Stories of Consequence
When Jackson Stokes ’25 walked across the stage in May to accept his Washington and Lee University diploma, he was certain that while he was leaving the campus behind, the community would travel with him for the rest of his life. Armed with a degree in economics and a minor in data science, Stokes has joined the ranks at Berkeley Research Group (BRG) in Washington, D.C., as a data analytics associate in the health care analytics practice. After interning at BRG last summer, he felt it was a great work environment for him.
“I could not have afforded W&L without scholarships, and once I become established in my career, I want to give back to enable others to have the same opportunities that I have had.”
– Jackson Stokes ‘25
“I’m excited to go back to BRG and keep growing in the health care space,” Stokes said. “Down the line, I’d love to lead teams and help mentor others the same way I’ve been helped along the way.”
Stokes was recruited to W&L to play varsity football but chose to attend because he knew he could thrive both on the field and off in the rigorous academic atmosphere. Generous financial aid, including the Lee Massey McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship, made his W&L experience possible without financial stress.
“I could not have afforded W&L without scholarships, and once I become established in my career, I want to give back to enable others to have the same opportunities that I have had,” Stokes said.
He was also part of the Washington and Lee Student Consulting program, becoming a team lead as a sophomore while working on his second project. “Student Consulting helped me build confidence, learn how to network, prepare for case interviews and figure out what kind of jobs I wanted to pursue,” he said. “It played a big role in shaping both my career interests and my ability to work with others professionally.” Additionally, the North Carolina native belonged to Pi Kappa Phi and held several leadership roles, including senior rush chair.
Whether in the classroom, meeting with clients or on the football field, Stokes adopted a mantra of uplifting others. When he incurred a hip injury that benched him for the entire football season during his senior year, Andrew Kirkland, assistant coach for defensive backs, invited Stokes to help him observe and provide feedback to the younger players on the team. “That moment really stuck with me,” Stokes said. “Until then, I felt like I didn’t have much of a role on the team, and Coach Kirkland helped give me a new purpose.”
The chance to encourage and mentor teammates was rewarding, and he enjoyed a similar experience after participating on a career panel during Parents and Family Weekend. Younger students came to speak with Stokes one-on-one about his career plans and to gain insight and advice.
“I’ve always found joy in helping others succeed, and ideally those relationships are mutual — where we’re all helping each other get better,” he said. “At BRG, I hope to keep that going — whether it’s mentoring a new analyst, setting a good example or just being a supportive teammate. I want to make a difference — even if it’s in small ways.”