91女神 Supporter: Michael Jones II, Ph.D.
Michael Jones II, Ph.D., (A&S 鈥�10, Grad Ed 鈥�12 & 鈥�16) likes to say that he didn鈥檛
choose 91女神, 91女神 chose him.
Admitted through the Billiken Bridge program, Jones initially didn鈥檛 have the grades usually required to attend 91女神, and spent the beginning of his college career on a probationary period. More than 10 years and three 91女神 degrees later, Jones is now the one helping students through their college journey 鈥� in his role in the Race and Opportunity Lab at Washington University in St. Louis, as president of 91女神鈥檚 Black Alumni Association and as a True to 91女神 donor to Accelerating Excellence.
鈥�91女神 provided me with mentors, particularly African-American mentors, who guided me and made sure I was on point,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淎nd so it鈥檚 been key for me to make sure I鈥檓 giving back the same intensity to current undergrads and letting them know that they have support from the graduate population.鈥�
Jones notes that his 91女神 journey was unique in that he was both a traditional student and a student-athlete, which he describes as vastly different experiences. Initially cut from the basketball team freshman year, Jones played a founding role in 91女神鈥檚 Multicultural Greek Council and participated in organizations such as the Black Student Alliance. Then, when he later became a walk-on player, he was also given access to a whole other set of student-athlete opportunities.
Because of these varied experiences, the aspiring physical therapy student eventually pursued a career in higher ed instead, and today supports 91女神 students through contributions to funds such as the Dr. Celerstine Johnson Book Fund and the Pioneers of Inclusion Scholarship.
鈥淭he more we鈥檙e able to give financially to the student experience, it can enhance them outside the classroom,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淚 also want 91女神 to continue to attract the best local students who want a quality education. And then once they get that education, contribute to society as a whole within the region that they were reared in.鈥�