By Asha Moore Smith

MSNBC President and two-time Emmy award winner Rashida Jones engaged in an exclusive Q&A session with University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Digital Media (DIGM) students on Thursday, March 28. Jones will deliver the commencement address for the 2024 graduating class of UDC on May 11, 2024, at the Walter E. Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Students shared their aspirations and future goals as emerging media professionals during the virtual gathering. The dialogue delved into topics such as UDC’s culture, student experiences in the Digital Media Program, and why they selected the institution for their education.

Jones attentively listened to the testimonies of students, including nontraditional and first-generation graduating seniors like Sasha Windsor and Karen Woodbury. She also shared insights into her strategies for combating misinformation and keeping younger audiences engaged in the news cycle through platforms such as TikTok. “I want to hear from you about your learning experience and life on UDC’s campus,” said Jones. “Your experience is valuable as I prepare to deliver the commencement address to the 2024 graduating class.”

Jones, whose formative years were spent in York, Pa., earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University–an HBCU, where she initiated the Rashida Jones Scholarship Fund in 2022. Her appointment as president of MSNBC in 2021 marked a historic moment as she became the first black woman to lead a news network. Before this milestone, Jones was the executive producer for breaking news and major event coverage at NBC News and MSNBC. Notable coverage under her leadership included election nights, primary and presidential debates, and political conventions.

“We are delighted that Ms. Jones took the time to meet with our students. They learned firsthand from a pioneering industry leader, which was inspiring and motivating,” said Digital Media coordinator Professor Olive Vassell.