Remote Classes and Operations for Remainder of Week

Loyola will continue remote classes and operations through Friday, Jan. 24. Though we expect to resume normal in-person operations on Monday, further updates regarding our full return to campus will be provided over the weekend as we continue to monitor travel conditions across the region. Faculty and staff should check their email for information regarding building access. Please visit emergency.ballballu.com for the most current information.

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Meet Jamal Malik Melancon-Hill ’24

A Community Committed to Your Success 

Jamal Malik Melancon-Hill knew he belonged in the Wolf Pack. Attending high school just down the street, he was thrilled to start his Loyola experience on campus. He got involved with the Loyola Maroon student newspaper and started building strong relationships with his professors and peers. 

“I hit the ground running with in-person. But then there were personal, emotional, and at-home problems that got in the way of my in-person education,” Jamal explained. 

Making the Transition to Online Learning

After taking a break from school and getting through the pandemic, Jamal was ready to get back to his studies. But as a new father with growing responsibilities, he knew he needed a more flexible way to learn. He decided to finish his education with Loyola Online. 

“I had not had experience doing any online education program prior, and I was taking it really cautiously and seriously,” Jamal said. “The staff and professors I had already interacted with and met in person were there for me in full.” 

A Dream Come True 

Jamal thrived in the online learning environment, which gave him the freedom to manage his own schedule and learn on his own time. After finishing his bachelor’s degree in communication, he immediately transitioned to the master’s program in marketing and communications. In both programs, Jamal was able to gain real professional experiences to support his career goals. 

“The most rewarding part has definitely been my very last course. I really had a dream come true picking a research topic about video games and a specific product that was released in January, and I was able to get a viral video made for my channel,” Jamal said with a smile. “So right now I'm using that progress I made on my YouTube channel to keep building from there.”

As a Loyola graduate, Jamal plans to continue to grow his career as a freelance journalist and content creator. He may also pursue a role in academia—inspired by the inspiring professors he met during his time at Loyola. 

Do you have a dream for your future like Jamal? Find out if an online education at Loyola University New Orleans could help you reach your goals. Explore our online programs and connect with an admissions counselor by emailing online@ballballu.com or texting 504-588-6025.