Alumni Board Spotlight: ChaQuirra Jones's heart was set on Henderson State

ChaQuirra Jones

Alumni Q&A

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is ChaQuirra Jones. I graduated from Henderson State University December 2016 with a BSE in Early Childhood Education, and also in May 2020 with an MSE in Educational Leadership. My hometown is Fordyce --the home of the only Redbug mascot. I am entering my eighth year of teaching at Malvern Elementary School. I taught kindergarten for one year, first grade for five years, and fourth grade ELA/social studies for one year. I love what I do and I'm thankful to have received my higher education from Henderson.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

Henderson did a phenomenal job at preparing me for my educational journey as a teacher. There is not anything I would change about the education program. I entered into internship prepared to take on the tasks as being a student teacher. I built lifelong relationships with a majority of the staff in Teachers College. I know I can always depend on them for anything: advice, support, guidance. They are like my second family.

What motivates you to serve on the HSU Alumni Advisory Board?

Networking and building more lifelong relationships motivate me. Henderson is truly a school with a heart and my heart is to serve future and current students/graduates of HSU.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

My most favorite memory is having a tiny conversation with the infamous R&B singer, Tank. Another memory is participating in the Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant my first year of graduate school. My other favorite memories all involve homecoming which I look forward to each and every year.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

When I think about my college experience, I automatically think of where I would be today if I had not attended Henderson. My junior year of high school I knew exactly where I wanted to attend college. Many people tried to persuade me to give other universities a chance, but my heart was set on Henderson. I applied early in my senior year and so glad I did. I had an impeccable college experience and there is not anything I would change about it because it made me who I am today -- an educated educator.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

Several professors had a significant impact on me and I know they are still making the same impact today, including: Drs. Ken and Celya Taylor, Dr. Givan, Dr. Wright, Dr. Wyatt and Mrs. Morado. When I think of Henderson, I automatically think of these amazing individuals.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

A lot of people try to encourage incoming freshman to not take 8 a.m. courses. I say "TAKE THEM!" If students register for early classes, they have the rest of the day to enjoy the many activities that occur around campus during the day, have time to begin homework, and won't feel the need to skip class because of other things occurring on campus during the later classes. I also encourage them to explore different organizations to become a part of. Those organizations will help with networking and relationships.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower, it would be super healing. I chose this because it would give others the ability to spend more time and do other things with their loved ones. I would love to have my brother here with me today.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

My favorite thing to do after a busy day at work is to kick my shoes off and binge Netflix shows with a glass of wine.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would be gospel, because I am not anything without God.

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