August 31, 2026

For Jayla Cole, Wilberforce University has been far more than a place to earn a college degree. It has been a place of transformation, leadership, service, and purpose. 

A graduating senior Biology major from Detroit, Michigan, Cole has spent the past four years embracing every opportunity to grow as a scholar, leader, mentor, and advocate. As the 71st Student Government Association President, a member of the renowned Hounds of Sound Marching Band, a Resident Assistant, and an active participant in numerous student organizations, she has become a familiar and respected leader across campus. 

When she walks across the stage upon her anticipated graduation on May 8, 2027, she will leave behind more than a record of accomplishments. She will leave a legacy. 

Choosing Wilberforce: More Than a College Experience 

A graduate of Detroit’s prestigious Cass Technical High School, where she was one of more than 600 students in her graduating class, Cole knew she wanted a college experience that offered something different. 

“I chose Wilberforce University because I wanted more than just a college education,” she explained. “I wanted an experience that would allow me to grow into the person and leader I knew I could become.” 

Coming from a large urban environment, Cole was drawn to Wilberforce’s close-knit campus environment and rich historical legacy. 

“I wanted to go somewhere smaller where I could get to know my classmates and know my community,” she said. “I wanted to attend an HBCU where I could be surrounded by people who looked like me, understood my experiences, and encouraged me to embrace my identity and purpose.” 

Learning that Wilberforce is America’s first private Historically Black College and University owned and operated by African Americans made the decision even more meaningful. 

“I knew I would be becoming part of a legacy much bigger than myself.” 

Developing a Leader 

What began as a desire for a meaningful college experience quickly evolved into a journey filled with leadership opportunities and personal growth. 

Throughout her time at Wilberforce, Cole has held numerous leadership positions and immersed herself in campus life. In addition to serving as Student Government Association President, she has participated in Royal Court, Residence Life, Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, mentoring initiatives, and the University’s celebrated Hounds of Sound marching band. 

Each role taught her valuable lessons about leadership and service. 

“Wilberforce has prepared me for life after college by teaching me lessons that go far beyond the classroom,” Cole said. “I have learned how to lead, communicate, advocate for others, manage responsibilities, work through challenges, and continue moving forward when things do not go according to plan.” 

Those who know Cole often hear her describe leadership using a familiar phrase. 

“I’ll forever be known for quickly ‘pivoting and adjusting’ because that’s what a true leader is always ready to do,” she said. 

The ability to navigate challenges with resilience and confidence has become one of her defining qualities. 

Leadership Through Service

For Cole, leadership has never been about recognition or titles. Instead, it has always centered on service and responsibility. 

“Leadership is not about having a title,” she said. “It is about being accountable for the people you represent and being willing to serve even when no one is watching.” 

That philosophy has guided her throughout her Wilberforce journey. Whether representing students through Student Government, supporting fellow students as a Resident Assistant, mentoring emerging leaders, or contributing to the campus community through the band and other organizations, Cole has consistently focused on creating positive change. 

One of her proudest accomplishments has been helping to establish meaningful opportunities for fellow students while building connections across different groups on campus. 

“Each experience has allowed me to reach a different group of students,” she said. “I’ve learned that leadership requires service.” 

Advice for Future Bulldogs 

As someone who has fully embraced campus involvement, Cole encourages prospective students to view Wilberforce as more than just a destination for academic attainment. 

“I would tell them to give Wilberforce a chance and understand that your college experience will ultimately become what you make of it,” she said. 

She believes the most successful students are those who immerse themselves in the campus community. 

“Do not simply come to Wilberforce to attend classes and receive a degree. Come here to discover who you are.” 

Cole credits many of her greatest opportunities to her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, get involved, ask questions, and say yes to new challenges. 

“Wilberforce has room for students who are willing to bring their ideas, talents, creativity, and leadership to the table.” 

Creating a Lasting Impact 

One message Cole consistently shares with incoming students is the importance of beginning their legacy from day one. 

“My biggest advice is to not wait until your senior year to decide that you want to leave a legacy,” she said. “Start now.” 

She believes impactful leadership often begins with recognizing a need and taking action, regardless of whether a formal position or title is attached. 

“Sometimes impact begins with noticing something that your campus needs and deciding to do something about it,” she explained. 

Her advice is simple yet powerful: get involved, volunteer, support others, attend events, and never be afraid to create something that doesn’t already exist. 

“If you see a need, develop the solution. Your impact does not have to look like anyone else’s.” 

A Commitment That Continues Beyond Graduation 

Although her student journey is approaching its final chapter, Cole says her relationship with Wilberforce will not end at commencement. 

“Wilberforce has poured too much into me for me to simply graduate and never look back,” she said. 

After graduation, she plans to remain actively involved as an alum through mentoring, supporting student organizations, participating in alumni initiatives, attending campus events, and creating professional opportunities for future students. 

She is especially passionate about encouraging student leaders and first-generation college students who may need reassurance as they navigate their own paths. 

“I want future Wilberforce students to benefit from the experiences, relationships, and resources that I am building today.” 

More Than a Student 

Reflecting on her journey, Cole sees growth as the defining theme of her Wilberforce experience. 

She arrived from Detroit as a talented young student with aspirations and ambitions. Over time, those dreams were shaped by opportunities, challenges, responsibilities, and meaningful experiences that helped transform her into an accomplished leader. 

“I am a biology student, a first-generation HBCU student, and someone who has had the privilege of serving Wilberforce in several leadership capacities,” she said. “However, the titles are only a small part of my story.” 

What matters most, she says, is knowing that she used her time at Wilberforce to serve others and help pave the way for future generations. 

“Wilberforce taught me that legacy is not simply about being remembered. It is about creating something meaningful enough to continue after you leave.” 

As Jayla Cole prepares for graduation in 2027, her impact can already be seen throughout the campus community. Through leadership, service, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, she has embodied the spirit of Wilberforce University and demonstrated what it means to build a legacy that extends far beyond a college career. 

And when she becomes a Wilberforce alum, she hopes people will remember not simply that she attended Wilberforce University, but that she helped make it better for those who followed. 

Media Contact
Lena Arnold
larnold@wilberforce.edu
937-708-5532