Stacy Jones

My University of Alabama Story

I’m the Director of Student Development. I work with a variety of student organizations to include the Black Student Union, Fearless Achievers Mastering Excellence, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. I assist these organizations with policy compliance and serve as a training resource. In addition to these responsibilities I’m coordinate student organization registration. I also chair a workgroup that focuses on event planning for student organizations. I like having the ability to do a lot of different things while working in a learning atmosphere. I like being able to use the things that I’ve learned.

I am currently in the final stages of completing my doctorate. I sit on the board of a statewide women’s leadership initiative that helps young women develop leadership skills as well as the value of staying connected to the state of Alabama. I am active with my church and sorority. I like to hang out with my mom and spend time with family. I enjoy taking advantage of our nice holiday breaks to take trips with my family.

I have a close group of friends that work all over campus. We get together a couple of times a month eat dinner, celebrate promotions and birthdays and sometimes just hang out. They are my Tuscaloosa family.

I was born in Hartford, Connecticut. My parents are originally from Birmingham and we moved to Birmingham when I was 11. I came to UA to attend college when I was 17 and have lived here every since. There are lots of advantages to living in Tuscaloosa. You have a small town atmosphere with big city features. It is a college town with great cultural, arts and athletics events. There are lots of unique eateries, things you can’t get anywhere else. The Globe and Cypress Inn are two of my favorites. If you do choose to get away, you’re only a few hours from Atlanta and the beach. The weather is nice. It’s never too cold, but it can sometimes be a little hot.

I’ll be finishing my Doctorate in Education this Fall. If someone had told me years ago that I would have a doctorate I would have called them crazy. After coming to work at the University, I began pursuing my Master’s. When I was planning my Master’s, my mentor told me to go ahead and plan on my Doctorate. I’ll complete it this October. My dissertation involves documenting the history of African American Greeks here at the University of Alabama. I’m creating a special audio collection that will record their history in their own voices. This is my way of giving back to the University.

Be open to the possibilities! Everything that’s happened to me was based on my openness and the fact that I ask a lot of questions. I was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me to get involved in different organizations. At first I didn’t realize the benefit, but it’s amazing how many doors opened for me because I was willing to say yes and get involved in different groups. Be open to what may come your way and take advantage of the University’s offerings. Be a mentor for a student. You never know how you may impact their lives.