Episode 003 - Empowering Change: Building a Network of Black Male Nurse Leaders

We're honored to have Dr. Michael L. Jones, to share his inspiring journey and insights amidst societal expectations, making history as the first African American male to graduate from his nursing program and earn a PhD in Nursing from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of black and male representation in nursing and its effect on black men's health. He also shares how mentorship has been crucial in his career, the current challenges black male nurses face in the healthcare industry and how The Network of Black Male Nurse Leaders addresses these obstacles through advocacy and support. Collaboration and partnership is the future. This is how we can envision being able to continue to inspire, support, and nurture black male nurses, driving positive change and ensuring quality care for all communities. 
 
PODCAST HOST: Fallon M. Flowers, MSN, BS, RN, WHNP-BC
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ABOUT THE GUEST:  Michael L. Jones, a native of Leake County, Mississippi, currently serves as the inaugural Associate Dean for Culture, Engagement, and Professional Development as well as Clinical Associate Professor for the East Carolina University College of Nursing, which is in Greenville, North Carolina. Prior to serving in this role, Dr. Jones served as Richards Endowed Graduate Nursing Chair, Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Research Development Coordinator for the Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. Dr. Jones also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health at Jackson State University, which is an HBCU in Central Mississippi.

Over his 24-year career, Dr. Jones has worked tirelessly to address health disparities and inequities such as his tenure as Chief Community Health Officer for the University of Mississippi Medical Center. In this role, Dr. Jones worked to improve relationships between the sole academic medical center in the state of Mississippi and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Additionally, he worked alongside the Office of Multicultural Affairs to manage programs aimed at ensuring minority students received equity in the educational offerings at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Jones did his initial college coursework at East Central Community College. He received his formal nursing education at Meridian Community and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  

He received is Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Hampton University, becoming the first African American male to graduate from their program and the first African American male to graduate from an HBCU with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. Dr. Jones serves on several local, state, and national boards and committees including Board of Directors for the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health where he serves as founding Board Treasurer. Dr. Jones is the Immediate Past Chair of the National Advisory Panel on Clinical Trials for the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Additionally, D