Elizabeth City, N.C. — When Jay’Quahn Blackledge stepped onto the campus of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) as a reserved freshman who preferred the solitude of his dorm room, he would have never predicted that he’d one day be the face of student leadership. Today, the psychology major and former SGA president from Washington, NC is wrapping up his senior year as co-founder of the transformative Project Impact and a proud pioneer of change.
“I chose ECSU because I liked how close it was to home, as it was only an hour and a half away. ECSU is a smaller school, and I knew I would have the opportunity to build relationships with my professors and have the one-on-one opportunities needed to thrive and be successful,” Jay’Quahn recalled. But what he found at ECSU was so much more—a family that pushed him to break free of his comfort zone and discover his potential.
The Turning Point
Jay’Quahn’s transformation began during his freshman year when the SGA President at the time saw something in him that he hadn’t yet seen in himself. “He took me under his wing, let me shadow him, and convinced me to join SGA. That was a life-changing moment,” Jay’Quahn shared. “I went from being the shy kid who didn’t like leaving my room, to becoming SGA President. It taught me so much about who I am and what I’m capable of.”
From that pivotal experience, Jay’Quahn embarked on a leadership journey that changed not only his life but the lives of others.
Leaving a Legacy
One of his proudest accomplishments is co-founding Project Impact—a mentorship program designed to prepare men for life after college through leadership development, mentorship and community service—along with JayShawn Blackledge, Etavian Stokes, Joshua Barco and Angel Teagle. “We wanted to create something that helps men become ready for life after college,” Jay’Quahn said. “Project Impact aims to cultivate individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on themselves and the world around them.”
Blackledge also made his mark as a spring ’23 initiate of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and represented ECSU on campus and beyond with his research study, “The Impact of Stress Reduction Activities on Mental Well-being,” which he presented at Undergraduate Research Day. On the social side of his college journey, he received the Viking Pride Award at the Viking Spirit Awards in 2024.
A Legacy Built Together
What made Jay’Quahn’s journey even more special was that he wasn’t walking it alone. His twin brother, JayShawn Blackledge, was by his side.
A student leader in his own right, JayShawn has served on Royal Court as Mister Sophomore, Mister Junior and Mister Senior, and is a spring ’24 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Together, the brothers co-founded Project Impact.
“Having my brother as a partner in building this legacy is something I’ll always cherish. We’ve supported each other through every challenge and celebrated every milestone,” Jay’Quahn said.
Overcoming Challenges, Building Confidence
Stepping into leadership wasn’t easy. Jay’Quahn admits his biggest challenge was overcoming the fear of stepping outside his familiar space.
“I was comfortable staying in my room and just doing my work, but I wanted to make a difference on campus, so I had to let go of the fear I had and put myself out there. I got involved in student clubs and organizations and the rest is history,” he said.
Today, he credits ECSU with helping him grow into the confident, driven leader he is now.
“Being able to speak before my peers and the chancellor at two commencement ceremonies is a memory that I will never forget. I feared public speaking at one point in time, but my confidence in myself has grown and I don’t fear anything anymore. I feel like ECSU has helped me grow as a man and has also equipped me with the necessary skills to thrive in any endeavor I pursue moving forward. What I’ve learned here at ECSU goes beyond the classroom. I now have a family that is rooting for my success,” Blackledge said.
The Future Looks Bright
As he prepares for the next chapter of his journey—law school—Jay’Quahn is ready to tackle whatever challenges come his way. “In five years, I see myself thriving as a lawyer impacting the lives of many people for the better.”
Words of Wisdom
To incoming students, Jay’Quahn offers this advice: “Step out of your comfort zone as you never know what may transpire from it. Also, walk around with a positive attitude—you never know who is watching you, wishing they could be more like you.”
As he reflects on his ECSU experience, Jay’Quahn sums it up with one word: pivotal. “ECSU is where I learned who I am, discovered my passions, escaped my comfort zone, gained another family, and found a support system that believes in me no matter what I decide to do in the future. This place changed my life.”
Blackledge didn’t just attend ECSU—he transformed it. His journey is proof that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary things. For this graduate, the best is yet to come.