Lucy Jones, PhD
Lucy Jones, PhD, is a retired educator, psychologist, and United Methodist minister whose lifelong career has centered on teaching, counseling, and service. She most recently served as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Women’s Studies at Hawaii Community College, where she taught for over three decades before retiring in 2021. Throughout her career, she also served as a minister, author, and interdisciplinary educator, integrating psychology, theology, and human development into her work across academic and faith-based settings.
Her professional journey spans teaching in community colleges across the United States, pastoral ministry, and counseling, often alongside her husband’s Navy medical career that required frequent relocation. She has taught psychology, women’s studies, theology, and general education courses, while also mentoring students long after formal instruction ended. In retirement, she continues to write, lead book studies, offer guest lectures, and provide informal counseling and guidance to former students and community members.
Dr. Jones is widely recognized for her commitment to lifelong learning and her belief in teaching as a form of service. She is the author of Feral Fables and continues to study Japanese psychology therapy, reflecting her belief in growth without age limits. Her work emphasizes perseverance, honesty, and staying actively engaged in helping others, especially through encouragement, mentorship, and community connection.
• PhD in Psychology
• Currently pursuing certification in Japanese Psychology Therapy
• Bachelor’s Degree (Humanities)
• Master’s Degree in Human Relations
• Master’s Degree in Theology
• Ordained United Methodist Minister
• Cal Western University (San Diego, CA) – Bachelor of Arts, Humanities
• Cal Western University (San Diego, CA) – Master of Arts, Human Relations
• Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA) – Master of Arts, Theology
• USIU (San Diego, CA) – PhD, Psychology
• Teacher of the Year (Hawaii Community College)
• Various church-related awards (United Methodist Church)
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recognitions
• Influential Women 2026
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
• Influential Women Network
• United Methodist Church
• DAR outreach supporting Veterans Administration and school programs
• Church-based nonprofit and ministry service
• Donations and support for youth and women-focused organizations
• Ongoing mentorship and counseling for former students and community members
• Special Olympics philanthropic contributions
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and the expectations instilled in me from an early age. I grew up in a family where education was not optional but expected, as both my mother and grandmother pursued higher education. Their example, combined with a lifelong encouragement to keep going and keep learning, shaped my path. I have also balanced a full family life, raising children and becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother, while continuing to pursue teaching, writing, and service.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I don’t recall receiving formal career advice in a specific moment. Instead, I have always lived by the principle of simply continuing forward. My approach has always been to keep teaching, keep learning, and keep serving wherever I am needed. That mindset has guided me more than any single piece of advice.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is very simple: just do it. Whatever path you feel called to pursue, take action and continue forward even when it feels difficult. Challenges will come, but persistence is what carries you through. I believe in staying active, staying engaged, and continuing to grow rather than giving up when things become hard.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in education and social service fields today is financial sustainability. Many organizations doing meaningful work struggle to maintain the funding needed to continue their missions. At the same time, there is a strong opportunity for individuals and communities to support these organizations through donations, advocacy, and awareness. Finding ways to sustain meaningful work is essential for long-term impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and perseverance are the most important values in my life. I believe in continuing to contribute and serve for as long as I am able. I do not dwell on the past but focus on what I can do now to help others. Staying active, remaining engaged, and living with integrity are central to how I approach both my personal life and professional work.