THRIVING Alumni: Jarrod Sansom

Jarrod Sansom, an alumnus and Ma & Morley Ambassador, is a talented performer, having starred in the hit musical Jersey Boys. He is also a NSW Country champion and record holder for the 400m hurdles. As an ambassador for the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, having graduated with a Bachelor of Communication (Honours) in 2020, Jarrod joins a family of globally aware, socially conscious leaders who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.

Tell us about what you’ve been up to since graduation.

Since graduating from a Bachelor of Communication (Honours) in 2019 with first-class honours and the university medal, I have studied a PhD in communication while participating in the Academic Career Preparation pathway under a research scholarship. I have worked as a sessional academic for the University of Newcastle, a community liaison officer for the Australian National University, and an electorate officer for the Parliament of NSW. I became the University of Newcastle's first-ever Rhodes Scholarship finalist as well as a two-time Fulbright Scholarship finalist. In my spare time, I have performed in several theatre productions and competed in the 400m hurdles as a sponsored athlete.

What exciting things have you achieved outside of uni/work?

Outside of study and work, I have received three City of Newcastle Drama Award nominations for acting. I played a lead role in the Newcastle premiere of Jersey Boys, which is the highest-selling theatrical event in our town’s history. I also played a lead role in a television commercial, which is currently on air. I am the back-to-back NSW Country champion and record holder in the 400m hurdles and I have qualified for the Australian Athletics Championships.

How did the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program impact your university experience?

The Ma & Morley Scholarship allowed me to truly appreciate what it means to be a student at the University of Newcastle. During my bachelor’s degree, I was only focused on one thing: graduating at the top of my cohort and starting a career. As a result, I almost missed out on experiencing what the University has to offer outside of study. The Ma & Morley Scholarship gifted me the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than a degree or a nine-to-five job: a family of globally aware and socially conscious leaders.

Did you always know what you wanted to do with your career, or have you pursued different avenues?

In all honesty, I am still not entirely sure what I want to do with my career. I have pursued multiple avenues, including journalism, academia, politics, and even acting. I will keep my options open as I am currently in the fourth and final year of my PhD. I would love to continue my passion for research at the University of Newcastle.

Where would you like to be in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope my fiancé and I are happy in our beautiful home, which is currently being built at Cliftleigh. I hope to be working in a profession that allows me to inform and educate others. I hope to represent Australia in athletics and continue performing in theatre productions. Finally, I hope to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program is a transformative experience offered to students of the University of Newcastle who want to change the world.

The program aims to inspire, educate, and cultivate the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders and is only made possible by a generous US$20 million philanthropic commitment by the Jack Ma Foundation. To find out more about the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, visit the website.