PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – There was a time when buffalo roamed freely across Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) farmland. Back then, the lush trees on campus were younger, but the landscape was just as scenic and welcoming to visitors and students as it is now.
Glenda Jones is pictured (left) alongside her twin sister Gloria Jones (right).
PVAMU alumna Glenda Jones ’89, ‘93 began her journey on “The Hill” in 1977 not as a student but as a clerk typist in admissions, working alongside her twin sister, Gloria, who worked in the College of Agriculture. The job helped Jones pay for her first car, a 1976 canary yellow Malibu. She didn’t know at the time that she would go on to get a degree from PVAMU, become a director, and help a countless number of students land their first professional opportunities.
“In the beginning, I didn’t plan to attend classes, nor had any thoughts about becoming a director. [My sister and I] just wanted to work, earn money to pay for our first car, and give money back to our parents,” Jones said. “I never stopped learning, observing, and growing.”
Jones was the first in her family of nine siblings to earn a degree. In fact, during her career with the university, she obtained two degrees – a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management in 1989 and a Master of Education in Counseling in 1993. Her twin sister, Gloria, also earned two degrees from PVAMU. Ten years later, Jones became the director of the university’s Career Services office.
“I have always had a purpose during my years of service, and that was to serve and assist students (and their parents) in bringing out the best in them so that they may be successful in their chosen career fields,” Jones said.
Jones poses with a future student.
Jones built a network of contacts with global employers, and she worked with them to open new opportunities for students and alumni. She often acted as a career “matchmaker” of sorts, helping employers see the potential in students who may not have had a requisite GPA but showed exceptional skills and ability.
Fast forward 35-plus years later, Jones will retire this month, just two years after her sister. But her work will not stop. She’ll continue to serve the community by working with previously incarcerated people to help them get back into the workforce and provide for their families.
“This is special to me because I am a servant,” Jones said. “There are so many people who have made mistakes and deserve a second chance at success. My service to them will be to help them reach their goal.”
Jones says she will first take a month off to relax before beginning her new service mission. Her post-PVAMU life should be just as fulfilling but undoubtedly different.
“I will miss the joy of being on the campus, watching students enter as freshmen and leave as Productive Panthers, PV homecoming, and most of all, my friends,” she said of leaving Prairie View.
Jones and Shell employee Mike attend a campus event.
When giving advice to students, Jones said to remember to keep the end in mind. The ultimate goal of a PVAMU education is to graduate with a career in their chosen field.
“Visit Career Services often for assistance in career preparedness, professional development, and connection with employers. When you graduate, remember, giving back to PVAMU will help others following you,” Jones said.
To alumni, she suggests the same – give back to help future generations succeed.
“[PVAMU has] a sense of nurture for all students, allowing them to feel like they have an extended family,” she said. “From the support of family, an alum, or many alumni, we all benefited. We should educate those who will come behind us on the struggles, challenges, and sacrifices that were made so that we are able to attend this great place. We must keep the tradition, loyalty, and pride of this great institution from generation to generation!”
The Jones sisters enjoy a PVAMU game.
And the fact that Jones is an alumna herself gives her an even deeper appreciation of PVAMU and its students.
“It is different when you work at your alma mater because you want to see continued growth,” she said. “Our students are among the best of the best in any category.”
Thanks to her service, Jones helped many PVAMU alumni launch careers that made them the best in their fields. So, for that, the PVAMU community is eternally grateful to you, Proud and Productive Panther.
Visit Jones’ Kudoboard to share your pictures, memories, and words of encouragement.
By Jocelyn Kerr
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