Campus News
June 14, 2022
Creative writer and GC alumna Tierra Jones is on the move
Jones recently earned her bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University
Ms. Tierra Jones
"Garrett College alumna, Tierra Jones, earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree (English: Creative Writing) from Bucknell University on Sunday, May 22, 2022.
While at Garrett, Jones earned an Associate in Arts - Arts and Sciences (Liberal Arts concentration) degree in 2020. As a student, she actively participated in many activities and organizations on campus, all of which added to her campus experience. She served as student assistant with the Residence Life department, president of Student Government Association (SGA), vice president of GC’s Alpha Omicron Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK), and a student ambassador with the Admissions department.
Jones’s academic and personal achievements earned her the prestigious and extremely competitive Two-Year Transfer Scholarship to Bucknell University beginning in the fall of 2020. The scholarship covered tuition for two years of full-time enrolment at Bucknell University, a private liberal arts institution in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
“Tierra Jones exemplifies the community college student who worked hard to overcome adversity and seek out opportunities to reach her academic and professional goals,” remarked Lucy Manley, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Garrett College.
While Tierra pursued her degree in English at Bucknell, she discovered a strong interest in creative writing. As a Bucknellian, Tierra has kept busy engaged in Open Mic Nights and a Writers in Conversation series through the literary department and Stadler Center, actively participated in the Creative Writing Club, and served as Mass Head Editor with the student-run literary magazine, Confetti Head.
“I have loved loved loved the access I've been able to gain to the literary world at large through the Stadler Center for poetry and literary arts here at Bucknell,” remarked Jones.
Jones’s student employment endeavors strongly supported her interest in creative writing as well. As a student, she gained valuable real-world experience as a West Branch Editorial intern. She further applied her skills as a Peer Writing Consultant and Office Assistant in the Bucknell Writing Center.
Following graduation from Bucknell, Jones will take a gap year to focus her career aspirations.
“I am still considering grad school and have been tapped for a Fulbright nomination that I'd be able to apply for next year if I would like.”
In the future, she hopes to gain a career in public relations, publishing, or writing.
As part of the transfer scholarship requirements, Jones participated in the rigorous Summer Scholars Program in 2019, marking the midpoint in her journey at Garrett College. During that six-week summer academic program at Bucknell University, she excelled in two writing-intensive college courses, maintained commendable grades in both courses, all while residing on-campus and participating in organized cohort activities every week.
“Being a student at Garrett College taught me to be confident in my intellect and leadership ability. GC showed me that I'm more than capable of accomplishing my wildest dreams,” reflected Jones.
The Bucknell Community College Scholars program is designed for high-achieving, low- or moderate-income community college students who aim to earn their associate’s degree and continue their pursuit of higher education toward a bachelor’s degree.
“Garrett College is honoured to be one of only six community college partners of this program,” Ashley Ruby, Director of Advising & Academic Success at Garrett College, stated.
Upon matriculation to Bucknell University, Tierra affirmed “I was well-prepared to attend BU! With the help of Ashley Ruby and others at Garrett College, I was able to seamlessly transfer my credits, so much so, that my last semester was filled with extracurriculars because I'd already met my degree requirements! The best part was that I never had to overload or take any courses outside of my major or field of interests!”
“Tierra is truly one of Garrett College’s star alumnae, a phenomenal academic scholar, and a beautiful soul. I am so proud of her many accomplishments and excited to see where her journey takes her!” exclaimed Ruby.
After meeting the academic and financial criteria for the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program, potential scholars must apply and attend the summer program immediately prior to community college graduation. Students then return to the community college to complete the associate degree, and are eligible to apply for the Two-Year Transfer Scholarship to Bucknell University.
For more information about the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program in addition to other transfer opportunities available at Garrett College, contact Ruby at Garrett College at 301-387-3733 or ashley.ruby@garrettcollege.edu.
