Name: Erik Jones
Job Title: Vice President, Technology
How long have you been with the Cardinals? Six months
Did you attend an HBCU? Yes
Can you share the name of the HBCU you attended and its founding date? University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB), 1873
What motivated your decision to choose your particular HBCU? Honestly it was a financial decision initially. I was accepted into numerous colleges and universities including Power 5/tier 1 research institutions. I came to the realization that my favorite college on the West Coast would be difficult to fund alone, even with scholarships. In addition I wanted to move away from home and experience culture at an HBCU. I had never been to Arkansas even though many family members were from the state. In addition, UAPB had a very strong Computer Science program which was my undergraduate major and graduates from the program typically landed jobs in strong corporate environments.
In 2024, how do you perceive the significance of HBCUs, not only for the black community but also on a global scale? Historically, HBCU's or land grant institutions such as UAPB were established to provide opportunities for blacks to enter college and attain 4-year degrees. While that was the initial charge, the value of a quality education and undergraduate experience at an HBCU is not limited to people of color.
Reflecting on your time at your HBCU, what would you say is the most impactful lesson you learned? I would offer two valuable lessons that I carry with me from my undergraduate experience at UAPB: 1) being very resourceful while not allowing limiters to constrain me (persistence), 2) Empowerment and inspiring others (creating a pipeline)- early on at UAPB I discovered characteristics in myself that I did not know that I possessed. I mentored youth in k-12, coached kids basketball teams, etc. During that process I learned that I have something of value to provide to others while also learning from others (older and younger).
If you could go back to your first day at your alma mater, what advice would you give to your younger self? I would not change a thing. It was all a part of the experience and growth and maturation process. "I never lose, I either win or learn." - Mandela
What piece of advice would you offer to individuals considering attending an HBCU? My advice for attending an HBCU would not differ from my advice to attend any higher educational institution. Research, align with your goals and values, and forecast what you want to gain and give to the experience. Financially plan!
How did your experience at your HBCU play a role in your journey to get you where you are today? Everything happens for a reason. My career path, my wife and family, my life-long friendships all have strong linkage to my decision to attend UAPB.
How do you feel the Cardinals continue to share those same values/experiences? Being a part of the Arizona Cardinals has been profound for me and a similar experience for me thus far. Moving to a place (Phoenix and Arizona) that I never visited before. While also acclimating to a new environment and making tangible connections with the team/staff and community. The excitement of change while also working to be impactful and intentional with stakeholders. Working to grow. learn, and be better.
Are you a part of the Divine 9? Yes
Can you share the name of the organization you are in and its founding date? Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Incorporated - January 5, 1911
In what year did you cross? Spring O.G.
What inspired your decision to join your specific organization within the Divine 9? There are numerous reasons and I will cover a couple. While my research and exposure was somewhat early, it was solidified early in my undergraduate experience that becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi was the optimal path for me in my aspirational pursuit to become a global citizen and to be a part of something that was bigger than me. I was inspired to see the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi work to improve their communities locally and nationally. The value proposition and culture of Kappa aligned with my personal beliefs. Kappa's are successful in every field of human endeavor and having members of my family that were a part of this prestigious fraternity further galvanized this belief.
In what ways has being a part of this organization positively impacted your life? The network, connections that are life lasting. Family.
Could you share insights about your organization's mission and what you'd like others to know? I would say that our focus is to ensure that we as individuals and as a collective hold the highest standards to reach our goals in life.
Reflecting on the broader impact, what significance does joining a Divine 9 organization hold for both the black community and the global community? Uplifting the community, creating role models, creating a continuum of success and connections across the Divine 9 and beyond.
How would you describe the experience of being part of an organization with a legacy of over a century of black excellence? Humbling and inspiring in the sense to know that over a 100 years ago it was seldom that black men were able to attend college and attain degrees. Moving from an era where the barrier of entry to college was high for people of color to currently seeing several hundred thousand Kappas have attained four year degrees within an organization that has global reach. The same can be said for other Divine 9 members.
What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in becoming members of the Divine 9? Research, understand the commitments and why becoming a part of Divine 9 sorority of fraternity is important to you as an individual. Look deeper than the colors of the organization and the perceived stereotypes that serve as an identifier for entry.
How did your experience in your organization play a role in your journey to get you where you are today? Perseverance. Knowing that life will provide you with trials and tribulations, but you can always find ways to navigate and overcome. Leverage your network to help you to overcome and help you to grow (while helping others). Being a thought partner and leader and sharing with others.
