Elijah Jones, a junior majoring in computer science, has been elected the University of Notre Dame’s student body president. He previously served as Alumni Hall’s first-year class council representative, the inaugural student union historian and, most recently, judicial council president.
Jones answered questions via email about what made him choose Notre Dame, what engineering has taught him about leadership, and what he hopes to accomplish next.
Why Notre Dame?
It actually came down to Notre Dame and Michigan during my senior year of high school.
My high school physics teacher is a Notre Dame alum and took me to a football game; that was my first real introduction to campus life here. After visiting both schools, Notre Dame just felt like home. It had this tight-knit, welcoming community that really stood out.
The Notre Dame Club of Chicago, my home town, basically told me, “You can’t go to Michigan,” and then gave me the most convincing elevator pitch I’ve ever heard. That sealed it.
Why Computer Science?
Computer Science was almost inevitable for me. Both of my parents studied it, so I grew up around the field.
In high school, I took cybersecurity and AP computer science principles, and I loved them. I’m especially fascinated by information security, namely fighting hacking, phishing and emerging cybersecurity threats. It feels like a field where you can make a real impact.
You’ve held several leadership roles already. How have they prepared you for this one?
My experiences have taught me the importance of listening to the people I represent, the importance of hard work, and getting stuff done.
The role of student union historian sounds interesting. What did you learn from doing that?
Probably the most interesting thing was finding out that the student government used to be more complicated than it is today. There used to be about 11 or 12 branches of government, and a 60-page constitution, compared to today’s 9 branches and a 40-page constitution. So, while there’s still more work to do to make the constitution shorter, we’re in a better place than we were 20 years ago.
How does being an engineering student shape your leadership style?
Engineering teaches you to approach problems methodically and creatively.
I’ve been able to draw on initiatives from the College of Engineering, such as major discernment and career development programming, and advocate for expanding similar opportunities across other colleges.
On a practical level, classes like discrete math sharpen logical thinking, and writing-intensive courses like engineering design have helped me tremendously when drafting legislation or arguing a position in student government. Engineering forces you to think clearly, structure arguments and back them up with evidence.
What’s next after Notre Dame?
I’m currently undecided between law school and entering the workforce. The CS job market isn’t at its strongest right now, but I’m confident my Notre Dame Engineering background puts me in a strong position either way. I don’t see myself entering American politics, but the leadership, legislative writing and advocacy experience I’m gaining through student government would absolutely help if I decide to pursue a legal career.
—Karla Cruise, Notre Dame Engineering