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from the issue of April 21, 2005
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Students help extend legacy of Melvin Jones
BY TROY FEDDERSON, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
A core group of first-year and transfer students is helping to preserve the legacy of Melvin W. Jones.
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| | | Colleen Jones sits in her home with a picture of her husband Melvin W. Jones. Photo by Troy Fedderson, University Communications.
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In 1996, Jones came to UNL as the vice chancellor for business and finance. Three years later, while attending a conference in Washington, D.C., a medical condition coupled with complications ended the 48-year-old's life.
"It's kind of tough to capture who Melvin was in just a few words," Colleen Jones, Melvin's widow who also works as an assistant professor and assistant to the chancellor, said. "But, he was a visionary, tenacious, creative and a very caring spirit.'
During his tenure at UNL, Melvin Jones forged many relationships and became a mentor to students, faculty and staff.
"He just kind of had this way of capturing people and helping them to develop," Colleen Jones said. "I think part of his mission on this earth was to help others realize their destiny."
When he died, Colleen thought that legacy went with him. However, through the formation of the Jones Scholars Learning Community on Abel North Four, she has found that his vision lives on in a group of UNL students.
"This has been a very amazing, gratifying year," Colleen Jones said. "We really have a good group of kids."
Through the learning community concept, students with like interests, areas of study or backgrounds are assigned to a designated floor in the residence halls. In the course of the year, the students spend time together - both in and outside the classroom.
"One of the things found in national surveys is that students who are in the learning communities are more likely to be retained than those who are not," said Rita Kean, dean of undergraduate studies. "The learning communities are one of the ways we increase the academic experiences for our incoming and transfer students at UNL. And, they have proven to be effective."
Faculty and staff members from the African American Caucus started the push for the Jones Scholars Learning Community in late 2002. Their concept was to create a network that would bolster retention of minority students.
"They proposed something called Urban Transitions," Colleen Jones said. "It was to help kids in both the urban and rural areas transition into the university setting."
The concept slowly gained steam through university channels, with approval coming from housing, admissions and student affairs. Then, about three months in, members of the creation subcommittee called Colleen.
"They came to me and told me that they had this idea," Colleen Jones said. "They were having difficulty explaining what Urban Transitions meant and they were looking for something more jazzy. That's when they asked if they could name it after my husband.
"That was a little overwhelming."
Telling the sub-committee that she would get back to them, Colleen discussed the matter with her family and the board of the family foundation, which was created after Melvin's death. They all agreed that the concept - which would prominently feature minority students - was a good one.
In this first year, the Jones Scholars group has drawn 31 students. Most of their numbers are African Americans with others from Hispanic, Native American or multi-racial backgrounds.
Over the past months, the students have participated in a number of events, many of which have centered on cultural activities.
"We want them to form bonds with each other and we want them to do a lot, to test out their leadership in a variety of ways," Colleen said. "We have also provided them very strong support in academic areas."
While they prepare for end-of-the-year activities, the group has counted a number of successes this year. They recently were awarded more than $2,000 from Wells Fargo Bank (to be used for new Jones Scholars in the fall) and at least six of the students are moving on to become residence hall floor assistants or other such mentors next year.
"The involvement between the students and faculty with this group has been amazing," Kean said. "I really believe the Jones Scholars have become a model for those who want to form a learning community."
Deb Mullen, coordinator of the academic learning communities, said involvement by Colleen and the advisory committee is what makes the Jones Scholars unique.
"We have the other communities (14 this year, growing to 18 next term) but none of them work with an advisory committee like the Jones Scholars do," Mullen said. "Colleen and that committee bring a lot of energy to support this community.
"Our hope is, over time, that all of our learning communities evolve advisory committees like the Jones Scholars."
While she has worked alongside the students this year, Colleen has also become a mentor - one they've dubbed, "Grandma."
"I just keep telling myself it's a term of affection," Colleen Jones said with a laugh.
As for her position with the group, Colleen is preparing for next year and expects to be with the learning community for at least a few more years.
"The kids have already told me I can't leave until they graduate," Colleen Jones said. "We're kind of stuck together like glue."
And, within those new bonds, Colleen believes the group has also captured the spirit of her husband.
"I've tried to help the kids understand the legacy of Melvin," Colleen Jones said. "I believe that has truly made an impact with this group. And, I know Melvin would be proud of what we have accomplished this year."
GO TO: ISSUE OF APRIL 21
NEWS HEADLINES FOR APRIL 21
Students help extend legacy of Melvin Jones
Learning communities to expand this fall
Sketches offer new look at UNL
UNL team wins $3M DoD grant
A Piece of University History
Libraries take steps to curb plagiarism
Students, clients team up to design software
UNL helps tsunami victims from half a world away
732057S34552X
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