Graduate Student Speaker Jayla Moody: ‘I Hope People Remember That the Power of Education Lies Not Just in What We Achieve, but in How We Empower Others To Do the Same’

Before pursuing her Ph.D., Jayla Moody ’25PHD worked in several roles in higher education that gave her insight into some of the barriers students often face. 

Those experiences led her to pursue a doctoral degree and conduct research that seeks to to push the field of higher education to imagine new possibilities and cultivate environments where purpose and joy are foundational to student success.

On May 2, 2025, Moody will deliver the charge to the graduate students at the College of Education’s Spring 2025 Graduation Ceremony. 

Meet Jayla:

Degree: Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development: Higher Education Opportunity, Equity, and Justice concentration

Hometown: Decatur, Georgia

What does it mean to you to have been selected as the graduate student speaker?

There’s an affirmation I’ve held close over the past four years: “You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Here, you can be who those around you need you to be.” Being selected as the graduate student speaker feels like a continuation of that calling, to stand firmly where my feet are and speak not only from my own journey, but on behalf of my peers. To represent the Class of 2025 in this way is the greatest honor. It’s a moment I get to share with the village that helped me reach this milestone.

What do you hope people remember from your speech?

I hope people remember that the power of education lies not just in what we achieve, but in how we empower others to do the same. I want the Class of 2025 to know that our greatest impact will come when we create space for others to thrive, grow, and learn, even when systems make it hard for them to do so. That’s our charge. That’s our responsibility.

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose the NC State College of Education because of the people and their commitment to student-centered work. I felt the difference in how they poured into students through meaningful resources, opportunities to serve, and intentional efforts to uplift our voices at every level of the college.

What’s next for you?

After graduation, I plan to continue living out my purpose: building educational communities where all students feel seen, heard and valued, unlocking their unique potential in the process. I’ll model what it means to center students’ hopes, dreams, purpose and joy in my classrooms, my scholarship and the communities I build.

I plan to enter the professoriate and pursue leadership roles in higher education administration, with the goal of giving back all that has been poured into me. Most importantly, I will continue to center love in all I do.

How has the College of Education prepared you for your next step?

Within the College of Education, I’ve been shaped by transformative mentors who modeled what it means to lead with care. I’ve been inspired by students who challenged me and refined my purpose. Through co-teaching, research, mentorship and community-building, I didn’t just grow, I thrived. This college didn’t just prepare me for a career; it equipped me to live out my purpose.

This post was originally published in College of Education News.