Through his involvement with the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Week of Welcome (WOW), Jakob has found purpose in something bigger than himself: building community and creating moments that students will remember long after the events are over.
One of those defining experiences came during WOW.
As a second-year student, Jakob stepped into a behind-the-scenes role helping plan and execute one of the busiest and most impactful weeks on campus. What many students experience as a fun, welcoming introduction to college life is months of planning, coordination and problem-solving.
From coordinating with multiple departments to navigating last-minute challenges, Jakob quickly learned what it takes to make large-scale events successful.
“At times, you have to be the glue that holds everything together,” he said.
That responsibility pushed him outside of his comfort zone, especially as someone who doesn’t naturally see himself as the most outgoing person.
“Most people wouldn’t expect me to get involved like this,” he said. “I’m usually pretty quiet.”
But through CAB and WOW, Jakob discovered something powerful: leadership doesn’t always have to be loud—it just has to be intentional.
That same sense of purpose carried into Homecoming Week, where Jakob helped create events that brought joy to students and alumni alike, from Party on the Plaza to Silent Disco and beyond.
“Being able to bring smiles to people and give them a break from school, that’s been one of my biggest goals,” he said.
For Jakob, those moments of connection are what transformed Marshall from a place he attended into a place he belonged.
“I wouldn’t say Marshall felt like home until I got involved,” he said. “Being part of something bigger than myself, that’s what made the difference.”
Outside of campus involvement, Jakob’s commitment to helping others extends into his work in healthcare. Balancing the demands of nursing school with working in a hospital setting, he continues to show up for others in meaningful ways, even during their most difficult moments.
“To see people smile during some of their darkest times, that’s a big goal for me every day,” he said.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Nursing school can be intense and overwhelming, but Jakob has found strength in the support system around him, especially his dad, who has been a constant source of encouragement.
“He’s always someone I can lean on,” Jakob said. “Even when I don’t say I’m stressed, he knows.”
Now, as he looks ahead, Jakob sees this chapter of his life as one defined by growth, balance and appreciation for the present moment.
Between finishing out the semester, continuing his work in healthcare, and planning more events with CAB, where he now serves as vice president, Jakob is embracing every opportunity to make an impact.
His advice to new students is simple, but something he believes can change everything: “Get involved, no matter how you do it.”
For Jakob, involvement isn’t just about joining an organization—it’s about finding connection, building friendships and creating experiences that bring people together.
“CAB has brought me some of my closest friends and best memories,” he said. “It’s a chance to create smiles and laughter and help people grow.”
And that’s exactly what Jakob Tipton is doing, one event, one connection and one moment at a time.
