HBCUs have played a critical role in the achievement of African Americans and their contributions to the U.S. To maintain the legacy and secure educational opportunities for future generations, alumni proudly provide financial support. Patricia Jones leads the charge locally as president of the Metro Richmond Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, a private, all-female HBCU in Atlanta.

Jones believes the policies of the Trump administration will impact Spelman students, although Spelman College has high alumnae-giving rates among HBCUs.

“I’ve already seen the financial impacts of those who receive financial aid,” she said. “Parent loans have been cut, and about 80% of our students are on financial aid.”

When Jones was a senior at Matoaca High School, she had a full scholarship to Virginia Union University, but a marketing mailer from Spelman sparked her curiosity about the school.

“I had never heard of Spelman, but I was encouraged to make a campus visit,” said Jones. “There was something about how the women carried themselves and the welcoming campus that did it for me.”

When she returned, a family meeting was held to discuss her college plans because her school choice would financially impact the entire family. The family agreed that Spelman College offered her a great opportunity despite the increased cost.

Jones studied biology at Spelman because she wanted to become an oncologist. Although her academic studies aren’t directly applicable to her current role as a chemist with the Henrico County Department of Public Utilities, she can apply what she learned at the school to her volunteer work as an EMT in Chesterfield County

Meet a bird-watcher who likes to travel to the scenic Appomattox Water Authority on sunny days and this week’s Personality, Patricia A. Jones:

Occupation: Chemist, Henrico County Department of Public Utilities.

Date and place of birth: July 30, Richmond.

Where I live now: Chesterfield.

Education: Bachelor of science degree in Biology.

Family: Mother, Cheryl; son, Brandon; grandsons, Dartanian and Yosiah.

What is Metro Richmond National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (NAASC): The oldest chapter of the three chapters in Virginia of the NAASC. The chapter includes Spelman alumnae in West Virginia, Southwest Virginia, the Charlottesville Shenandoah Area, Fredericksburg to Woodbridge, Williamsburg to Yorktown, Central Virginia and Petersburg to the North Carolina line. 

Mission: The Metro Richmond Chapter (NAASC) supports Spelman College through student recruitment, sisterhood, community service and financial support.

When and why Metro Richmond NAASC was founded: In 1990, Lisa M. Overton, class of ’82, founded the chapter because she saw a need for a chapter in Virginia. The chapter was officially chartered on May 18, 1991.

History of Spelman College: Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, it  became Spelman College in 1924. Spelman College is a historically Black college and a global leader in educating women of African descent dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts and sciences and the intellectual, creative, ethical and leadership development of its students. Spelman empowers the whole person to engage in many cultures of the world and inspires a commitment to positive social change. The student body comprises more than 2,100 students from 43 states and 10 foreign countries, with 21,000+ alumnae representing 47 states and 24 countries.

When elected Metro Richmond NAASC president: I was initially elected in 2004 and served until 2006. I was re-elected in 2014 and presently serve.

Why I accepted the position: As president, I have the opportunity to meet and work with Spelman alumnae at the state, regional and national levels in addition to prospective and current students.

No. 1 goal or project as president: Promote and encourage the Spelman alumnae sisterhood among the local and statewide alumnae.

Strategy for achieving goal or project: I established the “By Way of the Spelman Walk — Conversation and Fellowship Among Spelman Sisters.” I plan an activity for alumnae where they live to connect them with each other and share NAASC information.

Biggest challenge: It is a challenge to encourage local alumnae to engage in local activities.

Why Spelman College is special to its alumnae: Spelman College represents the interests and needs of our diverse alumnae by affirming the history and traditions of the college through innovative programs and services that strengthen alumnae ties and encourage lifelong support of our alma mater.

I am a member of the class of: 1990.

My Spelman College experience impacts me today: I have had the pleasure of meeting Spelman sisters from the Class of 1935 to the Class of 2028 and witnessing our pride in the alma mater and its accomplishments over the years.

How the Metro Richmond NAASC makes a difference in our community: The chapter supported the United Way by collecting books for their Steps to Success Kindergarten book drive program; providing back-to-school supplies for the Petersburg YMCA back-to-school supplies program; participating in the Sisters to Sisters Network block walks; and the March of Dimes March for Babies Walk.

Upcoming event: We will have our inaugural Women of Excellence Benefit Luncheon on Saturday, March 29, at noon at the Deep Run Recreation Center. We will recognize selected women and organizations who have impacted the local community. The Women of Excellence Trailblazer Award will be presented to U.S. Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan of Virginia’s 4th Congressional District. Tiffany Williams will receive the Barbara P. Elias Alumna Award, and Girls For A Change will be honored with the Women of Excellence Change Organization Award.

The event will benefit: The event will benefit the chapter’s Della Bannister Book Award. Since 2013 the chapter has awarded 25 book awards totaling $16,500 to 22 students. Students are eligible to receive the award twice while attending Spelman College. There are currently 63 students in our contact area attending Spelman College.

Della Bannister is: She was the oldest charter member in our chapter. Education was very important to her, and for many years, she was an assistant professor of Home Economics at Virginia State College (now University).

Why this is a hot ticket: The event will allow attendees the opportunity to meet and learn more about the honorees as well as support the education of Spelman College students.

Ways readers can stay in touch with our chapter: Email: mrcnaasc@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Where to get information about attending Spelman College: Spelman.edu.

If you are a Spelman alumna, how can you join the alumnae association: National membership can be attained through naasc.org or paid through the Metro Richmond Chapter NAASC along with the chapter dues.

How I start the day: My mornings start with a moment of prayer.

Three words that best describe me: Dedicated, dependable and supportive.

Dream dinner party guest: Michelle Obama. Her conversations are inspiring and uplifting.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Watching the various birds on my bird feeders during the day.

Inspirational quote: “When you know your why, your what becomes more impactful because you’re walking towards or in your purpose,” by Michael Jr.

Most influential person: My father, and since his passing in 2019, I have seen his traits in my actions.

Most influential book: “War Room” influenced me because prayer changes things. I learned that when I feel down, I just stop what I am doing and say a prayer.

My current read: “We Make the Road by Walking,” by Brian D. McLaren.

Next goal: Completion of the chapter’s Virginia Spelman license plate campaign. The goal is to reach the 350 pre-orders making Spelman College the first non-Virginia HBCU to have a state of Virginia license plate.