Speaker: Kathy S. Jones, Director, Student Leadership & Community Engagement
What led you to pursue a career in Student Affairs?
Kathy S. Jones: My undergraduate experiences at Mississippi State University led me to the career of student affairs, from the Famous Maroon Marching Band and being a member of the color guard to joining a sorority and other student organizations on campus. My interest grew over time because I was able to learn from those who were already in the field, witnessing the cool work that they did from day to day, really inspired me to look into it and learn more about it. And so as graduation approached, I made my mind up to join the field of student affairs.
What is the most rewarding part of the work you do?
Kathy S. Jones: Some of my favorite moments have been when students are excited to celebrate their wins with me and others in my department. It can be anything from them successfully proposing to their significant other to receiving the admissions letters saying congratulations. You are now a member of the next cohort in medical school. It's the, the most important pieces of their life and the fact that they are willing to celebrate those with us, it that's priceless and I truly enjoy that. And I, that's something I will always cherish.
Is there a quote you can share that is especially meaningful to you as it relates to your work?
Kathy S. Jones: My favorite quote is "do what you say you will do." It establishes credibility, it shows that you have followed through and it builds relationships. And I say that to myself often. I encourage my students by using that quote as well as those within my department. And it is truly one of my favorite quotes because it relates to everything that we do in our personal lives as well as in the field of student affairs.
If you could give a piece of advice to someone who was newly entering a career in student affairs, what would it be?
Kathy S. Jones: My advice to anyone wanting to enter the field of student affairs is to be open to learning. None of us have perfect answers. None of us have a solution to every situation that may arise. But being open to learning and being a team player and understanding that there is always a bigger picture than what we may have access to will serve you well.
