We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Mautra Staley Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Mautra Staley below.
Dr. Mautra Staley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
I am fortunate to have been raised by my grandmother; a firm, yet loving woman who offered stability in an often unstable, uncertain environment. At a very young age, I endured incredible hardships. Yet, when faced with these hardships, my grandmother provided encouragement, wisdom and care. She instilled in me the transformative effect of education, the benefits of sacrifice, and the importance of service. These are the same values that guide me daily and are what inspire me to be for the students at Oklahoma City Community College what my grandmother was for me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My brand is one of servant leadership and for more than two decades I have had the opportunity to serve educational and nonprofit organizations in this regard. I’ve always believed in the transformative effect of education; it truly is the great equalizer. Education is what helped me—a child from humble beginnings—advance and it opened doors and yielded countless opportunities. I chose a career in education to help other similarly-situated students realize their dreams. I wanted those kids to know that their circumstance did not have to define their destiny. I wanted them to know that with education there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.
On March 1, 2022, I became the 11th President of Oklahoma City Community College, the fourth largest institution of higher education in the state of Oklahoma. With my appointment, I made history by becoming both the first woman and the first person of color to serve as President of the College which serves over 17,000 students. My appointment also made Oklahoma history as I am the first African American female to serve as president of any institution of higher education in the state that is not an HBCU (Historically Black College and University).
Beyond my professional life, I provide leadership to various corporate, civic and charitable organizations. Governors Kevin Stitt and Mary Fallin appointed me as a board director for the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, a commissioner for the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission, and as a member of the Oklahoma standards steering committee. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt appointed me to the Civic Center Foundation’s board of directors.
Additionally, I serve as a board director for BancFirst and BancFirst Corporation; South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, StitchCrew, Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, Oklahoma Watch, and Leadership Oklahoma City’s Alumni Association.
I am a board advisor to the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, a Salt and Light Leadership (SALLT) Fellow, a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City (Class XXIX), and a member of the second cohort of the MSI Aspiring Leaders Program at Rutgers University. I am also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., VEST, Rotary Club 29, Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary and Visionary Women of Oklahoma (VOW).
I was recently inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame and have been named Woman of the Year by 405 Magazine, The Journal Record, Perry Publishing and Broadcasting, and With Love OKC. I am proud that last year, I was named the 2021 National Mother of the Year and 2021 Oklahoma Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. I have also been honored as an Achiever Under 40 by The Journal Record, OKC Biz and Oklahoma Magazine, among other noteworthy achievements.
I have a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix at San Diego, and an Ed.D. from Vanderbilt University. I am married to United States District Judge Bernard M. Jones II, and we are the proud parents of three children.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience is built into who I am. Operating under the notion that I am a victor and not a victim has helped me on my journey. Despite a tumultuous childhood, I have always been optimistic and positive. My grandmother fostered my hopes and dreams. She was steadfast, loving and supportive. Seeing her step up to the challenge of raising her grandchildren was resilience in action. I may not have known it at the time, but my grandmother was a model for perseverance. It’s a model I do my best to live up to even to this day.
What made my grandmother so special? I’d argue that it was her strength, determination and presence. Being reliable and investing in my well being and future created resiliency in me. Having those types of mentors in my life as I’ve transitioned into different stages of my career has grown even more perseverance. I was blessed to have adults who were invested in me, and they launched me onto the path that led me here.
Any advice for managing a team?
OCCC is an institution rich in tradition. For 50 years, OCCC has provided an unparalleled educational experience. We serve over 17,000 students and offer more than 60 degree or certificate programs in a wide variety of majors. We are currently the fourth largest institution of higher learning in the state. My goal is to build on that legacy—to offer more and to serve more—and to do it through partnerships with business and industry leaders. I work daily to develop relationships that will strengthen our course offerings and meet the needs of the ever-evolving workforce. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that our students, regardless of where they are in their education journeys, receive a high caliber education that will enable them to transition to a four year institution or to confidently enter the workforce. And, we cannot do this successfully without the aid of business, industry and community leaders. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to our mission of student success, community enrichment. High morale is maintained by creating a positive people culture, equipping team members with necessary resources that enable them to do their jobs, and investing continuously in professional development and growth opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.occc.edu/president
- Instagram: @mautrajones
- Facebook: Mautra Staley Jones
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mautra-staley-jones-ed-d-70566b3
- Twitter: @PresidentOCCC
- Youtube: Oklahoma City Community College
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
J. Wiggins