Before Ryan Jones (J.D. 24’) started law school, he spent a few years as one of the top 15 spoken-word artists in the world. Poetry is a passion that he cultivated in college. When he’s not reciting poetry, Jones works as an environmental engineer for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“I’m really interested in moving the needle in the environmental space in Georgia,” said Jones, who began his career with a consulting agency then worked for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. “One of the first things I learned about working in the environment is that environmental issues most often affect low-income and marginalized communities.”
Jones defines environmental justice as the treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in situations that affect human health and the environment. This passion drew him to Georgia State University College of Law's J.D. & Master of Public Administration dual-degree program.
“Being from a marginalized community myself and an environmental professional, I feel called to be an advocate for my community in this space,” said Jones. “Pursuing and understanding environmental law is just one step toward becoming an effective advocate.”
Even as a dual-degree student, Jones somehow managed to also juggle his personal life, a full-time job, earn a certificate in Environmental and Land Use Law and still participate in numerous student organizations at Georgia State Law. He served as president of the Environmental Law Society and was a member of the Black Law Students Association, Student Data Privacy Professionals and Parents Attending Law School.
“Leading the Environmental Law Society this year gave me the opportunity to further connect with students here who are interested in environmental law and a greater opportunity to connect with industry professionals,” Jones shared about his time as president.
Jones received the Georgia Bar Association Environmental Law Section Student Award, which he said felt like the culmination of all the effort he poured into his studies in this area. A student who demonstrates an interest and academic achievement in environmental law is nominated by their professor for the award each year.
Jones found the bonds he forged with fellow classmates rewarding; however, it was the relationship with his mentor John Marshall, associate professor of law and co-director of the Center for the Comparative Study of Metropolitan Growth, that has been the highlight of his time in law school. Through conversations and working with Professor Marshall, Jones has amassed invaluable insights and knowledge about environmental law and advocacy from his professor. Marshall helped connect students with industry professionals and shared his personal experiences of successfully navigating environmental law and environmental regulation.
“From behind the podium or across the seminar table, I’ve had the privilege of coming to know Ryan as a deeply thoughtful, well-prepared and unfailingly considerate student,” shared Marshall. “To observe Ryan in the classroom, in the hallways of the College of Law, at a public gathering or a meeting is to appreciate that Ryan is humble, actively committed to pursuing justice for all members of our community, and patient and kind in disposition while also determined and persistent in all that he does to assist others."
Written by Alexandra Shimalla