Ask Dr. Stephen C. Jones when he first envisioned becoming an educational scholar, and he’ll tell you about a day in middle school when he couldn’t answer a question about the U.S. Constitution. At home that night, he read it thoroughly, and began his love affair with learning.

 

He was raised in Baltimore and attended Morgan State University there where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in history and educational leadership.

 

He began his career in Baltimore County as a social studies teacher. Over the next 40 years, he assumed positions of increased responsibility in the arena of public education. He served as assistant principal and principal as well as in superintendent roles in Baltimore County, MD; Syracuse, NY; and, Norfolk. Before he retired in 2010 as superintendent of Norfolk public Schools, Steve worked collaboratively on numerous innovative initiatives, including the establishment of the Norfolk Education Foundation that supports Norfolk Public Schools.

 

Steve gives credit to many people who mentored him in his life, including key individuals he met in Washington, DC, where he was the executive director for one of the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation programs.  In the true spirit of education, Steve "passed it on," mentoring a long list of people -- some are those with whom he developed relationships years ago, who he continues to mentor. Countless young people have learned to trust that he is always there for them. “Reverse mentoring” occurs when a person learns from someone younger. Steve acknowledges this is an experience that he often has now with his grown son, who lives and works in Baltimore.

 

When Steve worked in New York, he joined a group of colleagues in a travel club. Over the last decade, the group has journeyed to many exotic places such as the Valley of the Kings in Egypt and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His group currently is planning a return trip to Italy. 

 

Steve "devours" mystery novels and particularly enjoys works by Walter Mosley, John Sanford and John Grisham.  He also enjoys swimming, cooking, golfing, and designing floral arrangements.

 

Steve was a member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Club from 2006 to 2008. He rejoined in 2013, is a Paul Harris Fellow and serves on our Board as Director for Fundraising.