Dr. Marian Yvette Jones is an accomplished healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience in various roles within the medical field. She currently serves as the Director of Health and Wellness at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she oversees the health services and wellness initiatives for students. Her leadership has significantly enhanced the quality and accessibility of student healthcare at JCSU, including the transformation of the Health Center into a more welcoming and professional facility.
Dr. Jones’ extensive background spans various medical fields, including oncology, OB-GYN, internal medicine, general surgery, family medicine and emergency care. Her career also includes a diverse array of administrative roles, such as Medical Transcriptionist, Medical Insurance Clerk, and Recertification Nurse. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with hands-on clinical experience in providing patient care and support in a variety of healthcare settings. Her expertise in both clinical care and healthcare administration has made her a valuable asset to JCSU and the broader healthcare community.
Dr. Jones is passionate about improving healthcare access for underserved populations, particularly young adults. Her work at JCSU has included establishing partnerships with major healthcare providers such as Novant Health, Atrium Health, and the Mecklenburg County Health Department, which has expanded the resources available to students. She also spearheaded initiatives such as the implementation of Telehealth services, First Aid Centers in residence halls, and AED placement across campus.
Dr. Jones played a pivotal role in supporting students through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She led efforts to establish COVID-19 testing sites, implement quarantine and isolation protocols, and distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) to students. Additionally, Dr. Jones spearheaded communication campaigns to educate students on COVID-19 safety guidelines, reducing the risk of transmission on campus.
Her dedication to student health and wellness has earned her numerous accolades, including the Lonnie T. Parker Pinnacle Award for Caring, the Trench Worker Award, and the Moses S. Belton Award for Distinguished Administrative Services. Dr. Jones was also honored with the Grantsmanship of the Year award for her work as the Project Director of a SAMHSA-funded HIV, Hepatitis C, and substance abuse prevention grant. Additionally, she has been featured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for her work on influenza vaccination disparities.
Dr. Jones holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctorate in Public Health from Capella University, a Master’s in Human Services, and a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management. She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and is currently leading a mental health initiative through the Health Education for Advanced Living (HEAL II) grant.
Through her extensive experience and commitment to student health, Dr. Jones continues to make a profound impact on the well-being of the JCSU community.