NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will hold a ceremony dedicating the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity in honor of alumna and community leader Gail Metoyer Jones on Wednesday April 19 at 6 p.m. in the President’s Room of the Friedman Student Union the ceremony is open to the public, but those planning to attend need to RSVP by going to https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0d49a8ab22aafdc25-naming.
The Center for Inclusion and Diversity is located on the second floor of the Friedman Student Union. The Center exists to promote a welcoming environment for all members of the Northwestern State community. The Center is committed to combatting prejudice and advocating for all minority and marginalized populations. It exists to give space and voice to everyone, including but not limited to all races, all religions, the gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer communities and the disabled community.
“I am tremendously honored and grateful for this recognition,” said Jones. “It is with gratitude that I was given an opportunity to serve our university community.”
Jones credited Northwestern State University President Marcus Jones along with former presidents Dr. Chris Maggio, Dr. Jim Henderson. Dr. Randy Webb and Dr. Robert Alost and NSU administrators, faculty, staff and students for “recognizing the profound significance of openly addressing diversity and inclusion on our campus.”
“This could not have happened without the support, encouragement, cooperation or inspiration of others, especially our students,” she said. “Currently enrolled students and alumni are doing remarkable things throughout our parish and state and across the world. The Center provides an important learning experience. It can have a meaningful impact on students and in the lives of those they influence. I am encouraged because NSU continues to respond to the needs of our students. The university helps students reach their potential to become productive, responsible and successful leaders in their everyday lives.”
Jones was inducted into the NSU Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line last October.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in student personnel services from Northwestern State. Jones worked 15 years at NSU initially as an admission counselor and recruiter and served as counselor with the first Louisiana Scholars College class. She moved into the position as director of TRIO: Student Support Services and Retention Coordinator, Freshman Connection and New Student Programs.
In 1998, Jones became chief professional officer of Boys and Girls Club of Natchitoches, obtaining more than $1 million in funding from local, state and regional agencies and foundations to establish and enhance programming for local youth and families. In 2000, she was named J. Richard Ullom Rookie of the Year for Professional Excellence by the Boys and Girls of America at the Regional Conference. She served on local, state and regional boards and committees.
In 2005, she accepted a position with Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office as a grant writer and community outreach coordinator. That evolved into the establishment of a Community Services Division and Jones served as division chief. Over eight years the Division was successful in targeting the needs of youth and families through programs that helped the people of Natchitoches Parish.
Jones is a member of NSU Alumni Association, board member, emeritus, and has served on the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, chairing the Children and Youth Planning Board. She has served as organizing member-vice regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution, member of the St. Augustine Historical Society and vice president of the Association for Preservation of Historic Natchitoches.
