Sep 7th, 2017
Jackson State Community College is a family tradition for 1983 alumnus Monte Jones, who attended the school while he decided which career path to follow.
Jones, president of Commercial Bank & Trust, enrolled after high school. He worked as a night manager at a grocery store and wanted to keep his job as he gauged the next steps of his education. The classes at Jackson State were flexible, he said, allowing him to attend school during the morning and work at night.
"It helps you decide what you want to be and get a taste of college life," Jones said. It's a good learning environment, and it gives you a chance to get your education started."
It provides students with a good education, and they can live at home, he said. And the classes sizes are small compared to larger schools in the area.
"I developed relationships and friendships with teachers that still last today," Jones said. "I learned a lot from them."
After his associate degree in 1983, he earned a bachelor's degree from Union University and a master's degree in business administration from University of Memphis.
He's been a banker for more than 30 years and president of Commercial Bank & Trust for the past 10 years. And, he continues to champion the school. His two daughters also have Jackson State degrees.
"I am proud to say I am an alumnus of Jackson State Community College," Jones said. "You just can't beat the value of a great education at a low cost. My daughters and I started our education on a solid foundation and have gone on to successfully pursue further degrees. Jackson State is a great school and a proud tradition in our family."