“President Biden and his administration have made clear that HBCUs are a top priority, delivering unprecedented funding and support to schools nationwide that are producing industry leaders and barrier breakers across so many fields,” said Jones. “I am deeply honored and overjoyed to accept this appointment.”
Thursday’s announcement from the White House lauded Jones’ achievements as an example of the power of education as a great equalizer, recounting his work as a Broward County public school chemistry teacher, founder of a nonprofit dedicated to youth leadership development and entrepreneurship training, and his 2012 election to the Florida House of Representatives. He’s also served on President Barack Obama’s College Promise Task Force, the release says.
Jones, was appointed to the Board yesterday along with actress Taraji P. Henson (a Howard U. grad) and NBA basketball player and HBCU advocate Chris Paul.
The President’s Board will advance the goal of the HBCU Initiative, that was established by President Jimmy Carter‘s administration a release from the White House said. The effort received a renewed commitment from President Joe Biden’s administration, aiming at increasing the capacity of HBCUs to provide the highest-quality education to its students and continue serving as engines of opportunity.