My name is Jay Barron, and I’m currently pursuing a degree in Business Management. My journey hasn’t followed a traditional path, but it’s one that’s grounded in purpose, faith, and a deep desire to uplift others through entrepreneurship, creative media, and community development. I initially came to college through the ROTC program.I was the battalion commander and one of the top cadets in the state of south carolina. I had completed it in high school and was inspired by my instructor—a proud alumnus of my university—whose discipline and leadership made a lasting impression on me. While my career path has since shifted, the sense of duty and leadership instilled in me during those years still fuels everything I do. My decision to major in business was deeply personal. My biggest mentor has been my mother, a self-made businesswoman who attended the Univerty of South Carolina and went on to build a thriving company from the ground up. Her success showed me that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool not only for personal freedom but also for building generational wealth and reinvesting in your community. I’ve also been inspired by the legacy of a late grandfather figure Senator John L Scott. As he served as a state senator he believed deeply in education, community, ownership, and public service—all values that I now carry with me. As a business management major, I’m not just learning theory—I’m actively applying what I’m studying. I currently own and operate multiple business ventures, including a creative agency and an artist development company. Through these platforms, I’ve been able to mentor young creatives, provide opportunities for rising talent, meet and connect with some very infuentional people, and help people from underserved communities amplify their voices through media. In everything I do, my goal is to be a bridge—connecting people to opportunities they might not otherwise reach. Whether it’s through helping an artist find their voice, giving back to the underprivilegedl youth, or a small business gain visibility through strategic branding, I want my work to matter. Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding my ventures while pouring back into my community through mentorship programs, youth initiatives, and economic development projects and many more . I want to build spaces—both literal and digital—where creativity, entrepreneurship, and purpose intersect. I believe that business can be more than profit-driven; it can be impact-driven. That’s the model I strive to follow.

For me, choosing a college wasn’t just about academics—it was about finding a place where I could grow as a leader and as a person. South Carolina State University became that place because of its legacy, its culture, and the way it’s connected to every part of my story. I originally came to SCSU through the ROTC program. I participated in JROTC throughout high school, and my instructor—who made a lasting impact on me—was a proud graduate of South Carolina State. His discipline, leadership, and commitment to service shaped how I carried myself, and he often spoke about how State molded him into the man he became. That left an impression on me. ROTC was my first introduction to SCSU, and it gave me a sense of purpose and structure as I began my college journey. As time went on, my focus began to shift toward the business world—something that had been planted in me early on. My mother, who didn’t attend South Carolina State, is one of my biggest inspirations. She’s a business owner who taught me the value of hard work, sacrifice, and vision. Watching her build something of her own sparked a passion in me to follow that path and take it even further. That’s why I chose to major in Business Management—because I’ve seen firsthand the power of entrepreneurship to change lives and create generational impact. Another reason I chose South Carolina State is because of a grandfather figure, the late Senator John L. Scott Jr. He was a proud Bulldog and someone who dedicated his life to service and uplifting others. He always believed in the mission of HBCUs and constantly reminded me of how special State is. Attending the university he loved so deeply is one of the ways I honor his legacy, and every day on this campus serves as a reminder of the excellence and expectation he passed on to me. SCSU has also been the foundation for so many leaders, business owners, politicians, educators, and trailblazers that I look up to. I know a large number of successful alumni who have gone on to do incredible things, and seeing the way they carry themselves and credit State for their growth only confirmed that I made the right choice. I didn’t just choose a school—I chose a community that believes in me, that challenges me, and that prepares me for life beyond the classroom. Now, as a Business Management major, my goal is to use what I’m learning to lead with purpose. I already own and operate multiple business ventures that reflect my passions—ranging from creative media to brand development—and those experiences have given me firsthand insight into what it takes to build something from the ground up. Running my own businesses has taught me the importance of strategy, consistency, and knowing how to adapt and lead through challenges. I’m not just studying business—I’m living it. And I want to continue learning the tools, systems, and leadership skills that will allow me to grow those ventures and eventually scale them into something much larger. My mission is to create opportunities for others through what I build—whether that’s through jobs, mentorship, or platforms that help others be seen, supported, and successful. South Carolina State isn’t just where I go to school—it’s where I became who I’m meant to be. And I’m just getting started.