Rick Jones, Ed.D., Director
Vocation: Lifelong Educator/Coach & University Instructor/Mentor of Student Teachers
Hometown: Paramount, CA
Background: Rick was born and raised in Paramount and graduated from Paramount High School in 1977. He became a Partner-in-Mission at Emmanuel Reformed Church in 1976. Attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo on a football scholarship, Rick earned his bachelor’s degree (1981) and secondary teaching credential (1982) and began his 35-year teaching/coaching career at the high school level. Continuing as a lifelong learner, Rick earned his master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University (1989) and a doctorate in education from Argosy University (2008). He became an instructor/mentor of student teachers at the university level beginning in 2011. Rick has been a volunteer youth basketball coach and a volunteer in various roles within The Compton Initiative (TCI) over the past 15 years, including as a lieutenant, a volunteer, and assistant to the previous TCI Director, Jeudy Mom.
Family: Rick has been married to Krista since 1995. They have four adult children and gratefully and joyfully celebrate their young granddaughter and grandson who is due in September.
What do you hope the Compton Initiative will accomplish? “My hope is for the continued transformation of Compton through the ongoing building of Community, Unity, and Family, through steadfast, determined, and solutions-focused partnerships (with both individuals & groups), and by enthusiastically loving and investing in the future of this great city!”
What is your favorite thing about a Compton work day? “My favorite thing about a Compton work day is witnessing thousands of determined volunteers standing shoulder-to-shoulder, making a difference in the spirit of brotherhood/sisterhood by illustrating what it truly means to love your neighbor and care about our community! Together Everyone Achieves More!!!”
How has the Compton Initiative helped you grow? “Through The Compton Initiative, I have been able to experience and have had reinforced the fact that Everyone Matters, Everything Matters, and Everything is Possible! Change and transformation begin in the human heart and is demonstrated through unselfish, collaborative, and determined love (demonstrated through ACTION) that never, never, never gives up or shrinks back from a challenge, but instead optimistically and joyfully seeks out the welfare of the city and is a People-Building force for good and for transformation!”
Rick Jones, Ed.D., Director
Vocation: Lifelong Educator/Coach & University Instructor/Mentor of Student Teachers
Hometown: Paramount, CA
Background: Rick was born and raised in Paramount and graduated from Paramount High School in 1977. He became a Partner-in-Mission at Emmanuel Reformed Church in 1976. Attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo on a football scholarship, Rick earned his bachelor’s degree (1981) and secondary teaching credential (1982) and began his 35-year teaching/coaching career at the high school level. Continuing as a lifelong learner, Rick earned his master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University (1989) and a doctorate in education from Argosy University (2008). He became an instructor/mentor of student teachers at the university level beginning in 2011. Rick has been a volunteer youth basketball coach and a volunteer in various roles within The Compton Initiative (TCI) over the past 15 years, including as a lieutenant, a volunteer, and assistant to the previous TCI Director, Jeudy Mom.
Family: Rick has been married to Krista since 1995. They have four adult children and gratefully and joyfully celebrate their young granddaughter and grandson who is due in September.
What do you hope the Compton Initiative will accomplish? “My hope is for the continued transformation of Compton through the ongoing building of Community, Unity, and Family, through steadfast, determined, and solutions-focused partnerships (with both individuals & groups), and by enthusiastically loving and investing in the future of this great city!”
What is your favorite thing about a Compton work day? “My favorite thing about a Compton work day is witnessing thousands of determined volunteers standing shoulder-to-shoulder, making a difference in the spirit of brotherhood/sisterhood by illustrating what it truly means to love your neighbor and care about our community! Together Everyone Achieves More!!!”
How has the Compton Initiative helped you grow? “Through The Compton Initiative, I have been able to experience and have had reinforced the fact that Everyone Matters, Everything Matters, and Everything is Possible! Change and transformation begin in the human heart and is demonstrated through unselfish, collaborative, and determined love (demonstrated through ACTION) that never, never, never gives up or shrinks back from a challenge, but instead optimistically and joyfully seeks out the welfare of the city and is a People-Building force for good and for transformation!”