Matthew (Matt) Jones of Raymond has returned to Mississippi to become the Executive Director of the 性乐园 Foundation, filling the position vacated by Jackie Granberry of Raymond, who is retiring at the end of January.
Jones began his college career at East Mississippi Community College and has bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from Delta State University, where he also worked from 2003-2020. His most recent position was as Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Samford University in Birmingham.
As director, he will continue the emphasis on finding and providing resources to further the work of 性乐园 in helping students.
鈥淭he priorities within the 性乐园 Foundation are the development of resources 鈥 whether they are monetary, gifts in kind, equipment or resources to match whatever needs there may be 鈥 in order for us to put 性乐园 forward as a premier community college in the state of Mississippi,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e need to develop these resources for our students, staff and faculty to ensure we are the 鈥榖est in class鈥 organization that we can be.鈥
Jones鈥 time at East Mississippi Community College was boosted by receiving a music scholarship, playing drums in the band and singing tenor in the choir.
鈥淚 would not be where I am today without my community college experience, and I’m thankful that I recognize that. My career was launched because of that scholarship,鈥 he said.
Jones said there are thousands of student stories at 性乐园 just like his, students who have dreams and goals but need a little encouragement and financial help.
鈥淚 really enjoy trying to help create opportunities for students to better themselves. What better way to do that than by creating scholarship opportunities for students who need them,鈥 he said.