Graduation Spotlight: SGA President Janeyah Anderson prepares for next chapter
Kim Chaudoin |
When Janeyah Anderson arrived on the Lipscomb University campus from Henderson, Tennessee, four years ago, she hoped to find a place where she could grow academically, spiritually and personally. What she found was a community that would shape her into a leader, a scholar and an advocate for justice.
This spring, Anderson will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in law, justice and society, and a second degree in urban leadership and policy from Lipscomb’s College of Leadership & Public Service.
"My time at Lipscomb has been nothing short of transformational," said Anderson. "I’ve been poured into by professors, challenged by leadership opportunities and surrounded by a community that believed in me even when I doubted myself. I’m leaving with a clearer vision, stronger faith and a deep sense of purpose."
Anderson has had an impact on campus life during her time at Lipscomb. She served as executive president of Lipscomb’s Student Government Association (SGA) for two consecutive terms.
"Serving as SGA president has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life," Anderson said. "It taught me how to lead with empathy, think strategically and navigate challenges with integrity. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with administration, advocate for student needs and help launch initiatives that make campus life more engaging. I’ve grown immensely as a leader and as a person."
... at Lipscomb, I learned how to walk in faith on my own. I’ve learned how to bring my faith into every space I step into ... — Janeyah Anderson
In addition to her service with SGA, Anderson helped establish and lead Lipscomb’s first mock trial team. She served as its captain for three years, where she mentored younger students and honed her courtroom skills delivering closing arguments on both sides of the case. She was also named a Fred D. Gray Scholar, an honor that she said strengthened her passion for justice and connected her with a network of emerging changemakers.
Anderson also sought real-world experiences through competitive internships. She interned with the District Attorney’s Office in Williamson County, assisted at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and currently works at the Tennessee General Assembly with Minority Floor Leader Rep. Torrey Harris. In these roles, she observed courtroom proceedings, analyzed legislation and gained invaluable insight into public service.
"These experiences solidified my desire to pursue a career in politics and gave me an inside look at both the courtroom and the legislative process," she said. "I learned so much about office culture and how to handle myself in the workforce."
Anderson said in addition to her academic pursuit, her faith grew at Lipscomb.
"I grew up in a Christian household and attended Christian schools my entire life," she reflected. "But here at Lipscomb, I learned how to walk in faith on my own. I’ve learned how to bring my faith into every space I step into — whether that’s in government, in advocacy or in leadership. The community here has reminded me that faith isn’t just personal, it’s also active and it's meant to be lived out in how we serve others."
Looking ahead, Anderson plans to attend law school with the goal of pursuing a judiciary-based political career focused on restorative justice and community-centered leadership.
"I love public service," she said. "I believe in justice that is fair, restorative and rooted in community. I want to be part of the next generation that serves with Jesus in mind."
As she prepares to cross the stage at commencement, Anderson expressed gratitude for those who walked alongside her.
"I want to thank every mentor, peer and professor who helped shape me into the woman I am today," she said. "I’m especially grateful for the spaces I was invited into that I never thought I would see myself; and I hope I’ve helped make those spaces for others coming after me."