When it comes to EMU alumna Shetina Jones and her decision to come to EMU the phrase “mother knows best” comes into play. Jones’ mother was an EMU alumna and wanted her daughter to continue the EMU legacy. “I came kicking and screaming, but it was the BEST decision I could have ever made,” said Jones, “I met life friends and built a foundation for my academic and career success.”
Jones received her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education/Structures of Discipline in 2008, Masters of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs in 2009 and her Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership in 2010, all from EMU. She even plans to come back in Fall 2011 to start the Non-Profit Management Graduate Certificate program.
Shetina Jones (BS08, MA09)
Jones credits EMU with saving her life. Five years ago in the midst of her college journey Jones’ mother passed away. “I was an all around wreck. I had no direction and wanted to give up on life.” It was during this extremely difficult time that Jones recalls two people who reached out to her and made sure she was ok and on track. Those two people were Peggy Harless, the current Assistant Director of Diversity and Community Involvement, and Professor Judy Sturgis-Hill. “I struggled throughout undergrad just trying to make it, but I always felt like I had to succeed so I would not let myself down,” said Jones. During her graduate studies another EMU professor strongly impacted Jones’ life, her graduate school advisor Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher. “She is more than just a professor but my role-model, life coach and a dynamic woman” Jones said, “I always looked up to her because she never told me what I wanted to hear, but what I had to hear. I love her as if she was my own family member. I credit my graduate school success to her for her endless support.”
During her time at EMU Jones was involved in many different extra-curricular activities.
“Student organizations are a great way to be creative and express yourself positively with like minded people,” said Jones. She was involved with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Xi Chapter, National Pan- Hellenic Council, Student Government, EMU Ambassadors, Students of Color Leadership Summit, Commuter Student Association, NAACP, Black Student Organization Alliance, BSU, Minority Achievement Retention Success Program, Kappa Delta Pi. “The many student organizations that I was a part of definitely shaped the person that I am today,” Jones said, “I loved being involved and I wanted to continue doing what I loved, hence me pursing a graduate degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs.”
Being involved in such a variety of organizations exposed Jones to a lot of opportunities, but the most memorable moment in her EMU timeline was winning the 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. “I never thought that I would even win it, because I never give myself enough credit.” Jones said, “So many people gave me a standing ovation after my acceptance speech and it touched my heart on more than one level.”
Jones recently started working for Michigan State University as a Resident Director. Her position calls for her to manage the operations of a residence hall. “It is my job to make sure students are enjoying the college experience through programs, organizations, and relationship building. That is definitely a short summary but not all that I do” she said. To get to where she is today was a lot of hard work “I rely heavily on my faith, that is where I get my strength from” she said. “I did not always know what I wanted to do, besides help people.” Jones started off on the path to teacher education and then switched to the Leadership & Counseling program. “I applied to the program and was on the fence about going back to graduate school. Then I woke up one morning and told myself that student affairs is where my heart lies,” she said, “I landed a graduate assistantship in the EMU Housing department and everything just fell into place for me.”
It looks to me that Jones made the right decision. Her hard work and dedication is definitely proving successful for her. Though she came in with a fight she came out with a smile. Jones is very passionate about encouraging EMU students “I would tell EMU students to never stop dreaming. Realize that at EMU the opportunities are endless. Find yourself a good mentor and allow them to help with your transition to success. Remember you have to want to be successful,” she said. To recent alumni, Jones said, “Take advantage of relationships that you build and remember the art of kindness. It will take you a long way.” Jones plans to stay connected with her alma mater in the future. “My goal is to participate in several alumni events and share my experience with future Eagles. I love this place and I want other people to see its value and glory,” she said, “I also would like to start an endowed scholarship in my mother’s name in the near future.” Those are awesome ways to give back to EMU and if you also want to become involved alumni like Shetina Jones make sure you visit http://www.emich.edu/alumni/.
-Written by: Jessica the Intern-
EMU Young Alumni 