Contact: Maridith Geuder
Aretha Jones-Cook
A former student affairs administrator at the University of North Florida is the new director of Mississippi State's Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.
Aretha Jones-Cook, who most recently directed the UNF Center for Multicultural Affairs, will assume her duties immediately following formal state College Board approval.
"Ms. Jones-Cook is a dynamic, visionary leader who will significantly enhance Mississippi State's commitment to fostering a culturally diverse campus," said Jimmy W. Abraham, interim vice president for student affairs.
At UNF, Jones-Cook simultaneously served as director of the multicultural center and the retention services office, developing programming to support both cultural awareness and student academic success. Earlier, she held student affairs positions at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where she served as coordinator of leadership development and student organizations, as well as student services coordinator.
"Ms. Jones-Cook brings more than 20 years of experience to this key position in the Division of Student Affairs, and under her guidance we look forward to moving the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center to a new level of service at Mississippi State," Abraham said.
A native of Somerville, Tenn., Jones-Cook holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and history from Tennessee State University and a master's in sociology and anthropology from Lincoln University in Missouri.
She is a member of the American College Personnel Association, a board member of United Way of Starkville, a former board member of the National Society of Black Engineers and a member of Golden Key and QEBH honor societies. She also is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Jones-Cook has conducted numerous diversity/multicultural workshops and presentations at state and national conferences.
"I am honored to be a part of Mississippi State University," she said. "I am looking forward to collaborating with students and colleagues and am committed to enhancing the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center."