Social Work advisor recognized for outstanding leadership and commitment to students
Wayne State University School of Social Work’s Geoffrey R. Jones received the Outstanding Contributor Award for the 2023-2024 academic year by Wayne State’s Academic Staff Professional Development Committee. Jones, an academic services officer II and advisor for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, was nominated by the School of Social Work’s Shantalea Johns, assistant professor and director of Continuing Education, and Norma Love-Schropshire, assistant professor of teaching and director of the BSW program.
Jones was recently recognized for the Award at the Wayne State Academic Recognition Ceremony in May 2024. The Award recognizes junior academic staff with less than seven years of service and significant accomplishments during the previous three years beyond normal responsibilities; exhibit emerging leadership; and scholarship through presentations and/or publications.
“It is with deep respect and admiration that I nominated Mr. Geoffrey R. Jones—known affectionately as "Geoffrey with a G” for the Outstanding Contributor Award, a tribute that truly reflects his extensive contributions and unwavering commitment to our social work community and WSU,” said Love-Schropshire. “Under his leadership, initiatives like the C2 Pipeline Afterschool Program and the SW Summer Camp have boosted enrollment, sparking interest in S.T.E.M. and higher education among first-generation students. His innovative approaches in advising and recruitment have nearly tripled our enrollment in the Where Online Works! (WOW!) BSW program.”
Jones, who received a bachelor’s in psychology from Tuskegee University and a master’s in social work from California State University-Dominguez Hills, said that the tragic shooting death of his mother when he was just 18 years old set him on the path to helping others.
“Seeing the growth and progression of my students, it just gives me life. It gives me energy,” Jones said. “Graduation is especially fulfilling, knowing some of the students’ stories and the struggles that they went through. Seeing them walk across the stage and to know that I was able to help them get there - there’s nothing like it.”
Wayne State’s recent growth of diversity and inclusion initiatives and ongoing support of non-traditional and first-generation graduates gives Jones the foundation to be able to help students navigate through the program in a way that supports each individual.
In Jones’s nine years at the university, he has served in an impressive number of volunteer and committee positions, including the C2 Pipeline which partners with local grade schools to prepare students for college and career with hands-on, project-based learning activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M.) to engage students. He also is the advisor to the Association of Black Social Workers student organization and his “baby” with fellow academic advisor Lawrence Robinson, the Black and Latinx Males in Social Work initiative.
“Geoffrey’s dedication extends far beyond advising hours,” said Johns. “Under his leadership the Black and Latinx Males in Social Work Initiative has surged to more than 30 students who participate both in-person and online and has facilitated employment resources, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities for its members. It not only exemplifies Geoffrey's commitment to the growth and support of students but also his capability to foster inclusive excellence within the academic community.”
Like Jones, the university strives to open doors for students who are underserved or marginalized with the goal of welcoming and preparing them with the needed skills to succeed in their future careers. With the launch of President Kimberly Andrews Espy’s Prosperity Agenda initiative in 2024, Wayne State will continue to invest in inclusive programs that support “learning by doing” experiences in real-world settings to help our students and our communities thrive.
"Geoffrey Jones cares deeply about his students. He goes above and beyond to create an inclusive and empowering atmosphere, ensuring that each student can pursue their unique goals. His outstanding leadership is truly inspirational, and this award serves as a fitting tribute to his remarkable impact at Wayne State," said Social Work Acting Dean Patterson.
Outside of the university, Jones has volunteered with organizations including the Parade Company, Detroit Conservancy, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, and is involved in many community efforts, volunteering and fundraising in and around Detroit.
“His ability to lead by example, to inspire those around him, and to foster a community of care and respect makes him a cornerstone of the Wayne State community,” Love-Schropshire said. “Geoffrey is a mainstay whose excellence has embodied the core values of the social work profession that include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, competence, and integrity.”
Writer: Sarah Freeman and Editor: Betsy Vanderstelt