Brownsville native Jones right at home at Cal U
Geraldine Jones discovered her career aspirations in education at an early age.
It was in Bertha Fleming’s second-grade class at Prospect Elementary in Brownsville that Jones realized that she wanted to make education her vocation.
“She cared about her students,” Jones said. “She made me feel like I was the only student, and I’m sure she made all of the other students feel special.”
So Jones was proud when her first teaching job was for a second-grade class in the Albert Gallatin School District in Uniontown.
She returned to the university in 1974, serving as program director for Upward Bound for 20 years and as chair of the Department of Academic Development Services for 11 years. She was associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services for two years before serving as dean from 2000 to 2008.
In July 2008, she was named provost and vice president for academic affairs, positions she held until being appointed as acting university president on May 16, 2012. Jones has served as interim president since March 20, 2013.
Jones is among five Washington County women named as a finalist for the 2016 ATHENA Award, an international recognition that honors women’s leadership within the business and civic communities.
“I am honored and humbled,” Jones said. “It lets me know the work I have done has inspired others to see in me something worthy of honoring.”
Married to Jeffrey B. Jones for 40 years, the couple has two adult daughters and a granddaughter.
Jones’ first mentors were her parents, who taught her a strong work ethic and encouraged her to strive to reach her goals.
“My father told me I should not let anyone define who I am because that limits you,” Jones said. “He told me I could be anything I wanted to be.”
Jones said it is important for each person to seek out mentors. She said those role models don’t have to be limited by gender, but recognizes that her success can inspire the next generation of women.
Jones said she has been fortunate to spend most of her career right where she feels at home.
“I’ve always considered myself California University’s No. 1 fan,” Jones said. “I bleed red and black. I’ve always wanted to do best for the students.”
Jones understands what it is like to be a student at Cal U. and takes her experiences there forward.
“I always want to make their experience the best it can be,” Jones said. “They are going to leave here with the skill sets to compete in the global world. We want to make sure this university gives them what they need.”
Jones said she loves when students come back and share their success stories.
Jones said one thing that has not changed over the years is the caring faculty and their connection with the students on a one-on-one basis.
“It gives me pleasure when I walk on campus, and I know students by name and can talk with them,” Jones said.
And Jones said she has more she would like to accomplish.
“I’m always open to challenges and opportunities as they present themselves,” Jones said. “I want to leave this university better than when I came into the job four years ago.”