Steven's Story

Steven Jones is a Rowan University junior who was offered the Rowan Student Emergency Fund in the spring of 2016.

After struggling to pay a tuition bill, due to an unfortunate family circumstance, Steven decided to take a semester off. He spoke with the Dean of Students, Richard Jones, who suggested he look into the Rowan Student Emergency Fund—a fund created to help students in similar and unexpected situations while in school.

After transferring to Rowan in 2014, Steven immediately noticed the difference in affordability and soon realized the opportunity given to him through the Emergency Fund would not have been possible anywhere else.

“Since coming to Rowan, I’ve gained a much better sense of who I am,” said Jones. “After being selected, I was able to pay my bill in full and start back at Rowan the following fall.”

Steven is majoring in political science and hopes to work with the United Nations one day, specifically with the World Health and Food Organization. His concentration in International Studies can now be considered a minor due to academic improvements to the curriculum over the years.

“This fund was a second chance for me,” said Jones. “I came back more determined, with more focus and more drive.”

To anyone experiencing an unlikely circumstance while in school, Jones advises, “Don’t ever give up. You only have to apply.”

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