An accounting major with minors in English, marketing and Spanish, the Logan, West Virginia native made the most of every opportunity during his time at Marshall, emerging as a leader, innovator and future law student with a deep appreciation for giving back.
Luke was selected as a Yeager Scholar—a prestigious honor that offered a full scholarship, stipend, and a community of likeminded, high-achieving peers.
“At first, I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was,” he admitted. “I’ve been beyond grateful ever since.”
The scholarship also had a deep impact on his family. “My grandparents didn’t go to college, and my dad worked multiple jobs while attending. He couldn’t afford to come to Marshall when he had the chance,” Luke said. “Through Yeager, I was able not only to attend Marshall but to work because I wanted to, not because I had to. That made all the difference.”
And work he did—though “work” doesn’t begin to describe the whirlwind of student life Luke created for himself. He interned with Marshall’s marketing team before his freshman year even began, later taking roles with the iCenter and area businesses. He was Marshall’s beloved mascot, Marco, a TEDxMarshallU speaker and an innovation intern. He joined student government, started a band, and even co-founded the Board of Scholars to improve the student experience for Yeager students.
“When I started college, I decided I was in a ‘learning and gathering’ phase,” Luke said. “So, I made a rule to say yes to every opportunity that didn’t risk my health or well-being.”
That mindset unlocked a myriad of internships, leadership roles and creative projects—including one where he helped improve laundry efficiency in the residence halls and another enhanced the Marco mascot program.
While many students focus on one or two internships during college, Luke’s resume reads like a student organization fair. He interned in public relations, finance, innovation, and accounting; served as social media manager for The Parthenon; held leadership roles in organizations like Beta Gamma Sigma, the Pre-Law Club, and the Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation. He even played drums in a student-formed rock band, Dairy Farm, which he helped launch with friends.
“Outside of class, I always made sure I had something developing me mentally, something creatively, something spiritually and something physically,” he said. “That balance helped me stay grounded.”
Luke’s academic journey was just as intentional. Though he never saw himself becoming an accountant, a conversation with accounting professor, Dr. Susan Lanham, helped him recognize that “accounting is the language of business”—a language he knew would help him understand and impact the world around him.
While studying abroad in Spain and England through the Yeager Program, Luke began seriously considering law school. “Seeing the grand architecture and history made me wonder what I would leave behind,” he said. “I knew I wanted to solve problems and make an impact.”
With the support of Marshall faculty and staff—especially pre-law advisor, Patricia Proctor—Luke tackled the law school admissions process with the same energy and determination that defined his Marshall career. His efforts paid off: he was accepted to several prestigious schools, including Harvard, Cornell and Georgetown. After careful consideration, he chose Georgetown Law.
“I’m still in a learning and gathering phase,” he said. “If accounting is the language of business, then law is the language of society and ethics. If I want to help those around me, it’s important to understand what they stand for and how systems help or hurt them.”
Though his future may include law, Luke hasn’t forgotten his childhood dream: “My dream job is still to own and operate a rehabilitative zoo,” he said. “But right now, I’m focused on building the foundation to make an impact.”
Through it all, Marshall remained more than a university—it was a community, a launching pad, and a place where Luke could be both challenged and supported.
“It’s hard to describe, but it’s the feeling of being a voice in the ‘We Are… Marshall’ chant,” he said. “It’s being part of something much bigger than yourself.”
Luke’s advice to new students? “Get involved. But more than that, get involved in other people. Smile at them. Listen to them. Help them. That’s where the magic happens.”
Luke Jeffrey’s journey is shaped by ambition, service and purpose—proof of how student involvement can open doors and define the Marshall experience.
