Executive in Residence Jones means business

By Marlo Fulmore
Around the Town Editor
Feb 25, 2010

Photo by Marlo Fulmore

Ericka A. Jones is the new Executive in Residence for the School of Business at UNCP. She came to the University four years ago as an adjunct professor.

She means business, and she knows the ins and outs of how to operate one, too. Four years ago, then adjunct professor Ericka A. Jones started out on a mission teaching classes part-time at UNCP. Her zeal for academia has led to her new position as the Executivein- Residence for the School of Business at the University.

“I was the dean at the time when she started working as a part-time professor. I was the one who brought her into the University to teach as an adjunct professor. I think she has an excellent rapport with students. She is very professional and an excellent example of a great communicator,” said Dr. Eric Dent, Management, Marketing and International Business professor at UNCP.

Jones replaces Nick Arena, who was made Executive Director of ComTech located in Pembroke. Prior to her new position as Executive Resident, she was the Director of Robeson Community College’s Foundation.

Describing herself as a military brat, she links her hometown between two different areas, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina. With 15 years of her life spent in Washington D.C., she brings metro savvy business experience to UNCP, where she wants to share her knowledge with students.

“There are a lot of people in Washington, D.C., and it seems everyone in D.C., is somebody. Wherever there are people, there are opportunities. When you come to a place like Robeson County, you really have the opportunity to shine. It’s not about where you are, or how big the place is, but it’s about what sets someone apart from the rest and how you can make a difference,” Jones said.

Jones received her undergraduate degree in business communication from the University of Maryland and a master’s of science degree in organizational management from Trinity University in Washington D.C. She is currently nearing completion of a doctorate in educational leadership at Fayetteville State University.

Institutions of higher education are vital to North Carolina and they all possess unique qualities that attract students and professors alike.

“I have more one on one interaction with students at UNCP,” Jones said. “At Robeson Community College, I dealt primarily with the staff. This position allows me to interact more with students which I really enjoy. I did enjoy my job at RCC. Working with students one on one gives more meaning.”

While focusing attention on the hands-onapproach, which includes seminars and other enrichment programs, she plans to make sure that students are getting the extra skills that are needed in the highly competitive field of business.

By no means is this all that she shares about herself. Quite often a glimpse into the personal lives of a university professor might be a rarity for students.

“I love to exercise. I do boxing training and I have a boxing trainer. I enjoy Zumba, and line dancing, antiquing and traveling to warm destinations. I love Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I plan to travel to Jamaica this year,” she said.