Jonathan Baez, Finance
School of Business
When he arrived at Stockton University in the fall of 2023, Jonathan Baez felt isolated and caught in the routine of being a commuter student.
Entering college with an associate degree already completed, he felt pressure to focus on his future and begin searching for internships right away. That mindset began to shift in the summer of 2024, when he joined Transition Activity Leaders of New Students, known as TALONS.
That summer changed the trajectory of his college experience. As a first-generation college student, Baez said he never imagined college as a place to relax and enjoy himself. Being part of TALONS showed him that Stockton is more than an institution for higher learning, it’s a community.
As a TALONS student leader, Baez connected with incoming and prospective students, as well as their families, helping ease concerns about the transition to college life. He participated in orientation, Weeks of Welcome and other campus programming, often finding the work enjoyable and engaging.
“In addition to the various activities during orientation and Weeks of Welcome, many moments didn’t even feel like work, it felt like I was just socializing with students like me,” the Absecon resident said.
Baez later stepped into a leadership role as a head TALONS leader, where he helped oversee the team and coordinate new student programming. In this role, he developed his leadership and communication skills while assisting in the planning and execution of major campus events, including New Student Orientation and Weeks of Welcome.
“Overall, both roles were a great experience where I got to stay involved in the Stockton community while taking the next step in developing my skills,” Baez said.
Earning scholarships over the years made me feel like my hard work is being recognized and worth it."
Baez’s drive for success extends beyond student involvement. He earned multiple scholarships through the Stockton University Foundation, which he said validated his hard work and dedication.
“Earning scholarships over the years made me feel like my hard work is being recognized and worth it,” Baez said.
In addition to his academic achievements, Baez has been active in several campus roles. He has served as a student representative on the First-Year Task Force and the Student Transitions, Access and Retention (STAR) committee, worked as a student assistant in the Office of the President, and interned with the Office of Financial Aid.
Baez will graduate this spring with a B.S. in Finance and plans to return to Stockton to pursue a Master of Business Administration. He said his decision is driven by the opportunities and support he has found on campus.
Looking ahead, Baez said he will miss Stockton’s welcoming atmosphere and the wide range of opportunities it offers students.
