Vice President Student Needs

Jessica Ekeanyanwu

Vice President Student Needs

Photo of Vice President Student Needs

About Me

I am a recent Business Management graduate from Arden University with a strong interest in leadership, advocacy, and community building. Alongside my studies and work, I am actively involved in creative and supportive roles behind the scenes. I help manage my brother’s music career, working on content creation, social media strategy, promotions, and planning. My passion for creativity is what drives me to go above and beyond in supporting him. I have a genuine love for music and used to sing myself, so I naturally extended that passion into supporting his career. Music is one of the key things that keeps us bonded, and working together has strengthened both our relationship and my ability to collaborate creatively while delivering real results.

Outside of work and study, I value personal growth and wellbeing. I enjoy cycling long distances and shopping, both of which allow me to clear my mind, stay balanced, and express my personal style. I also have a strong passion for photography and videography. I genuinely love capturing moments whether it’s places, clothing, or random everyday subjects and I take pride in having a strong eye for detail and composition. Creative expression plays a big role in who I am, alongside my commitment to continuous learning, self-improvement, and supporting others. Everything I do academically, creatively, and personally has shaped my passion for leadership that listens, supports, and turns ideas into meaningful action.

Tell us about your educational journey so far

I recently graduated from Arden University with a degree in Business Management. I began my studies in 2022 and completed them in December 2025, balancing independent learning with real world responsibilities. Studying in a flexible, mostly online environment strengthened my self discipline, time management, and problem solving skills. Throughout my degree, I developed strong abilities in communication, leadership, and organisation, learning how to turn ideas into practical outcomes. My education has not only prepared me academically but has also helped me grow personally, giving me confidence to step into leadership roles and advocate effectively for others.

What inspired you to run for this role?

I am inspired by advocacy and the need to give a voice to students who feel unheard or overlooked. I have seen how easily students can feel disconnected, especially in online learning environments, and I want to help bridge that gap. This role aligns closely with my long-term goal of becoming a lawyer, as it allows me to represent others, listen to their concerns, and push for fair and meaningful change.

How will you make sure all voices are heard and represented?

I will make sure student voices are heard by creating open and accessible communication channels such as surveys, forums, and regular check-ins. I believe listening is just as important as speaking. I will actively gather feedback, represent concerns honestly, and follow up with students so they feel valued, included, and confident that their voices are making a real impact.

What's the best piece of advice you've every received as a student?

The best advice I’ve received is to take small, consistent steps that lead to greater results rather than trying to do everything at once. Studying for just 30 minutes each day to revise and review prevents work from piling up and reduces stress. If something isn’t clear early on such as critical writing, referencing, effective reading, or time management it’s important to ask for the right support straight away. Tackling challenges early helps you build those skills properly and prevents gaps in understanding from carrying through the rest of your studies.

What's a hobby or interest you have that might surprise people?

A hobby that genuinely surprises people is how much I enjoy cleaning and keeping my space organised. It’s not something people usually expect, but having a clean and structured environment helps me think clearly, stay focused, and feel comfortable. Cleaning allows me to reset mentally, reduce stress, and create a positive space where I can work productively and stay motivated.

If you have a completely free day, how would you spend it?

I would spend the day at a spa, fully disconnecting from responsibilities and focusing on rest and wellbeing. Taking time to recharge allows me to return refreshed, motivated, and better equipped to support others and perform at my best.

My Role

Your Vice President Student Needs takes the lead on advocating for services and initiatives that support your fundamental needs. They act as the most senior student representative on wellbeing, student community and equity, diversity and inclusion.

Every student is unique with each student having a variety of needs and lived experiences that may impact their journey at Arden University. Students need the right support at the right times so that they can access, progress and succeed without barriers to unlocking their potential. This is why the Vice President Student Needs will lead on campaigns and initiatives to ensure that every student has an effective support eco-system that will allow them to succeed and be their true selves.

The Vice President Student Needs represents and advocates for the basic needs and interests of students that fall outside of their academic studies. These needs, when met, will allow them to access and participate to their fullest. Being the primary student leader on community, belonging and the wellbeing of students, they will organise students to make impactful changes for their student community. They will get actively involved in relevant university committees, meetings, and working groups, advocating for the functional needs, inclusivity and belonging at Arden. They will play a substantial role as the Students’ Association continues to develop services and campaigns that look at the whole student journey and not just their educational experience.

Your Student Leaders play a vital role in shaping decisions by attending boards and committees. Their presence ensures that the student voice is not only heard but actively influences the policies, priorities, and decisions of the University.

Being involved in these meetings is more than participation. It’s about driving positive change and advocating for the needs, interests, and experiences of student.

Here is more information about the boards and committees that your Vice President Student Needs attends.

Jessica's Updates

Find out more about what I have been up to.

Festive Traditions

This winter period is not just a break from classes but a welcomed time to rest, reflect and engage in various traditions. Your Student Leaders have been reflecting on their plans and want to tell you about some of their traditions.

Thu 18 Dec 2025 Your Students' Association
Important Announcement

Vice President Student Needs: Jessica Ekeanyanwu

Tue 14 Oct 2025 Your Students' Association
 

My Priorities

Your Student Leaders are elected by you! When Jessica stood to be your Vice President Student Needs, they shared their top three priorities that matter most to them and you.

Here you can explore their priorities, track their progress, and see the projects they’re working on to make your student experience even better.

Priority 1

Championing Student Voices

Priority 2

Building a connected and inclusive community

Priority 3

Empowering Academic and Personal Growth

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