Dr. Linda Wilson-Jones
Fayetteville State University
Dr. Linda Wilson-Jones is best described as a go-getter and someone who finds excitement in every task; whether large or small. A faculty member once remarked, "Dr. Wilson-Jones can convince anyone to get on-board with anything". She never quits, as evident in her professional career. Dr. Wilson-Jones started college as a non-traditional student after divorcing with two small children. During her educational matriculation, she was described by her family and friends, as a professional student, but the remarks did not discourage or hinder her goals to excel. Dr. Wilson-Jones truly enjoys teaching and often shares both personal and professional experiences with her students. A colleague states, "Dr. Wilson-Jones approaches her classes with great zeal, interacts with her students in a very warm, caring, and collegial manner, and takes the suggestions of her students very positively. "Dr. Linda Wilson-Jones is a highly competent teacher, service-oriented leader, and keen researcher, who is very deserving of this prestigious award. Therefore, I recommend her most highly and rank her in the top percentile of her peer group".
Dr. Wilson-Jones currently serves as Director of the Office of Research Initiatives in the School of Education and Chair of the Faculty Senate. If this is not enough, she is working on establishing the first peer-reviewed open-access journal in the School of Education; scheduled to be launched during the 2012-2013 academic year.
Dr. Wilson-Jones serves on numerous committees on the departmental, school and the university levels, including holding positions as Curriculum Committee, Search Committees, Faculty Evaluation, School of Education, Editor-in-Chief, University Core Curriculum, UNC Faculty Assembly Representative, IRB Board, and Advisor to Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society and Omega Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She also has notable services outside the university, such as, The City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County Schools, PTA Council, United Way and March of Dimes. She has publications on the academic achievement of African American males, women in higher education, the academic achievement gap, and technology in higher education.
Dr. Wilson-Jones' philosophy of teaching evolved over several years of teaching experience. As she reflects on her beliefs regarding teaching and learning, she expresses that her mission as an educator is to promote a positive learning experience and to provide students with a strong foundation for lifelong learning. She states that each class provides new challenges and opportunities for her own learning, as an instructor and scholar. As her students change, she changes.
When Dean Lewis was asked last year to give a recommendation for Dr. Wilson-Jones' ACE Fellows' application, she replies, "Dr. Linda Wilson-Jones has demonstrated a strong commitment to service in higher education. Five years from now I expect that she, as a Professor of Education, will have honed her leadership skills and be employed in a leadership role as a chairperson or Dean of Education at an institution of higher education. I envision her working and collaborating with faculty and other administrators to lead the academic unit under her charge for significant growth. I envision Dr. Wilson-Jones continuing to assist faculty members in developing their leadership skills. Her passions are for assisting candidates who are matriculating towards advanced degrees as augmented by her drive to assist children and school leaders in public schools toward closing the achievement gap".
One of her student's writes: "During the arduous two years of writing my dissertation, Dr. Wilson-Jones' made herself available to me anytime I needed question answered, feedback, or directions. She was always assessable by phone during weekends and holidays, or even between semesters. "Much like myself, Dr. Wilson-Jones' path through life has included obstacles and barriers, many of which the average person could not have overcome to reach the pinnacle of earning a terminal degree. I would be honored to see Dr. Wilson-Jones recognized for her commitment to developing leaders and scholars at Fayetteville State University, and for her desire to see others succeed, particularly those who have had to overcome adversity and other disadvantages.
Another student writes: "Dr. Wilson-Jones has an indisputable concern for the educational and professional growth of all students, regardless to the level of degree they are seeking. She always fine time to meet with students and faculty to counsel and advise toward academic excellence. This includes meetings that are after hours, late in the evening, and even on weekends. Also, she is known for following-up with students to inquire of their academic progression with words of guidance and support. Dr. Wilson-Jones is an educator with the unique ability to provide a humanistic side on educational leadership that inspires her students to respect and value individuals in their organizations. She is legendary for giving comforting words of encouragement to doctoral students, as well as those students she meets in passing on campus.
Dr. Wilson-Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Sociology and Social Work; a Master of Science in Community Counseling; an Educational Specialist in School and Guidance Counseling from Mississippi State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University.
She has two children and three adorable grandchildren.