Raised in an impoverished neighborhood in rural Thibodaux, LA, Anthony Jones began his academic career like most children curiously exploring his capabilities. Against the backdrop of the post civil right area, in a small Southern town Anthony was one of few African-American students attending a predominately White Catholic School. Surrounded by questions of inferiority he attempted to fit in, finding the quickest route through his ability to make people laugh. Funny yet intuitive, his antics were met with intolerance when in the third grade Anthony was tested and placed in reading recovery and ultimately made to repeat the fourth grade. Deemed slow and difficult to teach, two critical decisions changed his life. Anthony’s parent decided to allow him to repeat fourth grade in public school under the direction of a veteran teacher and family friend. With a doggish, never say die attitude; the skilled practitioner lifted the child’s level of expectation to one that demanded success. Also, Anthony decided that the distinction of being a slow learner was a stigma he didn’t want to bare.

      Through hard work, dedication and the support of caring teachers and administrators, Anthony was able to increase his grades to above average performance later graduating from Thibodaux High School after being voted Mr. Thibodaux High School and Louisiana Boys State Governor. He then attended Fisk University in Nashville, TN where he became student body president and representative to the Fisk University Board of Trustees. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, he obtained a Masters degree in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University, Peabody School of Education.

      Anthony continued to serve his alma mater as an Admissions Counselor and after several years at Fisk, was appointed to head his division as Director of Admissions. During his tenure Anthony oversaw tremendous growth in full-time enrollees, increasing freshmen enrollment by 45%. Knowledgeable in student retention, several of Anthony’s retention exercises were highlighted in US News and World Reports. He has appeared on the Fox Television Network and was quoted in the Los Angeles Times for his views on college and university affirmative action activity. While also a guest lecturer in Political Science at Fisk, he authored several papers, including Images and Perceptions of Fisk University in the African American Community. Anthony has spoken nationally to such groups as the American Council on Education, National Society of Black Engineers, General Electric African American Forum, Illinois Association of Educational Opportunities Program Personnel, University of California at Berkley, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

      Today, Anthony leads recruitment for INROADS, Inc. as the National Director for Recruitment Services and manages a 1.5 million dollar budget. INROADS is an international career development organization that recruits and trains talented minority students and places them in business and industry. His clients include Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, IBM and a host of other Fortune 500 and 1000 companies.

      In addition to his corporate activity and educational speaking, Anthony operates as an independent management and diversity consultant helping organizations and individuals advance through thought-provoking workshops, cutting edge technology and effective ideas.

      As a member of the board for the Men of Integrity Men’s Ministry, Anthony is very active in his church. He instructs youth bible study and is a leader in the Business Ministry. Anthony is also president of the Board for Youth Empowerment Seminars, Inc., a non-profit organization designed to motivate aspiring young people to reach their fullest potential. He is a member of Leadership Cincinnati and currently serves on its Steering Committee. He is on the Advisory Committee for the Cincinnati Black Expo and the fund-raising committee for Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and the Darlene Bishop Home for Life. Anthony has been involved with the Louisiana Young Democrats, serving as the vice-president for Minority Affairs and class agent for his graduating class at Fisk University. He is the recipient of the Fisk University Outstanding Alumni Award and has had a scholarship listed in his honor by the Jr. NAACP of Thibodaux, LA.

      Anthony is married to Dr. Tonya LeVera Jones, a Covington, KY dentist. They have two children: Anthony II and Teralin.

Topics Include: (pass your mouse over the topic for more info)

The Child That Wasn't Left Behind: A Personal Testimony
Study Habits That Make A Difference
From Street Slang to Pronunciation: How To Be Inter-Culturally Bilingual
High School Survival 101: What Not To Do
College Survival 101: One Year At A Time
Scaling The Ivory Tower: Strategic Application To The Right University
Bling! Bling!: Getting The Most From College Financial Aid
Sex, Lies and Videotapes: How To Manage Relationships Successfully
12 X 12 X 12 Theory: How To Make A Great First Impression
Principles of Positive Leadership
Celebrating Our Differences: Cultural Diversity Training
Corporate Survival 101: What Corporate America Expects From Employees
The Browning of America: Census 2000 Implications
Understanding The Next Generation
I Can't Make It Without You: Team Building Exercises
Management 101: How To Get The Maximum From Your Staff
Secrets of Minority Talent Recruitment

To request information on Anthony Earl Jones, e-mail ajones@educationspeakersgroup.com