New Pittsburgh Courier Honors Ed.D. Student With 2019 Men of Excellence Award in Education Student Profile
Meet Wayne Jones
- Job Title & Employer
- CEO, Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship
- Major/Program
- Leadership and Administration-Ed.D.
- Graduation
- 2020
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- Linsly School in Wheeling, W.Va.
- Now Living In
- Verona, Pa.
"Mr. Jones has grown in his leadership. He has developed an extraordinary skill set that allows him to engage effectively with a variety of stakeholders in the school community. His doctoral-level experiences at Point Park University have prepared him to assume the role of an advocate for the advancement of the profession. Further, Mr. Jones holds a clear vision for the school that will allow our organization to build a legacy of student achievement and teacher excellence."
"Having the opportunity to learn from thoughtful educators and leaders in the Ed.D. program has been most rewarding. I’ve considered and implemented several innovative ideas, strategies and tools that many of my classmates use in their organizations. Also, I have developed an appropriate level of empathy, patience and resolve."
As CEO of Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, why did you choose our Ed D. program?
I enrolled in the Ed.D. in leadership and administration program to develop an understanding of who I am as a leader. Sometimes when leading and doing what is best for an organization, one can lose sight of his purpose. It’s important to invest time to reflect, recharge and ensure you remain true to your values and beliefs, and I see participation in this program as an important part of that process.
What factors led to you being named a New Pittsburgh Courier Men of Excellence Class of 2019 Awardee?
The New Pittsburgh Courier states, “Men of Excellence are those who exemplify strength by standing firm in the face of adversity, leadership in periods of struggle, compassion in times of peril and integrity in the midst of opposition. Through proven success and selfless dedication to the community, these exemplary men are lauded as role models for the next generation.”
It is with deep gratitude I can share that I was nominated for these reasons by my staff at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, family and friends.
How have our Ed.D. classes helped you in the work you do overseeing a K-8 school?
Having the opportunity to learn from thoughtful educators and leaders in the Ed.D. program has been most rewarding. I’ve considered and implemented several innovative ideas, strategies and tools that many of my classmates use in their organizations. Also, I have developed an appropriate level of empathy, patience and resolve.
Often, in my position, I am focused on the big picture, procedures, processes and results, but Point Park's Ed.D. program has opened my mind to ensure that I do not lose sight of humanity. I pride myself on making the best decisions for our scholars, and being mindful of the impact those decisions have on my employees.
What career advice do you have for individuals pursuing leadership positions in the education field?
It’s important to find where you want to go in life and stick to your plan. Make decisions that reflect who you are and avoid going against your values and beliefs. Attaining a position in leadership can be a significant career advancement by enabling you to impact several scholars and families, but be mindful that you cannot appease everyone, nor should you seek to. Stay true to your personal ethics and values.
Favorite quote?
“Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service …You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” — Martin Luther King Jr.