Rozaireo “Ro” Jones, a junior at West Virginia University, has been named the institution’s latest recipient of the Truman Scholarship, according to an April 24 announcement. The award is one of the nation’s top graduate fellowships for college juniors who show strong leadership and dedication to public service.
The recognition highlights both Jones’s commitment to journalism and civic engagement, as well as West Virginia University’s history of producing prestigious scholarship recipients. West Virginia University alumni have secured notable awards such as 25 Rhodes and 27 Truman scholarships, according to the official website.
President Michael T. Benson said, “Ro is an inspiring, interested, and introspective student and leader who has dedicated himself to public service on- and off-campus. Designed to be a living memorial, the Truman Scholarship champions the value President Harry Truman placed on education. Knowledge, he once said, is ‘the citadel of human freedom.’ Ro will help carry on that important legacy.”
Jones majors in journalism with minors in history and political science. He said his advocacy work focuses on public interest reporting: “My passion is both elevating voices that are traditionally not heard, and helping people understand the world and why it works the way it does… specifically when it comes to media, policy, political institutions and elections.” He plans to attend Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy in Washington after graduation.
Reflecting on his background growing up with a teacher mother and pastor father in Fairmont, Jones said: “Both function as a service to local communities in different ways… My mom’s inclination toward teaching especially inspired me to want to educate people in my own way as a journalist.” He added that he believes journalists serve an accountability role for government: “I think they need to play a more active role in preserving democracy… re-earning public trust through that.”
Jones has gained experience through freelance reporting for 100 Days in Appalachia during the 2024 presidential election cycle; internships with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s office; work at Student Press Law Center; serving as vice president of WVU’s Student Government Association; among other roles.
Amy Cyphert—associate professor of law at WVU and faculty adviser for the Truman Scholarship—said: “I’m delighted to welcome Ro into the Truman Scholar family. He has already shown himself to be an innovative leader who does not shy away from asking hard questions about technology and journalism… this scholarship will provide him with opportunities …to hone his skills …as a change agent for the public good.”
West Virginia University fosters an inclusive community that embraces diverse contributions within its network of distinctive campuses according to its official website (source). The university aims “to harness its resources and talents” toward building “a stronger future for the state and beyond,” drawing inspiration from its motto “Mountaineers Go First,” also reported by the university.
