Persistence pays off for ETBU graduate

Posted: 2/18/08

Persistence pays off for ETBU graduate

By Mike Midkiff

East Texas Baptist University

MARSHALL—For June Jones, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is more than an old adage. The saying has been a guiding light to her.

More than three decades after her high school graduation, Jones finally reached her goal of earning a bachelor’s degree. And she did it in style. After nearly 10 years attending classes, she graduated with honors in the top 20 percent of her class at East Texas Baptist University.

Jones went to work as a switchboard operator at ETBU more than 11 years ago. Since June 2002, she has worked as administrative secretary in the university’s Fred M. Hale School of Business.

Jones gives the invocation at fall commencement.

“I graduated from Marshall High School in 1975,” she recalled. “I finished 31st in my class of 432. However, continuing my education was not an option for me because of the cost. When I went to work for ETBU in 1996, attending classes was not even on my radar! I had been out of school too long and had five kids.”

Since the switchboard was located in ETBU’s institutional technology department, Jones found herself surrounded by computers. So, she began her college studies taking a beginning computer class offered during her lunch hour.

Her first major was computer science, but she changed after realizing computer technology was advancing much faster than the one class per semester she could take.

So, she decided to take organ lessons. Realizing she found her niche, she decided to major in music.

“Music is my passion,” said Jones. “During my time as a student, God has taught me patience and the love of learning. Learning about the intricate details of music has been really fascinating to me.”       

Jones has played the piano since she was 7 years old.  Through the years, she has served in churches as a nursery worker, Mother’s Day Out director and Sunday school teacher.

In fact, some of her former Mother’s Day Out students became her classmates at ETBU, she noted.

But music has remained her true love, and she has served as a children’s choir director and teacher, as well as an instrumentalist.

“It seems today that finding musicians to play in the local church is difficult,” said Jones. “I would encourage young people to try to learn how to play an instrument. The time you spend learning how to play— whatever instrument it may be—is well worth it.”

Although she remains a member of Crossroads Baptist Church of Marshall, she currently serves as organist for Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.

“As I prepare music for each Sunday, I am always amazed how the Lord works in this process,” she said. “I cannot tell you how many times I have chosen an offertory piece, only to have the preacher’s sermon be on the very subject. As I play each Sunday, it gives me great joy to know that I’m giving back to the Lord.”

When Jones finally earned her degree, ETBU faculty and staff who have known her more than a decade joined in celebrating the fulfillment of her longtime goal.

“If you ever needed a story about someone who could inspire anyone to complete what they started, regardless of age or circumstances, June is your example,” said Charles Williams, dean of the School of Business.

Jones insists she did not reach her goal by herself.

“My mother, who passed away this past summer, was a big encouragement who helped me stay on task,” she said. “My family was very supportive, sacrificing a lot. The folks I work with at ETBU also provided support.

“I have always liked what Dear Abby says when people write her asking if they should get a degree at such a late age. She always asks: ‘How old will you be if you don’t get the degree?’”