Lakeshia Legette Jones
Where are you from?
I am from Marion, South Carolina. It is a small, rural town about 40 miles from Myrtle Beach. In school, I ran track and cross country, played tennis, was a cheerleader, and a JROTC cadet officer and drill team superstar, receiving (but declined) a full ROTC scholarship to Howard University.
I earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Columbia College in SC. Then I received my first M.S. and Ph.D. in Mathematics from Howard University and a second M.S. in Mathematical Finance from the University of NC at Charlotte.
Please describe an experience (or 2) that helped you discover/cultivate your interest in the mathematical sciences.
From first grade through high school, all my math teachers were women and to this day, I remember every one of their names. I have great memories of each of them, but there were two in particular that made every class feel like a party. I had a Black math teacher named Ms. Sweeney for 4th grade and a different Black math teacher named Ms. Brown for 7th and 8th grades. At the time, I had no idea how significant this was. I didn’t know that what felt so normal and natural, I would later learn, was a rare phenomenon. During these three classes, I looked forward to class every day and remember feeling comfortable and confident. I remember classrooms filled with laughter, fun and healthy competition! Although I am certain there were kids who struggled with the content, they weren’t singled out or made to feel inadequate. It really felt like we learned and grew together.
What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) regarding your career in the mathematical sciences?
One of my most proud professional accomplishments is earning tenure at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. I am the first Black woman in the department’s history to do so. This experience was not an easy one, nor was the difficulty anticipated. I’m grateful because this professional challenge (and the nation’s social and civil unrest soon after) exposed my “desire” to conduct research that will impact the lives of people in my community. It introduced me to Quantitative Justice and influenced my shift in research to applied topology. It helped me to further understand the importance of community, support and sharing our stories. I ultimately acknowledged my academic isolation and transitioned to a more fitting academic environment.
What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) regarding your personal life?
Although I did not grow up in a typical two-parent household, my father provided me with all the physical things I needed to be successful in life. As a single father he did his best, and I am forever grateful for his love and intentional and strategic support. I am a better me because of all that he taught me and now, I have the privilege of pouring into my family.
I am proud of the life and family I have built with my husband. He is perfect for me, and we have two amazing boys. We live each day with purpose and enjoy life’s adventures together. As a child, I never imagined having a fairy tale ending or a happily ever after. I had no concept of what that meant, at least not by the popular standard. Therefore, my dearest and most proud personal accomplishment is creating and sustaining a life filled with peace, love, and gratitude and one that reflects faith, patience and hard work.
Please share some words of wisdom/inspiration.
You are created with everything you need to be successful and live a purposeful life. You were born with it. Just don’t allow anyone else or society to define what success means for you. Success is not a “one size fits all.”