A Q&A with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Kim Jones

Kim Jones and her husband, Chris.

Kim Jones
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator
She/her/hers

In this conversation, Jones talks about joining Fulbright College as our new DEI Coordinator; her passion for helping our campus provide a welcoming atmosphere where all belong; her experience as a non-traditional student in the History graduate program; spending time with her family and furbabies; teaching young people how to container garden, create menus, budget for meal plans, and cook; and her ultimate goal of combining her skills in history, psychology, and sociology to better understand and combat inequality and poverty in Arkansas. 

Q: Tell us a little about your research, academic passions and/or role within the college. What excites you about this?

I am excited about my role as DEI Coordinator because of our students. I have shared before about my first experience as a college student. I remember the feelings of uncertainty, like I did not belong, hardships, and questioning if I had made the right decision.

I want to do my part in ensuring our students do not have that same experience. My goal is to provide a welcoming atmosphere that embraces differences, provides resources when needed, and leaves each of students without a doubt they, not only belong, but are an intricate part of our Fulbright College family.

Kim’s daughter Samantha, left, Kim, and her husband Chris in Hawaii when Chris retired from service in the U.S. Army after 22 years.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What are you looking forward to most about your time here?

My position began on March 27. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, and students as we continue to set higher standards of what an inclusive experience in Fulbright College looks like.

Q: What do you most hope your students remember from their classes and/or interactions with you?

I hope our students remember that their success is my success.

Of course, I hope they remember fun things too: free snacks in my office, distracting toys on my shelf (and a possible obsession with R2D2).

Kim with Rocky, a squirrel she helped rescue and release as a wildlife rehabber.

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

In my time off, I enjoy spending time with my family and furbabies.

We play a lot of board games and sometimes an intense round of Phase 10, but it is all in fun.

I also teach young people how to container garden, create menus, budget for meal plans, and cook.

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

Professionally, I hope to nail my new position and watch it grow into a staple role for our DEI program.

Personally, I continue as a non-traditional student in the graduate program of our Department of History with a long-term goal of obtaining a Ph.D. in history.

Ultimately, I want to utilize my educational background in history, psychology, and sociology to better understand and combat inequality and poverty in Arkansas.

Kim during her TEDx talk.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

I welcome everyone to stop by and say “hello” and, if they would like to know more about me or my background, I invite them to check out my TEDx from 2020 entitled “What Abuse Looks Like.”

Q: Do you have any social media accounts you’d like for us to tag you in when this story posts?

Don’t miss a chance to see me say something profound, stupid, or profoundly stupid on Twitter @KimJinNWA.

Kim during one of her family’s mission trips to an impoverished area of West Virginia for a program called Project Christmas. The 26-foot U-Haul she’s sitting on was one of five vehicles that held gifts for nearly 500 kids, school supplies for 700, and a refrigerator for a single mother.

Also be sure to follow our program on Facebook @ArtsandSciences4DEI.uark and on Instagram @fulbrightdei.uark.