Acing Education and Experience

Between the lifelong connections made as a member of the volleyball team and her impactful academic experiences in the classroom, Jada Wiley ’25 has been building strong Bluejay memories both on and off the court.

As a biology major and sociology minor, Wiley knew she wanted to blend her passions for science and volleyball in her educational experience.

She found her way to Elmhurst University, which offers both well-regarded health sciences programs and women’s volleyball, one of 21 division III sports at Elmhurst. The University’s athletics teams and other campus activities encourage students like Wiley to pursue growth-minded paths that will enable them to thrive as adaptive leaders.

“The girls are going to be my lifelong friends,” said Wiley, who is from St. Louis. “To know that you’re playing with people who have a deep love for the sport and each other, it’s just so much fun.”

Finding a Home at Elmhurst

Wiley has lived on or near campus during her four years at Elmhurst; this year she’s living in a house with some of her volleyball teammates and best friends. She says Elmhurst is her home, for more reasons than one.

“When I came to visit, I loved it,” Wiley said. “I met the girls on the volleyball team on the tour, and it was the perfect-size campus for me.”

Wiley was also drawn to Elmhurst’s location near Chicago—its proximity gives her access to the relevant networks and opportunities of a big city, allowing her to gain a professional edge, as well as the comfort and beauty of a suburban arboretum campus.

“I’m happy it’s not right in the middle of the city, but it’s only a 30-minute train ride so I think it’s a good distance,” Wiley said. “Downtown Elmhurst is a five-minute walk, so everything is pretty convenient.”

Academics and Community Support

In addition to athletics, Wiley’s educational experience started on a high note when she received an academic scholarship, and that positivity has continued over the entirety of her Elmhurst career.

“As a student-athlete, I had to miss classes for games, and the professors here are very understanding and their communication is great,” Wiley said. “They push you to be better and want you to succeed. With the small class sizes, it’s comforting to know that they know my name and they will reach out to check in and make sure I’m doing OK. It’s very personalized.”

The close-knit, caring and inclusive community at Elmhurst, paired with small, supportive learning environments, allow students to gain confidence for their future careers and collaborations.

“The community that I’ve found here is very safe and supportive, both with athletics and just in general,” Wiley said. “It’s also inclusive. Throughout my four years here, I’ve seen the effort Elmhurst has made to achieve inclusivity and diversity. Even from my freshman year until now, the campus has gotten so much more diverse each year, so that’s really nice to see.”

A Legacy of Leadership

Wiley is considering getting involved in Greek Life and joining a sorority during her final semester of her senior year. She wants to help charter a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at Elmhurst, the first historically African American sorority. The diverse cultural programs and events at Elmhurst help students engage with their community and develop an increased cultural awareness and foundation of respect that they can build upon and use to inform their decision-making.

“I have some women in my life who are a part of that sorority, so I’m very interested in joining,” Wiley said. “I think it would bring amazing things to our campus and help people of color find a home through that sisterhood.”

After graduating in the spring of 2025, Wiley plans to complete a post-bachelor’s program before applying to medical school. She is open to staying in Chicago, possibly even moving to the city with some of her Bluejay friends.

The Elmhurst Effect: A Lasting Impact

Wiley has many takeaways from her undergraduate experience that will remain with her long after she crosses the commencement stage and becomes an Elmhurst alumna, but one in particular stands out.

“One big thing that I’ve learned is that it’s OK to ask for help,” she said. “I’ve always been very independent growing up, so when I first came here and was juggling college and sports, it was hard and I thought I just had to do it myself. But I’ve learned over the years that when I do ask for help, people are understanding and not judgmental, and it makes my life way easier because we have the resources on campus. Use those resources and lean on the people in your corner, because everyone wants to see you succeed and do well.”

If Wiley had to put her time at Elmhurst into one word, it would be “memorable.”

“Elmhurst is my home away from home now,” she said. “The relationships and the memories, things like sports and Homecoming, are core memories. If I had to redo this whole college process, I would choose Elmhurst again.”

Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step towards your future.