GSLIS is pleased to announce that Victor Jones, Jr. has joined the Student Affairs team as a visiting recruiting specialist. In this newly created position, Jones will play an active role in the School’s ongoing efforts to recruit the best and brightest new students, serving as a primary resource for prospective students and as an ambassador to visiting applicants. He also will work to build relationships with peer institutions in support of recruitment and professional development opportunities and will provide one-on-one counseling to current students regarding career directions.
“Victor is an integral part of our recruitment efforts,” said Roy Brooks, assistant director for recruiting and career services. “He will be working hard to connect prospective GSLIS students with areas of the program that match their professional interests.”
Jones graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012 with a bachelor’s in sociology and recently completed a master’s in college student affairs at Eastern Illinois University. Previous experience in student affairs includes internships at the University of Illinois Women’s Resources Center and Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, and with EIU’s Office of Transfer Relations and TRiO Student Support Services initiative.
What do you like about working in higher education?
I love working in higher education! I love assisting students during this pivotal season of their lives. College can be a VERY INTIMIDATING place, so it’s always important to have an advocate and a mentor that you know is genuinely invested in your growth and development, and I find it very rewarding to be that guy.
Why did you choose to work at GSLIS in particular?
While I was still working on my master’s, I met a couple of students who were in the MS program, and they told me a bit about the program, the career options, the family atmosphere, etc. So, when I began my job search and saw the position at GSLIS, I knew I wanted to pursue it. Then, after researching the careers and meeting GSLIS staff, I knew that this was the place for me. I’m very happy to be a member of the GSLIS family!
Where did you work prior to GSLIS?
GSLIS is actually my first professional position; I just finished my master’s in college student affairs at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in May 2014. While at EIU, my graduate assistantship was in TRiO Student Support Services, where I had the pleasure of advising/counseling students and introducing them to resources that they may have otherwise been unfamiliar with.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised on the South side of Chicago.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I have VERY wide range of hobbies. I sing, I cut hair, I LOVE sports, I love working out and lifting weights, I love road trips, I’m training to be a professional wrestler, and I’ll be an ordained minister in August 2015.
Favorite food?
I would consider myself a foodie, so I love all food. But I really enjoy comfort foods like candied yams, green beans, fried chicken, banana pudding, baked mac and cheese, etc. These foods remind me of simpler times.
Favorite book?
Maximized Manhood by Edwin Louis Cole
If your life was a book, what would the title be?
The Life and Times of A Walking Oxymoron
Is there any particular advice you would like to share with students?
My advice would be to find your passion and let that passion fuel you to success!