EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University, master’s from Iowa State University, and PhD from Jackson State University.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
I have worked in higher education for 34 years, with 15 of those years serving in senior level administration positions. I have served as vice president for student affairs at three different institutions, including Mississippi Valley State University, City University of New York College of Staten Island, and the State University of New York at Oswego.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
I am a native Mississippian born and raised in the Mississippi Delta. I have one son, who is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT I DO:
I know the value of an education and how it changes lives and patterns of living. As a native of the Mississippi Delta, one of the most impoverished areas of the country, education was my path to a better life. My parents instilled in my siblings and me from a very early age that we were going to college, and we did. If we can do this, anyone can do this. I want people to know that their beginnings do not determine their destiny. You can be and do anything you want with determination and hard work. That is just as true today as it was when I was a young girl dreaming about my future.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ME:
People should know that I’m very down-to-earth. There is nothing pretentious about me. What you see is what you get. They should also know that I am a hugger — I hug everybody, so if you don’t want a hug, you’d better let me know before I grab you.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT COMMUNITY:
Community determines who we are and what we stand for. A united community can achieve whatever goals are set forth. A united community provides for the welfare of all its citizenry without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion. A united community is inviting and inclusive. These are the characteristics that distinguish forward-moving communities. These are the characteristics that drive my passion for any community of which I am a member. It’s always my goal to make a positive contribution to my community.
HOW I WOULD LIKE TO IMPACT THE JEFFERSON CITY AND LINCOLN UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY:
My goal is to strengthen the relationship between Jefferson City and Lincoln University. The two are inextricably woven together and are vital to each other’s success. I want the entire community to know that Lincoln University is a partner in the future growth and development of Jefferson City and Cole County.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD:
I have no idea. I can’t imagine not doing what I do!
WHAT I DO FOR FUN:
I’m a police show junkie! I love watching the Law and Order series, “Criminal Minds,” “NCIS,” and “NCIS Los Angeles.” I watch these shows over and over as though I’ve never seen them before.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I:
Play piano.
FAMILY:
My son, Brandon Woolfolk; my mother, Bessie Burns; my sisters, Rosetta Howard, Beryl Tucker, and Dianne Grisham; and my brothers Darrell Jones and Robert Coleman. My father, Robert Jones Jr.; my stepfather, Eddie Burns; and my brother James Jones are deceased.
ACCOMPLISHMENT(S) I’M MOST PROUD OF:
Being the mother of a wonderful son, Brandon, and serving as the 20th president of Lincoln University.
LAST BOOK YOU READ:
“Slavery by Another Name.” I just read it for the second time.
FAVORITE APP:
I am technologically limited, so I don’t have any apps.
FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD:
Grits.
FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OF THE MOMENT:
My all-time favorite is Luther Vandross.
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION:
My faith in God.