STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Nichole Jones’ leadership at Tarleton State University and beyond isn’t just recognized, it’s celebrated — earning her the Undergraduate Intentional Leadership Award at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated’s 2024 West Texas State Workshop.
Jones, a senior studying pre-pharmacy, has been serving the campus and getting involved since she started as a freshman. As a second-generation Tarleton State Texan and legacy Zeta Phi Beta member, Jones has immersed herself in the campus community.
“Both of my parents went to Tarleton State. My father is in the Hall of Fame for his basketball accomplishments and currently my mom is a Director and Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work on the Tarleton State Fort Worth campus,” said Jones. “When I was considering colleges, Tarleton State already felt like home, so I decided to come here.”
She has left a significant mark on campus, serving as Tarleton State’s chapter president of Zeta Phi Beta, planning events and activities that exhibit the sorority’s ideals of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.
“Nichole Jones is an amazing and intelligent young lady that we are grateful to have as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated,” said LaTanya M. Logan, Zeta Phi Beta West Texas State director. “She serves as Sigma Omicron chapter president and holds a regional position as the Southern Regional Undergraduate Member at Large.”
As chapter president, Jones has planned activities for members of the Tarleton State community to participate in, such as the annual Soul Night and study nights, among others. She has also impacted the Stephenville community by serving on the cleanup team at Mount Olive Cemetery.
“We were pleased to award her with the Undergraduate Intentional Leadership Award because of her dedication to her chapter, strong work ethic and willingness to always help others,” added Logan.
This award is presented to active members of the sorority who exhibit the qualities expected of a Zeta Phi Beta and who are going above and beyond to lead others.
“Receiving this award felt very empowering for me because when you do so much work, it is easy to feel unnoticed,” said Jones. “But to have somebody share with you, I see you — I see the work you’re putting in — and I want you to know that it is appreciated; it just means so much.”
After Jones graduates in December, she aims to start pharmacy school and continue to pursue her professional and educational goals.
As Jones plans for what’s next, she hopes to encourage future Texans to make the most of their college experience by connecting with the community.
“Get involved and immerse yourself in the culture. That is what makes the college experience,” encouraged Jones. “During my time at Tarleton State, I have worked for Student Engagement and Success, I was an ambassador for the Parents Association, and joined Zeta Phi Beta. My college experience went from black and white to full color when I started getting involved.”
For more information about organizations, community and campus life at Tarleton State, visit www.tarleton.edu/ses/get-involved/
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.