We are driven: the class of 2025

As the end of his second year at the United States Military Academy – commonly known as West Point – neared, Jordan Burrell ’25 had a big decision to make: commit to a career in the military or follow his passion for football, sports management and business. Ultimately, he decided to enter the transfer portal.

“I enjoyed my time at West Point and following that path would’ve been beneficial, but I wanted to explore more options,” Burrell said. “Transferring to Lenoir-Rhyne offered the opportunity to join a great football team and major in sports management.”

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Burrell made the move to LR to be closer to home while spending more time on the football field and pursuing his educational goals.

“I grabbed every opportunity to be more involved on campus. I set the bar high and even when I failed, I kept my chin high and persevered,” said Burrell, who has served in leadership roles for Student Government as the multicultural affairs representative and as president of Men of Color on campus. “Being involved helped me refine my time management and networking skills and serve as a leader and representative for my peers and the community.”

Through those experiences, Burrell has built and maintained a reputation that reflects his highest values – a reputation that will follow him beyond commencement.

“I want my name to speak for itself even when I’m not in the room,” he said. “That kind of reputation is earned by embodying values like honesty, commitment and loyalty to the people around you. I want to be someone people can come to when they need help. Someone who can teach them the tricks to help them persevere.”

That perseverance was learned early in his time at West Point. As a new cadet, Burrell was given a variety of physical skills testing – including swimming.

“I didn’t know how to swim, and I was fearful of the water,” Burrell said. “It made me feel underprepared and anxious.”

Burrell didn’t let that fear deter him. Instead, he took time out of his busy schedule to work with tutors in the pool. After transferring to LR, he continued to learn and train. He now enjoys swimming as part of his fitness routine.

“My teachers told me to trust myself, to trust my body, and I kept going,” he said. “When I look back, that was me saying ‘no matter what I can keep going.’ I’ve been in difficult or uncomfortable situations before, and I know I can embrace the struggle and see what it will teach me.”

That ability to give 100% while cheering on his teammates and friends is evident in the pride he has in his football teammates, who had a great run in 2023.

“It was a great time to be a part of a team that had an amazing bond. There was never a moment when we thought what we were doing was impossible.”

In a tense game with Erskine, Burrell caught his first interception, and it was a moment he’ll never forget.

“It was one of my favorite plays,” Burrell said. “My parents were in the stands, and they knew I loved football again. That meant the world to me. I’ve learned from the people who came before me, from my time in the military and from my experience at LR. Now I try every day to be present in the moment, and to be to others what those leaders and mentors were to me.”