Victor Jones is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility for the University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Recognized for his work, Jones was awarded the EIU College of Education Rising Star Alumni Award, which is given out by the College of Education and Professional Studies at Eastern Illinois University.
Those receiving the CEPS Rising Star Award must have graduated within ten years from Eastern Illinois University and using their degree from the College of Education or College of Health and Human Services, have excelled in their field or career.
At the College of Education and Professional at Eastern Illinois University, they aim to prepare professionals to become competent practitioners in research in theory. This goal is attempted through the creation and implementation of programs that promote intellectual, physical, psychological, and social well-being. Thus, the CEPS Rising Star Award recognizes those who reflect this mission, such as Victor Jones.
When asked to comment on this achievement, Jones stated, “I’m honored to receive this recognition! I’m many instances, doing advocacy work can be thankless and the emotional labor can go overlooked, so it means a lot to be recognized and celebrated for my contributions in higher education. Also, there’s something about being called a “Rising Star” that energizes you to keep going, to keep creating, to keep innovating, and to continue being a change agent. . . I’m honored.”
Information about the CEPS Rising Award and details may be found at https://www.eiu.edu/cepsalumni/awards.php.