08/25/2026
🌟SPOTLIGHT: Adult Learner Angela Adams Represents JSU at National ScholarCON
Angela Adams, an adult learner pursuing a major in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies in the School of Lifelong Learning at Jackson State University, was one of only two students to represent JSU at the National Society of Collegiate Scholars’ (NSCS) ScholarCON conference in Washington, D.C., in August.
Accompanied by their sponsor, Dr. Pamela Heard, Adams and fellow JSU student Destnye Banks traveled to the three-day conference, where they networked with fellow NSCS members from colleges and universities across the country. At ScholarCON, the gathering of like-minded high-achievers participated in celebrations of scholarship, leadership, and service, daily keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities designed to foster personal, professional, and academic growth.
The experience inspired Adams to encourage more students to become involved in NSCS and attend ScholarCON to take advantage of opportunities for networking, scholarships, mentorship, career development, and graduate school preparation.
As a working professional with 20 years of experience in retail management, Adams balances her professional and family responsibilities with her role as Fundraising Chair of the Student Government Association. Her experience as an online student has also shaped her perspective on the importance of becoming engaged beyond the virtual classroom.
Adams encourages fellow online students to step outside their comfort zones and take advantage of opportunities to connect, lead, and grow.
“Sometimes online students may feel disconnected from the traditional college experience because we are not physically on campus every day,” Adams shared. “I want other online students to know that being online does not mean being left out. Do not allow being an online student to make you believe that your college experience has to exist entirely behind a computer screen.”
For Adams, ScholarCON was an opportunity to demonstrate that the college experience extends far beyond the classroom—whether that classroom is on campus or online.
Adams looks forward to completing her degree and pursuing professional growth opportunities that build on her academic preparation, professional experience, and leadership abilities.
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honor society that recognizes, elevates, and connects high-achieving college students across the country.
ScholarCON is NSCS’s national conference focused on learning, leadership, and connection, bringing together NSCS Scholars from diverse backgrounds to explore new possibilities and develop personally, academically, and professionally.
