Senator Watts welcomes students to business week
Hi, everyone! My name is J.J. Watts, and I’m the current Jon M. Huntsman School of Business senator for USUSA. I’m from Draper, and I’m studying finance with a minor in entrepreneurship. Utah State has always been special to me. My dad grew up in Logan, and my mom attended USU and was involved in the Student Alumni Association. I spent much of my childhood visiting my grandparents, which made Logan feel like a second home and inspired me to follow in my family’s footsteps. If you see me studying or working, there’s a good chance I’ve got the Grateful Dead playing in the background.
Business wasn’t always my plan. Growing up, I loved programming — building games, apps and websites — and I thought technology would be my career path. That changed toward the end of 2023 while I was finishing my mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of my companions — another missionary I lived and worked with — came from a family of accountants and introduced me to the world of business. That experience shifted my perspective and opened my eyes to the creativity and impact possible in business.
Since then, I’ve been grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in the Huntsman School. My classes have challenged me, connected me with lifelong friends and helped me develop both analytical and creative skills. Outside of academics, I’ve always loved making music and creating movies. I also enjoy entrepreneurship and have started ventures such as a home painting business, along with small business consulting. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue ventures that provide for my future family and most importantly, give back to the community. Long-term, I hope to live in Logan or a similar community, staying close to the place that has shaped me. I strive to follow the example of Jon M. Huntsman, who said, “For me, the true measure of success is not how much wealth you acquire but how much of it you give back … I’m just a temporary trustee of these funds … If I die broke, it is humanity who will have benefited.”
This year, I have the privilege of serving as the business senator. In this role, I represent the students of the business school and work to be a supportive friend and trusted advocate — someone who listens and stands with them. I also work closely with the Business Council, which represents the voices of Huntsman students, connects them with opportunities and encourages involvement. The council supports both my goals as senator and the dean’s and Huntsman School’s leadership goals. Together, we strengthen the student experience through events like the Welcome Back Donut Event, Business Week, club leadership meetings and the End of Year Celebration while also supporting clubs and leadership across the school.
Right now, my council and I are welcoming you to Business Week, which runs from Sept. 15–19. It’s open to all majors, with events like the Welcome to (Wall Street) Huntsman kickoff and Huntsman Clothes Exchange clothing drive on Monday, a club scavenger hunt in the new Carolyn & Kem Gardner Learning & Leadership Building on Tuesday, Hot Wheels racing on Wednesday and the Big Apple Bash with the Series Committee on Thursday. Students can also take part in professional development activities, including connecting with faculty and alumni, attending workshops on LinkedIn and resumes and getting professional headshots. We’ll also host the MET Gala – Vintage Edition on Friday and a student concert in the amphitheater on Tuesday evening.
Our council is starting monthly leadership meetings with Huntsman club leaders, giving presidents and officers a chance to coordinate upcoming events, learn from one another and collaborate more effectively. The goal is to strengthen clubs, provide support and enhance the overall Huntsman student experience.
Looking ahead, I’ll continue working to help students with scholarships and improve communication about events. We’ll keep hosting scholarship stations where students can learn how to apply for funding and create strong applications.
To make myself accessible to students, I hold regular office hours in the new Business Council space on the fourth floor of Huntsman Hall, Room 442, Monday–Thursday from 1:30–3 p.m. On Fridays, I’m available in the TSC Senator’s Office, Room 327, from 1–5 p.m.
Most of all, I want students to know I’m here for them. Whether you have ideas or concerns, want to get involved or just want to talk entrepreneurship — or even the Grateful Dead — please stop by, send me a message or say ‘Hi’ around campus. I’m excited to serve you this year and look forward to working together to make both the Huntsman and overall student experience the best it can be.
—huntsmansenator@ususa.edu