NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University has named its Center for Inclusion and Diversity in honor of alumna and community leader Gail Jones. The naming of the Center was approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System on Thursday.
The Center for Inclusion and Diversity is located on the second floor of the Friedman Student Union. The Center exists to promote a welcoming environment for all members of the Northwestern State community. The Center is committed to combatting prejudice and advocating for all minority and marginalized populations. It exists to give space and voice to everyone, including but not limited to all races, all religions, the gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer communities and the disabled community.
“The Center for Inclusion and Diversity was established to promote an inclusive campus environment that fosters success and meaningful participation for all students, faculty, and staff,” said NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones. “There is no one better to name the center after than Mrs. Gail Jones. Mrs. Jones has an exemplary record of community involvement, including years of service to NSU and the greater Natchitoches Community.”
Northwestern State Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity Dr. Michael Snowden said the idea to name the Center for Gail Jones came from alumnae Nicole Gray and Chena Johnson.
“I had a conversation with them about finding a person to name the center after. They immediately came back with Mrs. Jones as the name for consideration,” said Snowden. “As part of our NSU DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) strategic plan the naming of space for people of color is tantamount to making our institution a place of belonging.”
Gail Jones was inducted into the NSU Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line last October
She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in student personnel services from Northwestern State. Jones worked 15 years at NSU initially as an admission counselor and recruiter and served as counselor with the first Louisiana Scholars College class. She moved into the position as director of TRIO: Student Support Services and Retention Coordinator, Freshman Connection and New Student Programs.
In 1998, Jones became chief professional officer of Boys and Girls Club of Natchitoches, obtaining more than $1 million in funding from local, state and regional agencies and foundations to establish and enhance programming for local youth and families. In 2000, she was named J. Richard Ullom Rookie of the Year for Professional Excellence by the Boys and Girls of America at the Regional Conference. She served on local, state and regional boards and committees.
In 2005, she accepted a position with Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office as a grant writer and community outreach coordinator. That evolved into the establishment of a Community Services Division and Jones served as division chief. Over eight years the Division was successful in targeting the needs of youth and families through programs that helped the people of Natchitoches Parish.
Jones is a member of NSU Alumni Association, board member, emeritus, and has served on the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, chaired the Children and Youth Planning Board, Organizing Member-Vice Regent for Daughters of the American Revolution, member of the St. Augustine Historical Society, and vice president of the Association for Preservation of Historic Natchitoches.
