Joshua Jones, from Portland, TN, graduated from Portland High School in 2001 with an Honors Diploma, and state recognition for helping his team win the first State football title in the history of the program. After graduating from high school, he attended Cumberland University on a football scholarship, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He later went on to attend Bethel University, and in 2014, earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Management with a 4.0 grade point average.
Josh grew up in a single parent household, where his mother did the very best she could in order to provide for him, as well as his younger brother and sister. Very early-on in his life, Josh knew that he wanted more for his future. His parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other close family members, all have work(ed) extensive hours and labor in different jobs in the manufacturing industry. Seeing their hard work and long hours, he realized this type of work was not for him. He prayed that he would not be forced to live, as an adult, the same life he experienced in his youth.
Growing up, he was one of the “popular kids” who, on the surface, appeared to have a stable home life, because he always carried himself well and kept a smile on his face. However, his home life was far different from what people would have assumed. He did not let his personal trials derail him from the goals he had set for himself. He knew what was required of him in order to succeed in life. He is motivated by the hard work and misfortunes of his mother; her unfortunate trials have encouraged him to make a difference in his life, his family’s life and anyone else’s life with which he may come in contact.
Josh has used the trials and setbacks of his upbringing to motivate him and drive him to reach his dreams. Josh has always had a desire to make a difference in his community, and he believes that through H.Y.P.E., he will help provide hope for young people who are facing similar trials that he faced.
