Honoring the Class of 2020: Jayna Lennon

Leading up to what would have been the Class of 2020’s graduation ceremony, the Division of Academic and Student Affairs is highlighting some of its seniors in Leadership and Civic Engagement. For this article, we interviewed political science and Arabic major, and 2020 Mathews Medal winner, Jayna Lennon.

While serving on Student Government as a first-year senator, Jayna sat on the Dining Committee and first began to see the need for addressing food insecurity. Since then, Jayna has served as executive director of Feed the Pack, an organization that addresses food insecurity, and as a mental health ambassador in the Counseling Center, challenging mental health stigmas on campus, especially surrounding eating disorders.

Through her involvement and advocacy, Feed the Pack now serves 300 percent as many patrons today than it did when the pantry first opened in 2012 and has garnered more institutional support. Jayna has also served as a Park Scholarships Class Liaison and with Leadership and Civic Engagement.

Here’s what she had to say about her experience at NC State and what comes next:

What is the most impactful leadership experience you had at NC State and Why?

Serving as executive director for Feed the Pack this academic year.

What would you say is your lasting impact on NC State?

Helping Feed the Pack grow and form key campus partnerships with entities like University Dining and the libraries.

What are your plans after graduation?

Still figuring it out, but I am hoping to go to graduate school for sociology!