Parliamentarian
Marvin L. Jones Sr. serves officially as the Parliamentarian for the Stephen Long-Worcester High Pioneers (SL-WHP) organization. Jones’ responsibilities to the organization, however, extend beyond merely maintaining parliamentary order during SL-WHP proceedings. He collaborates closely with the President, fulfilling various responsibilities crucial to SL-WHP’s success.
Jones was born and reared in Pocomoke City, Maryland. He attended the all-Black Stephen Long Elementary School in Pocomoke from 1958 until his completion of junior high grades 7 and 8 at Worcester High. It is important to note that during America’s segregation era, segregated educational settings were the norm for Black children in America. Following Jones’ junior high years, he enrolled in the formerly all-White Pocomoke High School in 1966 from which he graduated in 1970. This period marked the early stages of integration, as Black and White students began sharing classrooms. Despite the numerous challenges they faced, Black students like Jones were able to succeed because they drew upon the rock-solid educational foundations bequeathed to them during their formative years in segregated educational settings.
After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Jones embarked on a lengthy and storied career at his alma mater. He retired in 2018 as the Interim Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, having served as a university administrator for 44 years. Throughout his distinguished tenure, Jones provided oversight and guidance to directors in various areas such as university housing, career planning, health services, student activities, counseling services, judicial affairs, and health/wellness programs. His focus was on promoting student development and ensuring the well-being of the university community.
Jones’ character was shaped by the examples set by his strong parents and a grandmother who were known for their generosity and willingness to assist those in need within the community. Those values were passed down to Jones, fostering a natural interest in the mission of SL-WHP. Jones embodies the principles of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc., to which he has been affiliated for nearly 40 years: “First of All-Servants of All-We Shall Transcend All.” This powerful credo reflects Jones’ initiative-taking and action-oriented approach to life.