Photo: Wash A. Jones, Ph.D. (left), Jackson Sylvester, 2021-2022 National FFA Secretary
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (March 21, 2023) – The National FFA Organization recently awarded Wash A. Jones, Ph.D., with a VIP Citation during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The VIP Citation is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to FFA and agricultural education.
“Winning this award helps to confirm that my service to others has not been in vain and that others recognize and appreciate the fruits of my labors,” said Dr. Jones. “I gain great personal satisfaction knowing that my service has helped to make a positive difference in the lives of youth.”
Ten individuals across the U.S. received the award, including Jones, who serves as interim dean of students and interim director of Student Support Programs at Prairie View A&M University. Daily, he pours into the minds of future leaders his passion for agriculture. His life’s work is a mirror image of the mission of the National FFA Organization.
“I have been involved in the agriculture program at PVAMU since 2007, when I was hired as an assistant professor.” He continued, “I received tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2015. Since 1994, I have been a member of the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), and I served as an advisor for the PVAMU Chapter of MANRRS from 2008-2022. From 2014 to 2022, I served as the coordinator of the PVAMU Invitational FFA Leadership Development Events and the Invitational FFA Career Development Events for high school FFA students and later became a member of the National FFA Organization Agricultural Issues Committee.”
Jones comes from an agricultural background. His family produced crops and animals for the local farmers’ market and shared products with local families. Growing up, he worked the farmlands, which made him lack an appreciation for agriculture. However, he had a mentor who encouraged him to give agriculture a second look. As a high school student, he joined the FFA. The future Dr. Jones gained a greater appreciation for agriculture as he discovered the diverse opportunities and impact the field of agriculture has on the world.
Since 1989, Jones has worked with FFA. Today, he serves on the National FFA Agricultural Issues Committee.
“I plan to continue my membership on the National FFA Agricultural Issues Committee and continue a life of service to others through various professional, community and service organizations,” he said.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
By Jo-Carolyn Goode
-PVAMU-