Whitney Jones

Background

About Whitney Jones

As the Assistant Director of Student Success at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), my primary focus is on leading the planning, budgeting, and execution of significant student events, such as graduation and orientation alongside student support programming throughout the academic year. My role centralizes on event and meeting management, aiming to foster a strong sense of community and inclusivity among our diverse student body. I spearhead the advisement of student group activities and government affairs, enhancing our marketing and communication strategies to ensure our events' success and reach.My dedication to bringing people together drives my work. I excel in creating supportive, inclusive environments through meticulously planned events that celebrate our students' academic and personal milestones. Managing the budget for the Office of Student Services (OSS) and supervising two part-time graduate assistants, I ensure our initiatives are both ambitious and achievable, directly contributing to an enriched student experience.I am deeply committed to empowering students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, and developing mentoring and leadership programs that bolster a sense of belonging and achievement. My background as an alum of Penn GSE's Master's in Higher Education program, combined with my BA in Political Science and Government from Saint Joseph's University, where I was recognized for my academic and leadership achievements, informs my approach to student success.In sum, my role is defined by a passion for event management, underpinned by a proactive approach to planning and a commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive experiences that support student success.