Black History Month Staff Spotlight: Dimples Jones
In honor of Black History Month, Lamar University will celebrate with a series of events organized and sponsored by a variety of organizations, departments, clubs and student organizations that highlight and pay tribute to the achievements of African Americans and important events that contributed to U.S. history.
In addition to university events, LU also chose to celebrate Black excellence by spotlighting several Black LU students, faculty and staff and the many reasons why they feel this month is important.
This Black History Month, Dimples Jones, director of TEA compliance, shares what motivates her to be successful.
First/last name: Dimples Jones, M.Ed.
Current Title: Director, TEA Compliance, Field Placement/Certification and Testing
Department: College of Education and Human Development
Why does it feel important to celebrate Black History Month?
The importance to celebrate Black History Month is an opportunity for me to continue to learn and research Black history beyond stories of racism and slavery. A continued engagement is very important as it helps to spotlight Black achievements for our future generations to envision the past and what is to come for the future.
What motivates you to be successful?
At a young age, my parents instilled in me morals and values and to always put God first which guided me to dream big and set goals. I took action to motivate myself to believe that I can achieve whatever I desired for my life. Success is not easy and life challenges will knock you down, but with self-motivation, I became successful and was able to instill in my children the same morals and values as my parents instilled in me.
How long have you worked in higher education and what are you most proud of as a Black individual in your career field?
I have worked in higher education for 22 years in the College of Education and Human Development here at Lamar University. I have served, and still currently serve, on many university and college committees. I am most proud as a Black woman in my career to hold a position as a respected and dedicated leader. My journey began as an office associate, administrative associate sr., working my way up to the graduate certification officer and continuing in my current position as the director of TEA Compliance/ Certification and Testing. My journey was not easy, but I continued to persevere and show my growth, work ethics and dedication to be able to complete such time-consuming activities and job duties while maintaining such a high standard in the office.
How does Black history influence your professional or personal life?
Black history influenced my professional life which allowed me to work closely with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty and administrators. It also provided an opportunity to look at the different cultural backgrounds of others to create positive change within the university.
What advice do you have for the generations of Black students coming after you?
My advice to the generations of Black students is to research, learn and understand the history of their ancestors. Researching the past and present events of their culture will help to remember they are standing on the shoulders of their ancestors. It is impossible to live in this world without acknowledging the injustice across this nation. The more an individual knows the more they will be able do better by applying the skills to dream big, set and accomplish goals, overcome challenges, communicate with others in a diverse population, obtain an education, learn from past mistakes, treat others fairly and learn to give with a grateful heart.
Did you learn anything new about history in the Black community this year? (this could be personal or broader in a historical sense)
What stands out for me this year in my local community is the City of Beaumont made history by hiring, the first Black female City Attorney, Sharae Reed; the first Black male City Manager, Kenneth Williams. We’ve also sworn in the first Black female Mayor for the City of Beaumont Robin Mouton. On a national level, Wes Moore was voted into history as the first Black male Governor of Maryland, and Ketanji Brown the first Black female to serve as a Justice to the U.S. Supreme Court. These accomplishments within the Black community, locally and nationally, should motivate the younger generations to dream big and defeat all adversities that may come their way.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I would like to add a quote from Harriet Tubman, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”