Her Story
About Kimberly
Dr. Kimberly Jones is the State Director of Postsecondary Student Organizations at the Mississippi Community College Board, where she leads the state’s administration of four national Career and Technical Student Organizations: Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA), DECA Inc., HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and SkillsUSA. In this role, she oversees staff, supports college chapters, organizes state and national conferences, and helps students develop leadership, technical, and career-ready skills through competitive and experiential learning opportunities. Her work emphasizes student engagement through Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and expanding access to leadership development pathways across Mississippi’s postsecondary institutions.
Before her current leadership role, Dr. Jones built a long career in education and public service, including serving as Director of Testing at the Mississippi Department of Education, where she led the state’s transition from paper-based testing to online assessment systems. Her professional journey also includes roles in human resources at Columbus State Community College, administrative and leadership positions at the Piney Woods School (where she ultimately served as Registrar and developed student support programs), and extensive work in educational logistics, licensure, and assessment systems. Across these roles, she developed expertise in large-scale educational operations, student services, and statewide program implementation.
Dr. Jones holds advanced degrees in education, including a bachelor’s and master’s from Jackson State University and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. She is also involved in credentialing and workforce development initiatives, including work connected to Credential Engine. Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening student success through leadership development, certification programs, and equitable access to career pathways, guided by a commitment to preparing learners for both academic and workforce achievement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to taking on new challenges and building programs that had no existing model to follow. Two of my key accomplishments include developing the national credentialing program for Mississippi’s community college system and currently leading collegiate student organizations at the state level outside of the Department of Education, both of which required my team and me to build from the ground up. Early in my career, I also learned leadership by observation since I never had a formal mentor, using both positive and negative examples from supervisors to shape my own approach. A major influence on my success has been my experience as a parent of three children with disabilities, which strengthened my advocacy skills and led me to leadership roles such as president of Mississippi Families of Allies and helping establish the Tourette’s Association in Mississippi, reinforcing my commitment to serving as a voice for families navigating similar challenges.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that I can achieve great success, but I should never do it alone. I was also encouraged to always seek out a mentor, learn from others’ experiences, and stay open to guidance throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is that you can and you will succeed with hard work, dedication, and a strong commitment to education. Stay curious, continue learning, and don’t underestimate the importance of building your knowledge and skills. Also, get involved—seek out opportunities, participate in professional networks, and engage with others in the field, as those connections and experiences will help you grow and advance in your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is consistently navigating complex systems while maintaining high standards and delivering results under pressure. Success requires persistence, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, especially when managing competing priorities and evolving expectations. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to make a meaningful impact by improving programs, strengthening collaboration across organizations, and helping shape systems that better serve students and communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are hard work, integrity, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of other families in my community. I believe in showing up consistently, doing the work with purpose, and using my role to support and uplift others whenever possible.
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