By Austin Small, 2025–2026 National JAG Career Association President
As we step into this new year together, I find myself energized, focused, and full of gratitude. The opportunity to serve as president for nearly 80,000 students across the nation through the JAG Career Association isn’t just a title—it’s a responsibility and a privilege I carry with great pride.
With each state visit, leadership call, and service project, we are shaping not just the future of JAG, but the lives and legacies of those who are often overlooked. And that’s something I don’t take lightly.
What I’m Looking Forward to This Year
This year, I’m most looking forward to connection and collaboration.
I’m excited to see our Plan of Work come to life as we engage alumni, launch JAG EDGE 2026, and take our national communication strategies to the next level.
Whether it’s spotlighting members on our social platforms, showing up for JAGCA Week, or supporting the National Service Project focused on unhoused individuals, this year is all about impact.
I’m especially looking forward to traveling and connecting with members from all over the country. There’s something incredibly powerful about meeting JAG students in person—hearing their stories, learning about their dreams, and sharing what unites us all as JAG students: resilience, leadership, and purpose.
My Goals for the Year
Personally, and professionally, my goals are rooted in growth and service. As a first-generation college student, former unhoused youth, and a product of the JAG model, I want to continue using my story as a light for others navigating difficult paths.
As the JAGCA National President, I’ve set three major goals for this year:
- Elevate the Alumni Experience – I want to help build stronger pipelines between current members and alumni by providing networking, mentoring, and leadership opportunities beyond graduation.
- Empower State & Local Chapters – Through monthly campaigns, webinars, and leadership challenges, I hope to give local officers the tools and confidence to lead with excellence in their schools and communities.
- Strengthen the Voice of the Association – Through our marcoms (marketing & communications) pillar, I plan to work closely with my fellow officers to share more stories, spotlight more members, and build a brand we can all be proud of.
What I Want the Network to Know
To everyone across our JAG network—specialists, students, alumni, partners, and staff—I want you to know this: your voice matters.
Whether you’re in a classroom in rural Arkansas or representing your state at Capitol Hill Day in Washington DC, your leadership is shaping lives in ways you may not even realize yet.
This year don’t be afraid to take up space. Be bold in your leadership. Be present in your service. And be proud of your story—because it’s that story that may be able to inspire others to move forward.
And to the JAG specialists and educators out there—thank you. Your work changes lives. You certainly changed mine!
Lessons from Our National Officer Retreat
Coming together with my fellow National Officers during our retreat was nothing short of transformative. One of the biggest lessons I walked away with was this: true leadership starts with listening.
In that space, surrounded by passionate and driven students from different states, I saw firsthand the importance of respecting different perspectives, collaborating with humility, and leading with both your head and your heart.
I also learned that vision without a carefully thought-out strategy is just a dream. That’s why our plan of work is so important—it ensures we stay on track, remain accountable, and deliver on what we promised our members.
Our retreat was a powerful reminder that I’m not in this alone. I’m part of a team—a family—of national leaders, all united in our commitment to elevate JAG and its mission.
Let’s make this a year of purpose, progress, and power. If you’re reading this, I hope you know that you belong here, you have something to offer, and we’re better because you’re in the JAG family.
With pride and service,
Austin C. Small
National President, JAG Career Association
Grambling State University | Class of 2027