Advancing Scholars, One Tier At A Time
The Melvin Jones FoundationThe MWJ Foundation provides financial assistance, networking resources, and services in support of mentoring initiatives, scholarships, and professional career development programs.
About Us
The Melvin W. Jones (MWJ) Foundation was established in 2004 to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Melvin Wallase Jones. Melvin’s lifelong mission was to encourage academic success, enhance leadership skills and mentor and pursue avenues for the career development of students, novice professionals and the community as a whole. His philosophy “Never, Ever, Ever …Give Up” is the principle upon which the foundation was established. The MWJ Foundation provides financial assistance, networking resources, and services in support of mentoring initiatives, scholarships, and professional career development programs.
Melvin Jones Foundation Tribute Video
About Us (Continued)
At this time, the primary focus of the MWJ Foundation is the Melvin W. Jones Learning Community on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The “Jones Scholars,” are freshmen students who live and take two classes together to foster their leadership development. During their freshmen year, the Jones Scholars also engage in community service and other activities to promote positive social advocacy. During the Fall, 2011-12 academic year, there are 17 students enrolled in the Jones Scholars program (the “Theta” class). They join over one hundred former Jones Scholars (known as “Jones Scholar Alumni” on the UNL campus. The Jones Scholar Alumni are students who are still matriculating at UNL who have attained sophomore, junior or senior status. They are “alumni” of the Jones Scholar Learning Community, but haven’t graduated from UNL. During the Spring, 2011, three Jones Scholars received their Master’s degrees – one completed her programs entirely on the UNL campus! Jones Scholars major in a variety of educational fields, ranging from engineering to education to the fine arts. The Jones Scholars are a multiculturally diverse group of students who stand poised be leaders and to take their place in society. The Jones Scholars are contributing to the UNL campus and nationally. On the UNL campus, Jones Scholars are officers in a variety of organizations and provide leadership and serve as role models for others. Jones Scholars have participated in study abroad programs and a number of philanthropic endeavors. Most notable, Jones Scholars went to New Orleans to help rebuild Katrina-ravaged neighborhoods. In the Spring of 2011, one Jones Scholar was selected from over 1000 students nationwide to participate in the anniversary re-enactment of the “Freedom Rides”….yes, Jones Scholars are making their mark!
The MWJ Foundation is soliciting your support to help us provide financial assistance to promote educational opportunities for deserving students. Partnering with the MWJ Foundation advances our commitment to cultivate the minds and aspirations of young adults while continuing the legacy and richness of our family history. It is also our hope that through your donation, the MWJ Foundation will develop and nurture new programs. The MWJ Foundation is not simply a way for creating academic scholars but serves as a catalyst in the development of world leaders. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Contact Us

NEVER, EVER, EVER
EVER, EVER, GIVE UP.
THERE'S A TENDENCY
FOR STUDENTS TO THINK
THINGS AREN'T GOING WELL
THAT THIS IS
NOT FOR ME.
BUT, NEVER STOP TRYING;
NEVER BE SATISFIED WITH
GOOD ENOUGH.
SOCIETY REWARDS PEOPLE
WHO PERSEVERE.
- DR. MELVIN JONES
EMAIL: DR. M. COLLEEN JONES - CJONES3@UNL.EDU
PHONE: (402) 423-1659
ADDRESS: DR. M. COLLEEN JONES
3820 OLD DOMINION CT
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 68516