Testimonies
Jason stopped me after class to tell me I should become an academic. At that time, I was rejected from a PhD application, I wasn't sure if I should keep trying
He told me "it's their loss" and was willing to supervise me himself just to ensure I don't give up.
I'm doing my PhD elsewhere now. I always assumed I'd run into him at a conference one day and get to tell him. I'm so sad he isn't here to witness my growth, my journey is a trajectory he set off, I hope I'd have made him proud.
Leila Lai
Jason's MPhil student, 2025
I met Jason in my first year as a grad student at Cambridge, when he visited the Faculty before becoming Professor. At the time I felt exhausted as one of the few black students at the Faculty and felt pretty isolated. When I saw him in the Faculty his smile was like a warm light in a cold winter. We had a chat about Blackness and Cambridge and I remember him telling me how important it is for us as minority academics to stick together. It was a short interaction but one that was significant - so reassuring to see a face like mine, especially one that was so kind and confident in this space. He really gave me hope that I could make it here too.
Thank you Jason.
Anon
PhD Student
I first met Jason when he joined the faculty. As a Professor of Sociology, his work directly intersected with my own research in sociology and higher education. Over several conversations, we spoke about the complexities of institutional change, what makes it difficult, and what truly makes it work. He always showed genuine appreciation for my involvement with the Faculty of Education Research Student Association (FERSA), believing deeply in the role student leadership plays in creating sustainable change. In a large academic institution, he made me feel seen.
During my term as FERSA President from 2023 to 2024, Jason was selected as the keynote speaker for our annual conference. Watching him speak to our community was inspiring, but what stayed with me most was what he shared afterward. He told me that he saw my potential in the field because I truly cared. As a person of color navigating the field of sociology, seeing his leadership and hearing his belief in me gave me the confidence to believe that I have a chance in academia, regardless of the social constraints.
Jason once shared two insights that I will carry with me forever. He said that sociology is a discipline enabled by love and community. He also spoke about his commitment to teaching, telling me that he strived to give his absolute best to other people’s children in the classroom, hoping that others would do the same for his own children one day .
I am heartbroken to learn of his passing so soon after my graduation. I never had the opportunity to reach out as an alumna to share where my journey has led, but I will forever remember Jason as a remarkable scholar, a devoted teacher, and a compassionate mentor.
Thank you, Jason, for your unwavering kindness, your belief in us, and your tireless efforts to create real change. You will be deeply missed.
Rossa Darni
PhD Candidate
I had the pleasure and the privilege of working with Jason at the University of Glasgow, where he very quickly became my friend. He was sunshine personified: the most shining light of a person, forever uplifting and supporting the people around him. I went to him for advice often, and he was always wise and thoughtful. I learned so much from him: from his scholarship, which was brilliant and edifying, but just as much from the way he approached the world and other people.
In We See Things They'll Never See: Love, Hope and Neurodiversity, written with Chantelle Jessica Lewis, he refused to defer hope to some perfect future, the argument being that a better life for all of us is available now, not something we wait for. That was how he lived, too. His ethos of care and love, for friends, community and the people we work with, is something I will actively make sure is embedded in everything I do.
I am heartbroken about the death of this lovely, gentle, and kind man. The world has lost someone truly special.
Thank you for setting up this space for Jason. And thank you, Jason, for everything.
Melanie Ramdarshan Bold
He was my friend and my colleague at the University of Glasgow
I was unsure about how to approach my dissertation which was on a challenging topic (grief education). Specifically, I couldn’t decide whether it was professional to include a personal narrative to preface the introduction. I stayed behind after class and asked Jason his thoughts. He reassured me that all research comes from a perspective and we write with it whether we address it or not. I’m fairly certain his advice to include it was what ultimately secured me a distinction for my dissertation (graded by two other lecturers), because this element was explicitly commented on positively. I’m grateful to Jason for being such an attentive and passionate lecturer. Students don’t always feel seen at Cambridge and many other lecturers had a distaste for teaching us, but he was talented teacher and I felt uniquely seen and understood by him.
Laura Johnson
MPhil student,2025
Jason memorised each of our names in the first lecture. He got to know us all personally and would make everyone feel welcome, caring about our opinions but also constantly extending his support. I remember him stopping me in the street, asking if I ever needed anything to reach out. The fact that I had him for only about 3 lectures and he stuck with me as the kindest person from those lectures alone- this really shows the type of person he was. Anyone you asked in the faculty had nothing but kind things to say about him .
The misrepresentation of him is what hurt everyone the most, ask a single person that knew him and you would know. He deserved the kindness he showed us and more and he left a lasting impression that most lecturers hadn’t.
Jason will be greatly missed
Katya
I was in his lecture in undergrad
I worked with Jason at the start of my career and I've heard him speak at a few events ...I can only wish to have been one of his students! Jason was one of the kindest souls I have ever met and he was truly so brilliant. He was always humble and made sure to create a seat at the table for those around him. I was unsure whether I wanted to pursue a PhD and he took the time to talk things through with me - and I can see he mentored so many others.
He will be so missed, and he will be remembered by so many. What a privilege it is to have known him!
Anonymous
Worked with him
Jason taught me in my third year of university at Durham. He was the best lecturer/teacher I have ever had and was the kindest and most thoughtful person. He made great effort to memorise people’s names and also made people feel so inspired. Not many people in life (and academics) have the qualities and kindness that Jason had. What an absolute privilege to meet him.
He once gave me £10 in a lecture for guessing correctly a simply red song once!! I will never forget you Jason.
Issac
In his Race and Racism in the Uk module in 2021 at Durham
I was unsure about how to approach my dissertation which was on a challenging topic (grief education). Specifically, I couldn’t decide whether it was professional to include a personal narrative to preface the introduction. I stayed behind after class and asked Jason his thoughts. He reassured me that all research comes from a perspective and we write with it whether we address it or not. I’m fairly certain his advice to include it was what ultimately secured me a distinction for my dissertation (graded by two other lecturers), because this element was explicitly commented on positively. I’m grateful to Jason for being such an attentive and passionate lecturer. Students don’t always feel seen at Cambridge and many other lecturers had a distaste for teaching us, but he was talented teacher and I felt uniquely seen and understood by him.
Laura Johnson
MPhil student,2025
I met Jason only briefly as a PGCE student at the Faculty of Education attending a workshop he was running. Alongside fascinating discussions, I was also truly struck by the welcoming and kind classroom environment he created, learning each of our names and listening to our thoughts and experiences without judgement. His quiet, understated, yet very powerful presence as a facilitator of discussions in the room was absolutely mesmerising, and something I have brought forward into my own approach as an educator. A workshop of one hour only made a lasting impression. Thank you Professor Arday.
Gemma
PGCE student
His speech was the most memorable and thought-provoking. I kept thinking about it long after the conference ended and I’ve heared Jason to be the kindest mentor to so many young academics.
Emma
Heard his speech at the BSA conference this year
I didn't know or meet Jason personally but I was struck by an answer he gave at a professionals' conference last year. One of the delegates brought a moving, intimate, personal question from their life, and Jason didn't hesitate to respond in kind; he too spoke warmly and authentically, with depth and courage, about his own struggles and dilemmas. On reflection it's one of the loveliest and most surprising conference 'responses' I've ever encountered, and it absolutely echoes so much of what is written here and in his published work. Do small things with great love. I think the spirit of that encounter will stay with me; I hope I can bring that to my own teaching and professional work as well.
Sarah
I heard him contribute at conferences
Such a great soul. His demise and treatment makes one wonder if we could be subjected to the same when we get at the top. RIP Prof.
KK
Aspiring Black Academic
Jason was one of the kindest, most generous and humble individuals I have ever come across. Though we only had him for a few lectures, his compassionate and innately human approach to teaching left a lasting impression on us. My heartfelt sympathies goes out to his family, friends and anyone who was lucky enough to have known him.
Anonymous
He was my undergraduate lecturer
Beyond being a talented, thought-provoking teacher, Jason made students feel seen and heard. His class was unlike anything I had experienced before. In the space of 2 hours, he created, with us, a space of trust, wonder, reflection and laughter. His kindness radiated from him, and for the first time in a class I felt that we were truly encouraged to speak because a teacher was truly interested. He made me see that there was a way to make academia human, as something that comes from within. He made research seem an exciting, deeply human endeavour.
Jason will be remembered a warm, kind and inspiring Professor who students would wait around after class to speak to.
Thank you Jason, you will deeply be missed and remembered.
Anonymous
MPhil student 2025
Of the many optional sessions the Faculty offered to MPhil students, Jason’s were among the most distinctive and deeply influential to me. What stood out was the way he genuinely listened to students and took an interest in each person’s individual experience. This was not simply something reflected in his research or work, but something he practised through his everyday interactions with others.
Academia and higher education institutions can feel intimidating at times, especially when you are just starting out and navigating them as an international student. Feelings of exclusion or judgement are not always explicit, but they are there. We might call them microaggressions or something else, but what matters to me is that Jason avoided them at every level. In fact, he embodied the opposite: he made people feel heard, respected, and that they belonged. For that, I am deeply grateful.
I will always remember his encouraging words and the kindness he showed me.
LZ
MPhil student
Truly the kindest, most genuine teacher I've ever had. His commitment to a love-ethic in class and academia was so evident. He really "walked the walk" of compassion and thoughtful teacher. I always left class wishing it was hours longer and feeling so seen and capable. It was an absolute privilege to be taught by Jason. I will always remember him as the hilarious, gentle, profound teacher with excellent taste in music that he always was.
Anonymous
MPhil student
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Professor Arday. I feel very fortunate to have experienced his kindness and brilliance firsthand. My thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and students.
Anonymous
PhD student
Jason was not only a brilliant mind but one of the kindest souls in faculty. He is an eloquent speaker and a great thinker. My condolences go to his family and loved ones. He will always be remembered.
Anonymous
PhD Student
I started working with Jason in 2013, at St Mary's University, at the point I knew of him and we'd had a few brief interactions, but nothing of note.
Not long after Jason accepted a post in the Physical accepted a role in my department we spoke on the phone about his excitement to be moving back down to London. I'll never forget, what was initially supposed to be a quick call ended up lasting nearly two hours.
Following the phone call Jason started working in the same department in September, working with him fundamentally changed the way I approach both lecturing and interacting with people broadly.
Having previously been employed as a graduate TA, I was always uncomfortable about being a similar age to the students and would often keep my head down on the walk from the station to campus dreading awkward conversations with students.
That was until I kept bumoing into Jason at the station, on the way between the station and campus he would talk to every one of our students he saw asking questiins about them and taking the time to get to know their interests.
As the year went on I saw him do so many small things thar made such a difference to student's experiences:
1)He'd greet them all by name when entering the classroom, often accompanying this with either a compliment or a question that related directly to them, e.g. how was the drive from Hillingdon? Showing them he remembered information about them.
2) His tutorials would last as long as a student needed to grasp a concept or understand how to improve their work often at his own expense - meaning he'd have to work late into the night on lecture prep or his own research.
3) He would stay and answer questions to students long after lectures finished - some times staying up to half an hour. Some times students would just stick around to show him social media videos about "aunty" and "uncle".
4) He would share his own personal stories with students but only once he knew their's too. He would use these stories to help students understand concepts
5) Working late into the night he would prioritise responding to students emails before starting his own work.
Over this time I was particularly priveleged to become friends with Jason. Spending hours with him, Stuart Whigham, Emma Newman and Amy Price planning lectures, seminars and putting the world to rights.
One moment that particular stood out to me was after the tragic passing of one of our first year students. The funeral was being held in South London in winter on a Saturday and it was freezing. Jason and I decided to meet at Clapham Junction and make our way to the funeral from there. Being cold I bought two hot chocolates and gave one to Jason when he arrived, to this day I've never met someone so excited or thankful for a hot chocolate.
When he left in 2014 to take a post at Leeds Beckett, he bought a number of colleagues personalised gift vouchers despite being the one who was leaving.
After Jason left St Mary's we stayed in touch at times talking nearly daily for many years, either calling each other or leaving voice notes with the content varying with anything from sociology, DEI initiatives, to professional wrestling, or music.
We'd often discuss things like whether he prefered The Jam or Liam Gallaghers version of Carnation, Jason always picked anything Liam did.
When comissioned to write his first edited collection - which was full of well known academics, he went out of his way to invite Stuart and I to write a chapter, something I'd never done before. Our first draft was week, and nearly got cut from the collection. However, the constructive and kind feedback provided by Heidi Mirza and Jason meant we were able to salvage the chapter and gave me my first publication as a lead author. Something, that built my confidence immeasurably. A chapter that was some what surprisingly turned into an article for the Guardian.
At every twist and turn I've faced in HE, Jason has been there to help me along the way and offer support. In truth the examples above don't even start to do justice to the impact he's had on me, whether it's the networks he supported me in building, the books and podcasts he exposed me too, or the time he took to listen to my ignorance and never judged me. Or the confidence he gave me to get involved with my university's Race Equity Network, and set up initiatives with my colleagues. He had a very gentle way of letting me know if my latest "bright idea" was tokenistic or misguided, without making me feel stupid or demoralised.
I can't believe I'll never receive a new voice note that starts "Hey Hobs how you doing?" or start a phone call with the same 10minutes of conversation before we move on to talk about what's new.
The crazy thing is I know so many others will have similar stories and while I feel incredibly priveleged to have called him a friend hundreds of people will have similar stories.
Professor Jason Arday, you are forever loved and forever missed.
Michael Hobson
I worked with Jason at St Mary's University and became freinds.
I met Jason during my college years. I was one of two girls doing a sports btec, the rest of the class was made up of well off boys and I was experiencing homelessness and the accompanying medical and financial struggles. Jason was my teacher and my football coach but most of all Jason checked in on me almost every day, he made sure I had somewhere to sleep and eat, he made me feel I belonged and that I could succeed no matter the circumstances. I can't express how out of my depth I was trying to succeed in education in an arena I felt I had no business being in but Jason opened the door pulled out my chair and made sure I was there to stay. He also introduced me to a sports coaching company and I worked there for 11 years before eventually getting my degree. Jason made it possible because he saw beyond my circumstances and ensured there was a place for me, he didn't want me to be grateful for it, he wanted me to be comfortable and accepted. I will never forget his kindness, his smile, fun energy and the two things he would always say, be the change you wish to see in the world and Take it to the bridge!
Sophie
I was his Btec student at Richmond upon Thames college
Jason once said in response to a question of how he would change the world if he could, "I would take a thread and a needle and I'd interweave love into our society."
He did that. Every day. He had a remarkable ability to see people. He recognized and acknowledged their value as a human being before their position at the university.
By the end of our very first lecture, he remembered each of our names. He was a brilliant academic, and the passion he had for his field was contagious. We were all so excited whenever we had him come in for a lecture. He could take these complex theories and bring them to life in a way that we felt comfortable engaging with them.
Personally, I attended Cambridge on a scholarship, was new to academia, and was the first in my family to attend and graduate college. I struggled to understand the unstated protocols of Oxbridge. He spoke to me with genuine care and pride as he acknowledged my experience. As I said, I wasn’t the only one. In a world where we are often reduced to numbers, in the publications we produce, the tuition money we bring to an institution, or the conferences we attend, he saw his students for their inherent worth.
He was gentle and generous. He will continue to inspire our 2025 MPhil cohort throughout our careers and our lives 💗
Brittney
Jason's MPhil student
Whilst I was in a position to ‘teach’ others in Uni / Masters courses, it was often Jason who would educate me, especially in areas of education and life that I had not experienced or researched in depth. He brought reality into our sessions and beyond the classroom.
Jason always had time for others, he had no barriers in place that stopped me knowing him.
I won’t forget Jason’s most amazing smile that brought light and calm to us all.
Jools Pearson
I was a lecturer and taught him during his Masters course
I had the pleasure of being in Jason’s seminar group for my sociology module whilst studying Physical Education. Jason was instantly different from the rest of the lecturers at the university. He took the time to get to know his students, told us about his life and motivated us to succeed.
His sessions were inspiring, not only through content but through his delivery.
Sending love to his family at this awful time.
Anonymous
Undergraduate student
Jason was an inspiration to me. I admired his openness about his identity within higher education and the way he used his voice and experiences to challenge the oppressive structures that continue to exist within HE. This perspective has shaped my own perspectives and goals in HE. I was incredibly fortunate to hear Jason speak at the BSA, where his warmth, passion and beautiful energy filled the entire lecture hall. He was someone who made an impact simply by being unapologetically himself, and I feel privileged to have heard him speak.
Ashley Collar
Emerging Sociologist
I was on a panel last year. That is when I met Professor Jason Arday. As I sat at the table waiting for my panel to go on stage I remember seeing Jason come in and the excitement I felt in seeing him. I had read positive things about him and that he was neurodivergent like me. When he sat at the table I said hello and introduced myself. He smiled graciously and said hello. I could tell in that moment that he had a gentle soul.
Saddened by his loss. One can only imagine what he could have gone on to achieve and how many people he would have helped.
Dianne
We were on a panel together
Jason and I became friends when I asked him where he was from at an anti-racism conference in Edinburgh.
He said, London.
I said no, but where.
He probably got annoyed and said well my family is from the Caribbean.
I said, I meant where in London you fool! This is an anti-racism conference who do you think I am a nice white lady?
He immediately laughed and we became friends.
From then on whenever we’d meet at conferences I’d bring him something tokenistically fake Jamaican (Reggae, Reggae sauce for example) and he’d bring me something that nice white ladies like (most recently pumpkin spice syrup) and we’d say oh, I saw this and I thought of you! It was a good bit.
He was funny. He was so so kind.
He was positive we could get this anti-racism thing right and academia could be a space of equity and learning. I thought he was full of bs butterflies and rainbows and told him so. Hate that I was probably right. I wish he was right.
I miss him.
Steph
We were conference buddies and friends
I first met Jason in 2022, at a conference where we both gave keynotes. One of the first thing we talked about was the quirks associated coming from Ghanaian families. I told him that I had applied for promotion, but that though I'd passed the first stage, I wasn't sure what would happen next. He said 'this should have happened years ago'. I explained that I wasn't ready, but he thought I was (clearly he saw something I didn't!). Later that year I was having a massive wobble, and had talked myself into thinking that I wouldn't get it. He said and I quote 'I'll bet my house that you will'. I told him that that was a tall order, and if I lost, welp! Anyway, exactly a month later, I had to accept that I'd lost a huge bet, and he sent me the best voice note, which I will treasure for ever. That was the voice of someone who was a true advocate. Since then, we talked, and he sent some really heartwarming voice notes. Any time I saw him, I always bought him shortbread, because in his words 'this is one of my biggest weaknesses' (as one who LOVED chocolate, I truly understand that!). The last time we met, we were joking about being Ghanaian kids, and how we couldn't understand the rationale behind evaporated milk in tea. We agreed it was offensive! I was also telling him about a film project I'm collaborating with students on and he said he'd come and see it. I was always conscious not to ask him for anything because he gave so much, but if he wanted to come to the showing, we would have had him as our guest of honour.
Jason was one in a million, and one of the kindest people I have ever known. He was a typical Taurus, in that he gave more than he had. I wish him Godspeed and eternal peace.
looloo
He was a friend
I couldn't help thinking when I met Jason what a warm and friendly person he seemed to be, and what a bright smile he had. When my friend passed his PhD viva, Jason was quick to give him kind and positive advice about celebrating the moment. It has been heartbreaking to see the character assassination and systematic take-down of someone who, by all accounts from everybody that knew him, was gentle, compassionate and genuinely wanted to make a difference.
Anonymous
Met him on his first day at the Faculty of Education, Cambridge
The best memories i have of Jason were those that had more to do with the kind of person he was, how he spoke to juniors, peers and how he always moved with humility and love. After a big conference where named profs , poet activists came to a panel and jason was an attendant for a student led discussion, He didnt take space, he simply asked 'what can we do to help you all (students of colour). Later as the event wrapped and everyone was leaving. I saw from the corner of my eye, jason was taking plates, rubish, leftovers and cleaning up with the events staff. I quickly joined him and started chatting with him.
Later that year i wanted to quit the Phd. I was too jaded and alienated from the academy and its performativity. I wrote to him, hoping he would remember me. He responded almost immedietely saying ofcourse i remember you. And gave me his number to call him. We talked about how i was feeling and how i felt betrayed by other senior staff of colour. He was the only person to tell me 'ahmed, to me, you are already a brilliant scholar. You dont need a phd to prove it. So you not wanting to do this, is up to you. But dont let it define your brilliance'. I wont ever forget those words.
When i met him a year later at another conference , he smiled and said he was happy i stuck around.
Every year since then i thought of writing to him. But i always thought of how much emotional weight he carried all the time supporting younger people and peers. So i never wrote to him enough..i wish i did.
Jason was one of my models for how to move with care, love and kindness not just in the academy , but in life.
This world lost a genuinly kind,loving and gentle soul. May God embrace him as he embraced us all.
Ahmed
I first met Jason (when he was at Roehampton)) during my 4th year of PhD. He came for a talk on mental health and black students. I remember thinking how soft spoken, generous and caring his approach was towards everyone. He came back a year later as an attendant of a conference i had co-organised. Soon after he became a mentor, someome i would write to for advice.
Jason was the kindest tutor I have ever had. I was struggling with challenges surrounding my ADHD and various health issues. He was really empathetic and kept me going when I was considering dropping out of Durham. At his last lecture, he made sure to say goodbye to each of us as we left. I will never forget how he told me he was so glad I made it through the course and that I should seek PhD funding, which I did! I’ll never forget how supportive he was of young scholars, and he is a huge part of why I’m in academia now.
Emma
He was my year tutor at Durham during my undergraduate degree.
Jason and I were both appointed at approximately the same time in 2014 at a university in the north of England. We became office buddies shortly after that and our friendship began…
I was immediately struck by that sunny and positive disposition- it was embodied- and affected everybody who came into his orbit. Humility, generosity and goodwill oozed from every pore in his being. Students were enraptured by his stories that reflected his lived experience, and the mood for each seminar/lecture set by his own collection of curated Britpop or Soul that gently thrummed away as students entered the room or auditorium. He greeted every student with that warmth and reassurance, that came so easily to Jason.
Jason had a love of popular culture that became the mood music to our office- whether it was music: Hendrix, Oasis, Kasabian; fashion- man he could grab a room with his sartorial elegance- or sport. We both enjoyed our darts and I remember we would spend too much time talking over the previous week’s Premier League performances.
A group of us would go out and play pool (I never beat him) and went to pub quizzes- winning a bottle of red one week. I also regret that I encouraged his love of KFC (other fried chicken is available): “Jay, I can hear the Colonel calling” was a message that became all too familiar!!
Recalling these anecdotes brings me tremendous happiness, when the last few days especially have brought only shock, despair and sadness.
The side of Jason I recall here is the after hours Jason, Jason the Everyman and act as a beautiful juxtaposition to the academic, mentor and inspirational speaker that others have rightly spoken of.
To me he was Jay- simply Jay- and that was all I ever needed.
RIP friend
Ruan Jones
Former colleague
Jason had the greatest talent and skill that any educator can possess; the strong ability to ignite passion in others. I am so lucky to have been taught by Jason during my undergraduate at St Mary’s. Thankyou for the inspiring lectures and seminars, both in the classroom and the practicals. Legend
L Timmins
Undergraduate student
Professor Jason Arday was one of the humblest, most caring and hardworking individuals I have ever known.
Not only was I able to call you my College tutor and teacher (Richmond College), and later my University lecturer (St. Mary’s), but I was fortunate enough to call you my friend.
I still remember our first day at Richmond College in 2009. We were waiting for enrolment when we were greeted by you, wearing chino shorts and boat shoes, and your massive smile. Your warmth, positive energy and aurora helped settle us as we began our next step within further education. One of the ice breaker activities you selected was based on trust, whereby you stand behind someone, the person falls and the partner catches them. At first no one put their hand up to demonstrate, and I am pleased that I then built the confidence to step up. First I caught you (thank you for trusting in me), and then I turned around and entrusted you. As I fell, my doubts grew as I fell closer to the ground, but just before the ground you caught me, and from then on I knew you had our backs.
Your passion for education was second to none and could never be questioned. Soon after we started at Richmond, you met with the parents of our class, and I know you provided them with the warmest and most inspiring vision for their children to succeed.
Knowing your experiences of growing up and the challenges you faced, I know this epitomised your ethos within teaching. Any question, any interaction, no matter who it was, you always had time for people. No matter how big or small the issue, you were always willing to support.
You made it your mission to know everyone’s name within the College / University, whether they were a teacher or lecturer, or a member of the non-teaching staff. Your energy, motivation and passion were instilled within us all and enabled us to thrive in our studies and beyond.
You enabled us to unlock our potential, even when some of us couldn’t fully see what we were capable of ourselves.
Even after we had finished at College, you were always there to support me, have a conversation, or catch up about how things were going. You continued to inspire me to believe in my own potential, expressing I would make a great Headteacher, even though I couldn’t see it. I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to update you, but I have taken my next step on my journey and become Associate Senior Leader (Pastoral). Thank you for always believing in me.
I know you inspired thousands of individuals throughout your time lecturing, as well as countless others whose paths you crossed in wider life. You impacted people positively, just as you did me.
Your dedication to helping others didn’t stop at the classroom. From your fundraising initiatives, to the time you dedicated to homeless shelters, you were always looking for ways to make a difference.
And then there was your marathon running. I know I only joined you for a small part of one of those runs, from Twickenham to Teddington and back at around 5am, but your resilience and commitment were incredible. Completing 30 marathons in 35 days took a truly remarkable level of determination.
I know Sandro was your inspiration outside of your family.
I am pleased to say that you were my Sandro.
On our first day, you shared a poem with us all, written by Donna Levine, You Can Be Whatever You Want To Be. Those words have stayed with me ever since.
Not only did I use the poem during my own studies, but I have carried it with me into my teaching. Sharing it with my tutor groups, and now my year group to support, encourage and drive their potential.
That is just one example of the impact you have had on my life, and I will support maintaining your legacy to inspire others.
You were an incredible individual, an incredible teacher, an incredible mentor, and an incredible friend.
I feel incredibly fortunate that our paths crossed.
Thank you for believing in me, for believing in so many others, and for showing us what it means to genuinely care about the people around you.
I hope you are at peace now, Jason.
I, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing you, will miss you enormously.
Stephen Cowley
Richmond College tutee/student, St. Mary’s University Undergraduate student and friend
Jason was extremely knowledgeable in his field and shared such insightful feedback on my dissertation which I’m taking forward into my PhD applications. He truly is an inspiration to all.
Anonymous
MPhil student at Cambridge
'What will motivate you more than an opportunity to get a Phd from Cambridge ' (Prof Jason Arday)
Jason was the ultimate motivator!
Darnell
Jason was my Phd supervisor
I was a former student of Jason’s at St Mary’s in 2013.
I was fortunate enough to know Jason during my first year of University. His style, knowledge and enthusiasm for his students was second to none, everyone looked forward to Jason running the sessions! But what really stuck with me (something I still carry to this day) was his kindness and empathy for others. He would regularly stay after seminars just to listen and talk, something so simple but exactly what every first year student at university needs, a calming voice and somebody who cares.
David
former student
Some of my works focused on improving Black students’ academic experiences, performance and Mental Health and Well-being in universities. I referenced a lot on Arday, et.al.
I can also tell you the hell I went through defending why those pieces of work were important. What is not known to many is the extent to which being coerced to "just write NORMAL pieces like anybody else" goes/went. He inspired me to survived that phase through reflections of his work.
Dr Arday was a role model for Black British Academia and an advocate for improving African and Caribbean Heritage students’ experience.
Visibility and work as his matters to future generations because, Dr Arday tirelessly dedicated himself to changing the Black Academia Experiences. To people like myself, this is a big loss but his legacy will continue through his body of work.
Anonymous
Protege
I first met Jason as a fresher at St Mary's. He was so kind, had the most infectious smile, and always had time for everyone, no matter who you were.
Following his journey over the years, I've been so proud watching him overcome every obstacle and achieve great things.
Jason you touched many lives, inspired so many people and will continue to do so for generations. You will be sorely missed.
Anonymous
I was at St Mary's University with him