Dr. ZeVida A. Jones is an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin. She is a nationally certified, licensed professional counselor who received her Ed.D in Counseling Education from The University of Memphis. She has over 15 years of experience in counseling, consultation, coaching, and academic advising. Dr. Jones served as the Secondary Counselor and Deputy Principal of Xiamen International School in Xiamen, China. Before moving abroad in 2018, She was an Adjunct Professor in the Counseling, Educational Psychology & Research Department at The University of Memphis and a high school counselor with the Shelby County Schools District and Gestalt Community Schools.

 

Dr. Jones is the founding director of Finding The You Inside Youth Ministry (FYI), 501(c)(3), and has worked in youth ministry for over 20 years. She teaches, mentors, and assists underprivileged youth and young adults with making academic, career, and life choices that propel their success. 

 

Dr. Jones' area of expertise is first-generation students. She has extensively researched high school counselors' impact on first-generation African American college students' post-secondary aspirations. Dr. Jones' experience and knowledge concerning the experiences of first-generation, low-income, and minority students provide her with the necessary insight to inspire, empower and motivate this special group of students to attend college. As an Educational Consultant, she offers comprehensive college planning to assist students in successfully transitioning, attending, and graduating.  

 

Dr. Jones has expanded her services to include assisting graduate students with the challenging but accomplishable goal of completing their Thesis/Dissertation. She provides all clients with immeasurable support, understanding, and encouragement throughout the professional relationship.

​

Dr. Jones also owns Empowering Books Publishing House (EBPH) and is the author of "So You Call Yourself a Counselor?: High School Counselors' Impact on First-Generation African American College Students' Post-Secondary Aspirations." She is the co-author of "Motivation Mondays: Inspiration for the Young Adult" and "TESTED: 365 Days of Inspiration" journals. Dr. Jones has also published two adult coloring books, "I Am Who I Say I Am" and "All The Things I Want to Scream," under the pseudonym of DruSuan Z. DiJuan – the middle names of her daughter and son, and the first initial of her name.

​

Education

• Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, The University of Memphis

• Ed.S. in School Counseling, The University of Memphis

• M.A. in Liberal Studies, The University of Memphis

• B.S. in Accounting, Christian Brothers University

• A.A.S. in Computer Accounting, State Technical Institute at Memphis

• A.A.S. in Business Accounting, State Technical Institute at Memphis

 

Professional Associations

• American School Counselor Association

• Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling National Honor Society)

• National Academic Advising Association

• Tennessee Counseling Association

• West Tennessee Counseling Association

 

Social Organizations

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.