Name: Thomas Zachary “Zach” Jones
Community College Attended: Robeson Community College
Home County: Robeson
College(s) Attended/ Years Attended: UNCP (2011-2013, 2015-2017) & UNCW (2020-)
Major(s): BS Elementary Education, MAEd Reading Education, currently pursuing EdD Educational Leadership
Minor(s): Special Education
County Now Living In: Robeson
Employer: Public Schools of Robeson County (PSRC)
Title: Teacher
Years Working for Current Employer: 7
What are some of your major accomplishments during college?
I graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society.
What would you tell someone interested in applying for the Golden LEAF Scholarship about being a recipient?
Our rural communities need people who are diligent and dedicated to improving these communities through our talents. Golden LEAF recipients are charged with leading these improvement initiatives. Embrace the responsibility.
What helped you decide to live/ work in a rural area?
My father is a native of Robeson County and my parents retired here in 2007. I moved here at a really challenging time in my life and education helped me change my life for the better. Living and working in Robeson County has provided me with a mission. This area needs quality educators who can meet the holistic needs of students.
What kind of leadership roles are you serving in currently?
I am a master third-grade teacher for the Public Schools of Robeson County. I serve on the pacing guide committee for second and third-grade Reading/ELA. I also serve on the Teacher Education Committee at UNC-Pembroke.
What would you like to share about your personal or professional philosophies?
Education changes lives!