture. The award was peer-nominated.  Being nominated for this prestigious award is my greatest accomplishment, because it is a great honor to be recognized by your peers.

Q: Who at W&L has been most inspiring to you so far?

 The W&L students are inspiring. The upperclassmen, specifically the Black seniors, have inspired me the most. They have been very welcoming to the freshman and have provided a greater sense of community. Their attempts to learn all our names, the advice they have given us and their invitations to spend time with them has not gone unnoticed, and I’m hoping to build on their efforts to improve the W&L community and continue to make it more inclusive.

Q: What inspires you?

 What inspires me most is seeing others, especially my friends and family, win. Their successes and accomplishments inspire me, as well as fills me with pride and motivation. Iron sharpens iron — their successes motivate me to accomplish my goals and create even greater goals.

Q: What are your hobbies/interests?

I enjoy playing the piano; it relaxes me. I also enjoy playing sports, spending time with family and friends and, of course, playing video games. Some of my interests include investing, real estate and coding.

Q: What book has made the most significant impact on your life?

 The book that has made the most significant impact on my life is “Stuff Good Players Should Know” by Dick Devenzio. When I was growing up my dad made my brother and I read this book. At the surface, the book appears to be about basketball, but it uses basketball as an analogy for important life lessons, such as learning to take criticism, having a good attitude and the importance of effort.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

 I like both action adventures and comedies. My favorite movies are “Mission Impossible: Fallout” and “Life” with Eddie Murphy.

Q: If you could have a conversation with anyone, who would it be and why?

If I could have a conversation with anyone it would be my late grandmother, Duts. She passed away during this past Fall Term, and I would love nothing more than to speak with her again.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself?

 I have my Real Estate License in New Jersey. Additionally, my friend Charlie and I, are looking to purchase an investment property in Lexington.

Q: What is your Instagram username?

@chazbball