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Born into a family of helpers, college student Jordan Narcisse carries forward a tradition of caring.

“On my mom's side, they're all big on volunteering,” said the 22-year-old sociology major from Richmond who is set to graduate from ���ϲ����� in May.

“My mom and aunt would volunteer at a church’s food drive every one or two weeks, staying outside for about four, five or six hours, handing out food. It was nice to see their willingness to give of themselves — more than they would ever take.”

As an intern, a tutor, classmate and friend, Jordan has been generous with her time and talents during her four years as a dedicated Monarch.

A student with a 4.0 average, she’s completed two internships, contributed to the University’s Philosophy Club and Student Activities Council and tutored student-athletes needing math or writing help.

And if a fellow student loses their way — literally, in some cases — Jordan will be there to assist.

“You know what? I have some time today,” Jordan remembers thinking, in one case.  “We can go meet up at the Webb Center, and I’ll show you around, because you will get lost in there if you don't get a little bit of a lay of it.”

Friends rely on her guidance, too.

“She's always there for us, no matter what, and makes us feel supported no matter what,” said fellow student Chayanna Green-Crump. “Getting to know Jordan has made such an impact on my life and college experience.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Jordan plans to take her community focus to the next level.  Aiming for a career as a civil rights attorney, she applied to law schools and learned in April that she’d been accepted to the University of Richmond School of Law, her top choice.

“I would want to see accountability, whenever people infringe on others’ civil rights,” Jordan said. “We all deserve to be represented in a court of law equally, fairly and with the most care. So, why wouldn't I want to do that?”

She’s already experienced a preview of legal work.

During Summer 2024, Jordan served as an intern in the office of Jacqueline S. McClenney, chief judge of Richmond Circuit Court. There, Jordan contributed to a research project on specialty courts and was eventually credited in an article by Chief Judge McClenney published in the University of Richmond Law Review.

The following summer, she completed an internship with Richmond attorney Sigmund J. Collins who specializes in estate planning, wills and trusts. 

“That was just a lot of legal writing and a lot of the behind-the-scenes work,” Jordan said, “a little bit of everything.” 

Finding Purpose

Her interest in law stems from her love of books.

Always an avid reader, she was devouring novels about dystopian revolution as early as middle school.

“I always thought, I really wish I could go into this book and make them believe this or that character. I would say, guys, are you not listening to the facts? You're not thinking through it logically!”

That led to a realization. “I’d wish that in real life, there could be someone to advocate for me, and I could advocate for somebody else,” she said. “Things slip through the cracks when it comes to justice.”

The Black Lives Matter movement provided more incentive. 

“I thought, if I could help, the best way I could do it is by being an advocate in a legal sense - professional sense - for people who are going out into the street, trying to make that change happen.”

The Gift of Giving

Jordan, who minored in philosophy, impressed her ���ϲ����� professors with focus, strong work ethic and skills. 

Tiffany Zhu, Ph.D., an assistant professor in philosophy and religious studies, taught Jordan in an “Ethics and Metaethics” class in Fall 2025 and described her as an outstanding student.

“She had many thoughtful and original contributions in class discussions,” Dr. Zhu said. “She gave really helpful feedback when we did peer reviews of term paper drafts.”

Ingrid P. Whitaker, Ph.D., a professor of sociology, described Jordan as an exceptional young woman. “She is a student who has left a lasting impression upon me,” Dr. Whitaker said.  

Jordan displayed a passion for learning, analyzing and critiquing information and demonstrated a genuine interest in social issues facing marginalized groups, Whitaker said.

“I believe these are qualities that will allow her to not only excel in law school but will make her an exceptional civil rights attorney!”

Leaving Her Mark

Looking back on her time at ���ϲ�����, Jordan says college taught her to say yes to opportunities — especially when she can be of service.

Fellow student Cheyenne Brown saw her friend’s commitment firsthand, while they both worked as tutors. “She tutors statistics,” Cheyenne said. “It's not her favorite subject, but she always gets the job done for her students.”

Jordan said a student recently stopped her out of the blue to emphatically thank her for tutoring help, leaving her on the verge of tears.

“It was just really heartwarming,” Jordan said. “This is what makes it worth it in the end.”

Top photo: Sociology major Jordan Narcisse has been accepted to law school and hopes to one day practice law as a civil rights attorney. Photo credit: Sam McDonald/���ϲ�����