“Hello Mr. Jones, I enjoyed your speech. Thank you so much for coming.”
“No. Thank you. And please, call me Mike.”
Known by some as an intelligent, humble and loving family man, and described by many as a kind-hearted, successful and committed friend, Michael Jones definitely fits the description.
Having a successful career, followed by a long list of achievements, packaged with a sincere heart and keen sense of humor, there is no doubt that Jones, valedictorian of Dillard University’s class of 1982, is a perfect example of excellence and heritage.
Jones, a litigation partner for Kirkland & Ellis LLP., has lived by the spirit of success. “Growing up Mike was always the competitor, big dreamer, smart aleck,” said Jones’ brother, Hersy Jones Jr., a member of the class of 1983 and a successful attorney in Shreveport, La. “He is definitely a man of good character.”
And who could argue? As down to earth as one can get, the personality of Michael Jones is irreplaceable.
Suited in business attire with a professional yet good-humored demeanor, Jones congratulated, encouraged and saluted the class of 2006 as he delivered the speech for the commemoration of Dillard University’s 136th anniversary on Feb. 19. “Each of you are pioneers. You have set aside fear and uncertainty and returned to Dillard,” Jones said while referring to the graduating seniors. “We are heirs of a pioneering spirit.”
In an effort to pursue higher education, Jones proudly offers three solutions to the problems of African-American men in relation to education: be a mentor, encourage every black college to have a public service component, and encourage African Americans to not only teach, but raise the status of teachers.
“Be examples. Help us show that education does pay off,” Jones expressed.
When asked to be the Founder’s Day speaker, Jones was excited about coming back to Dillard and glad to be of assistance. “It feels nice being back,” explained Jones. Having spent his time well as a former Dillard student, Jones has no complaints. “I had a great and fulfilling time at Dillard,” boast Jones. “In a word, it was great.”
Indeed it was. Jones was the sophomore class president, editor of the newspaper, member of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and he graduated summa cum laude.
Jones has made his mark as a scholar, an attorney, a husband and the father of three children. He is no stranger to a busy life. Raising a family, attending to his children’s needs and working full time keeps Jones a busy man; but his career is not his primary priority. “He always takes time for family. When we need him, he is always there, all we have to do is call,” explains his wife of 20 years, Shaun Jones.
Commitment and hard work have always been vocal points that Jones not only lives by himself but also instills in his family. “He tells the kids that once you commit to something you have to follow through,” Shaun said. “They are definitely following in their father’s foot steps.”
Jones is not only an example for his children, but to others as well. “He offers advice and he has always been a good communicator,” explained Hersy.
Many students are already taking heed to the advice given by Jones for Founder’s Day. “I am definitely an advocate for education and I was glad to hear Mr. Jones encourage the students to be mentors,” said Laurel Richardson, a special education major. “Seeing is believing. And throughout my years at Dillard I’ve seen what kind of leaders graduate from here. I’m encouraged.”
Jones credits Dillard for much of his success and feels he made the right decision by attending the university. “I got a chance to travel to New York, and by winning the Luard Scholarship I traveled to about a dozen countries,” Jones said.
The rest is history. Jones has continued to be in support of the university and he encourages other Dillard graduates to support their alma mater as well. “My challenge to students is to be drum majors for education-to help raise the importance of the teaching profession, to encourage pastors to preach education, and to support Dillard with their money, time and talents.”
Jones does more than talk about the importance of supporting the university; he puts his money where his mouth is. Since 1991, Jones has consistently provided Dillard with monetary gifts. Last year alone, he contributed a $100,000 gift for scholarship endowment.
Hersy jokingly gives credit to himself regarding his brother’s success. “I think I did a really great job with him,” he said with a burst of laughter that shortly turned to a more serious tone. “I am very proud of his achievements.”