This is the third of a series of stories about former Prof athletes and coaches and where they are now.
GLASSBORO, NJ – LeRoi Jones, originally from Red Bank, NJ, graduated from Rowan University in 1995, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. A linebacker, Jones had an excellent football career in the three seasons that he played for the Profs.
“We had such an eclectic bunch of players on our team,” he recalled. “I was a part of something bigger than myself. My teammates were definitely the most exciting part of my time on the team at Rowan – of course, winning was always great too.” He also cites receiving the Lambert Cup and winning the conference championships in 1995 and 1993 as highlights.
Jones finished his career with 271 tackles, 88 solo and 183 assisted. He also totaled seven sacks (-46), 13 tackles for a loss (-32), 11 pass breakups, nine fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. His sophomore and senior year, he was named to the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) All-Conference first team. Jones was a NJAC All-Conference second team selection as a junior.
In his final season, he was selected the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year and to the American Football Coaches Association All-America team. Jones was also a member of the Football Gazette All-America and Hewlett-Packard All-America teams. Rowan recorded a 27-8-1 record when Jones played and the football team advanced to the NCAA Division III Championship, the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, in 1995 and 1993.
After graduation, Jones signed a contract with the Connecticut Coyotes and played with them for one year. Once the season ended, he lined up a job in Long Branch, NJ at a mental health agency. There, he was able to study and see first-hand the effects of illnesses ranging from depression to schizophrenia. “It was truly a learning experience,” he stated, “in terms of understanding the meaning of compassion and caring for others.”
This compassion and desire to help others stayed with Jones, and carried over into every area of his life. While residing in Shrewsbury Township and pursuing his first master’s degree, Jones became aware of the township’s political situation. “There was someone running for council who held views that differed from the community’s,” he said. So instead of complaining and waiting for someone else to do something, Jones immediately stepped up to the plate. “I asked around and found out what people thought about me running for the position. I ran into the current mayor at the time and listened to him talk at a community function.” The current council then endorsed Jones, who ended up winning the committee members seat and the deputy mayor post.
“I was responsible for finance, public works, recycling and maintenance,” shared Jones. “I also acted as the liaison to state police, public safety and state intervention programs.” With such a busy workload, he also found time to obtain a second master’s degree – this time from Monmouth University.
After five years in the political scene, Jones stepped down from his position. He needed time to spend with his family, and hours to devote to his most recent academic challenge – getting his doctorate. Now back at Rowan University, Jones is working on his dissertational thesis. Upon its completion, he will graduate with a doctorate. His 180 page long dissertation is entitled, “An Auto Ethnographic Journey through School Leadership in an Alternative Educational Environment.”
Much of the research needed for this work could be found first hand at his current position. Jones is now the “principal” figure of YouthBuild Newark in Newark, NJ. According to its website: “YouthBuild is a youth and community development program that simultaneously addresses core issues facing low-income communities: housing, education, employment, crime prevention and leadership development.”
Jones’ upbringing enables him to closely relate with the students he works with each and every day through YouthBuild. He fulfills many roles as he counsels and encourages teenagers and young adults in academics and employment opportunities. “They are some of the best students I have ever worked with. I’m excited to go to work every day. We provide education opportunities to receive a high school diploma or G.E.D., SAT testing, college tours, college presentations and more. We give them the opportunity to broaden their horizons.”
Jones is an excellent example of what hard work and perseverance can accomplish. He has this to say to current Rowan students: “You’re here for an education and that should be your primary concern. If you’re active in athletics, that takes a very close second. The best way to manage this is by making sure you schedule classes with appropriate time in between for studying purposes, practice and games.”
