MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Ernest T. Jones has been named the new Director of Athletics at Florida Memorial University effective February 11.
Jones joins the Lions’ Den after serving as the Interim Head Football Coach and defensive coordinator at Morgan State University last season.
“I would like to thank President (Jaffus) Hardrick and the board of trustees for allowing me the opportunity to lead the Florida Memorial University Athletics Department into “A New Day,” said Jones. “I’m very excited to guide our Lion family to future success in The Sun Conference.”
Jones is no stranger to collegiate athletics. A former football player at Alcorn State University, he has spent the last 19 years working as a coach, director of player services and many other roles within the athletics department of numerous organizations.
The department will follow a new philosophy in which Jones calls The Florida Memorial Way. A way in which, the University will create leaders in the classroom, competition, and community, for life after Florida Memorial with character, integrity and respect.
Jones says he looks forward to working with a team of faculty and staff that care about the future of our student-athletes. “We want all our kids to not only excel in the classroom but be the best, then graduate and move on to be the best in whichever field they select.” He knows the hard work it takes being a collegiate athlete and wants to instill that winner’s spirit into all those he comes in contact with at the University.
“Since joining Florida Memorial University, Mr. Jones has done a great job in helping to promote a culture of excellence and to elevate our athletic programs,” said University President Hardrick.
Hardick appreciates the work Jones has already put in at Florida Memorial, and is excited for the many great things to come for Jones and the Mighty Lions.
In a letter to the Sun Conference Athletic Directors, Commissioner Dustin Wilke said he that Jones, with President Hardrick’s full support, has committed to meeting that standard at FMU.
“I have had the opportunity to speak with Ernest on several occasions over the past week,” wrote Wilke. “(I) am confident he has the work ethic, ambition, and experience needed to lead Florida Memorial to a new level of achievement.”
Jones is married to his wife, Kimberly and together they have two sons: Kgai (26) and Myles (11).
Jones is a 1995 graduate of Alcorn State and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. He received a master’s degree in human services from Concordia in 2002 and is currently working toward his doctoral degree in educational leadership from Walden University. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and a member of Prince Hall Masonry.
Courtesy: FMU Athletics
