Jonathan Pope

Meet Jonathan Pope, a proud 1999 SVSU graduate and current CEO of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana!

Jonathan’s SVSU journey was all about connection and community. From impactful mentors like Dr. Roosevelt Ruffin to friendships formed across campus, those relationships helped shape the path he’s on today. It was Dr. Ruffin who encouraged Jonathan to apply for a position at the YMCA—and that one opportunity turned into a 30-year career of service and leadership.

Now, Jonathan leads a team dedicated to making a difference—and he’s not slowing down. This month, he’s celebrating a major milestone: the opening of a brand-new YMCA facility that will serve a rural community in Indiana!

Life at SVSU

When Jonathan first set foot on SVSU’s campus, he wasn’t quite sure what his future held. Like many Cardinals, he spent his early semesters exploring different paths—until a spark lit up in a Communications class. He realized he wanted to become a newscaster and declared his major.

But it wasn’t just the classes that shaped his future—it was the people. Influential mentors like Dr. David Schneider, Communications professor; Dr. Roosevelt Ruffin, a campus leader and advocate; and even President Eric Gilbertson, played pivotal roles in guiding Jonathan toward his purpose.

Jonathan fully immersed himself in campus life. He served as Vice President of Youth & Government, President of the Black Student Association, and a proud tour guide for Club Red. Working in the Admissions Office gave him more than just a paycheck—it build his confidence. Meeting prospective students and their families helped him come out of his shell and find confidence in connecting with others.

Life Beyond SVSU

Though Jonathan once dreamed of being a newscaster, fate had other plans—and a little encouragement from Dr. Ruffin helped steer him in a new direction. Dr. Ruffin, who served on the board of the Saginaw YMCA, encouraged Jonathan to apply for a part-time Youth Director role there. That advice changed everything.

Jonathan dove into the work, passionate about mentoring youth and strengthening community ties. Over the next 15 years, he climbed the ranks at the Saginaw YMCA, eventually serving as Executive Director. His journey then took him to Grand Rapids for a decade, and in 2019, he became the Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana.

Today, Jonathan leads a team of more than 600 employees and an additional 600 volunteers, all working to uplift and empower the communities they serve. One of his proudest accomplishments? Opening a brand-new YMCA this month in a rural Indiana town—bringing vital services, programs, and a sense of belonging to a whole new community.

Jonathan is especially passionate about initiatives that provide childcare for underserved families, and he continues to learn, grow, and innovate—always driven by the mission that first called him to serve.

With over 30 years of service in the YMCA and countless lives impacted, Jonathan’s journey is a shining example of where an SVSU education—and community—can lead. From an unsure student to a transformative leader, he’s never forgotten where it all began.

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