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2026 Mavis McKenley ’11 Award Presented to Laila Jones '26
The annual award honors a student who embodies the ideals championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
University News | January 20, 2026
Virginia Wesleyan University’s commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began with a special program hosted by the Robert Nusbaum Center. Titled “Frames of Freedom: Norman Rockwell, Gordon Parks, and the Visual Language of Justice,” the event explored how visual storytelling has shaped public understanding of dignity, equality, and freedom—and how art can inspire action. Led by Professors Derek Eley and John Rudel, the presentation launched a week of events and activities honoring Dr. King’s enduring ideals.
Scott D. Miller, President of Virginia Wesleyan University, welcomed attendees and reflected on the continued relevance of Dr. King’s leadership.
“Thank you for joining us for this special program commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said President Miller. “Our nation continues to navigate a time of profound division and uncertainty. Yet history reminds us that these moments are not new. Dr. King’s work for civil rights and social justice began long before the defining years of the 1960s, but it was during that era that his moral clarity, eloquent voice, and unwavering commitment to justice resonated with renewed urgency and inspired action.”
President Miller also highlighted Dr. King’s steadfast advocacy for peace and nonviolence. “While the work of justice remains unfinished, his example continues to guide us—challenging us to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose,” he said.
During the program, President Miller presented the 2026 Mavis McKenley ’11 Award, which recognizes a Virginia Wesleyan student who exemplifies Dr. King’s ideals of courage, compassion, inclusion, and a commitment to social change.
“Each year, Virginia Wesleyan University honors a student who demonstrates courage and conviction in valuing difference, a dedication to building inclusive communities, and compassion for humanity,” noted President Miller. “In 2020, this award was named in honor of our esteemed alumna and Trustee, Mavis McKenley, whose life and leadership embody those principles. Through her kindness, advocacy, and determination, Mavis has advanced the mission of the University while strengthening our broader community. We are grateful for her continued example and the legacy this award represents.”
The 2026 recipient, Laila Jones, was described by her nominator as someone who consistently seeks to understand and value difference—not only through reflection, but through meaningful action both on campus and beyond.
Jones, a senior majoring in earth and environmental science, is deeply engaged in campus life through her involvement in Campus Ministries, Marlins Go Green, The Marlin Chronicle, and as a student leader with the Thirst Project. Through these roles, she actively builds community, promotes sustainability, and works to ensure others feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
Through Campus Ministries, Jones helps plan and participate in programs that foster religious inclusion and shared understanding. She has also dedicated her time to supporting international students, helping them find a sense of belonging as they navigate a new environment.
Her commitment to social change is particularly evident in her environmental advocacy. As an active member of the Thirst Project and Marlins Go Green, Jones has participated in composting initiatives, fundraisers, and educational efforts that promote responsible stewardship of shared resources.
Faculty and staff describe Jones as compassionate, hardworking, and deeply grounded in service—someone who brings positive energy to every space she enters. Despite the demands of a rigorous academic program, she continually finds ways to lead, give back, and support others. Her experiences studying abroad in Spain further reflect her willingness to step beyond her comfort zone, embrace new perspectives, and grow through engagement with the wider world.
Through her actions and leadership, Jones demonstrates a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of justice, community, and care for one another—values that lie at the very heart of Dr. King’s legacy.