I recorded & edited a piece about a USU event Isaiah Jones organized. It aired on Utah Public Radio (UPR) on January 24, 2025.
LOGAN, Utah — In the 3-degree January chill, a crowd of USU athletes, students, and Logan community members walk through the snow across campus, their breath visible in the night air. They walk together in solidarity—some talking, some singing, some silent.
They’ve gathered in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, participating in a university event called “Aggie Walk the Walk.” Linking arms, both literally and metaphorically, the group contemplates how to build a “beloved community.” Notably, the event is hosted not by the Black Student Union or the Center for Community Engagement, but by the Athletics department.
Isaiah Jones, hired in September 2024 as USU’s first Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Programming and Community Engagement, explains, “The Aggies Walk the Walk event is an opportunity for us to focus on our individual and collective responsibility to one another, and it’s all about our mission at USU, which is bringing folks together. One way to do that is in terms of reflection and action.”
This event is one of many initiatives by USU Athletics to strengthen community ties and promote collective action. As his lengthy title suggests, Jones plays a critical role in planning, developing and executing these programs. According to a USU press release, his job is to facilitate collaborations between USU and local groups to address regional and societal challenges. “There’s so much opportunity for us to continue to build and collaborate together,” says Jones.
About Jones
Before his current role, Jones spent two years as USU’s senior director for inclusive excellence, forging partnerships with academic units, community institutions and statewide organizations. He also served as the parent and family coordinator for orientation for four years. A former member of the Utah State football team (2009–12), Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in human physiology from Utah State in 2012, a master’s degree in history, and a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. He is currently working on his MBA. “I’m truly honored to contribute to the Aggie legacy,” says Jones.
Community Ties
Jones’ position is unique. By combining athletics and community engagement into one role, USU leverages the popularity of sports to create stronger bonds with local residents, businesses and organizations.
“It’s an active process. It takes dedication every year. It takes being aware of all the changes in the environment and how to be successful,” Jones said.
This integrated approach also strengthens alumni networks and donor support. When sports events and community initiatives work hand in hand, they create memorable experiences that deepen alumni ties to the institution. The Aggies Walk the Walk event is a prime example of this. Many alumni Aggies attended the event and walked in unity with students and athletes.
“I think folks really caught on to just walking together. Sometimes we’re at a protest level, where some of us can engage because of our roles. But I think everyone caught on to like, ‘Hey, this is an opportunity to do something together!’ That’s positive. Those opportunities are always good to have,” Jones noted.
Student Athlete Service
In addition to partnering with local organizations and alumni, Jones connects student-athletes with the Aggie community through service initiatives. These experiences prepare student athletes for roles beyond the playing field, enhancing their personal and professional development.
To foster teamwork, leadership and service, student-athletes sign up for an online platform called Helper Helper, which students use to log their service hours. Universities around the country use this platform to see how their student athletes rank in service, impact and contributions to their community.
Regarding the Aggies Walk the Walk event, Jones explained, “Our student-athletes walk, and for them, it’s not only walking but also a service opportunity. They’re all highly encouraged. Why not rack up service hours and have a meaningful impact on Cache Valley?”
Kaylee, a student athlete playing for the USU softball team said, “It’s awesome to see everybody come out for the community.”
Collective Action
By facilitating student-athlete service, encouraging community engagement and strengthening local partnerships, Jones’s work highlights what sports do best: bring people together. In creating a dual-role position for student-athlete programming and community engagement, USU Athletics uses its high profile as a force for good, reaffirming that our community, is just like a team.
Jones said, “We have to be active and passionate about how we can be better, what areas we can improve. We have work to do if we want to continue building.”