Tim Jones doesn’t have an engineering degree from the University of Georgia. In fact, his master’s degree came from one of UGA’s rivals – The University of Tennessee. But that didn’t stop him from establishing the T.W. Jones Structural Engineering Scholarship at UGA, because his roots are here in Georgia.
Tell us a little about your background.
“I was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1992 and thoroughly enjoyed growing up in my hometown of Jonesboro, Georgia. Thanks to social media, I am able to stay connected with a few childhood friends. When I was in middle school, my father received a promotion that moved my family to Memphis, Tennessee. From there I went on to graduate from high school and attend the University of Memphis. I was fortunate to be an athlete on the University of Memphis track and field team for 4 years and graduated with a B.S. in civil engineering. Immediately after graduation, I started a job as an iron worker on the Hernando do Soto Bridge in Memphis. After a year, I knew that I wanted to further my engineering education and enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After my first semester there, I obtained a research assistant position and went on to graduate with an M.S. in civil engineering with a concentration in structural engineering in 2017. Since then, I’ve been employed as a structural engineer by Burns & McDonnell and reside in Kansas City, Kansas.”
“Georgia has always felt like home to me.”
How are you connected to UGA?
“I am a long-time fan of the University of Georgia and had even listed UGA as a dream school when I first began planning to attend college. I grew up watching Bulldog football and would even listen to the radio broadcasts if I had to. Georgia has always felt like home to me.”
When was your first inkling that you might want to be a donor to UGA?
“Being a donor never occurred to me until the last few years. After going to two schools in Tennessee, I’m often asked why I didn’t attend UGA. My standard answer relied on the fact that, at the time I was researching schools and degrees, UGA didn’t have an ABET-accredited program, and I didn’t want to miss the chance at being an NCAA athlete. When I noticed the growth of the UGA engineering program, and the fact that it was receiving both public and private support, I felt like it was time to join the cause.”
What inspired you to be a donor?
“The company I work for has a unique way of instilling a passion to give back to communities and organizations. From this passion, I decided that I wanted to give students the financial means to pursue a dream that I myself was not able to pursue at UGA, while also joining the UGA family in my own way. With a continually growing, ABET-accredited program, I wanted to help in shaping people’s futures and in the future of the state of Georgia. I would love to see the structural engineering program continue to grow and provide opportunities for STEM education and jobs.”
Why UGA, of all places?
“UGA reminds me of my home in Georgia and of all the fond memories I have of growing up there. Being a son of the south, UGA provides a connection to the people that are from the area and share the same sentiments.”
“UGA reminds me of my home in Georgia and of all the fond memories I have of growing up there.”
How did you decide to create a scholarship for UGA engineering students?
“These students are forming the foundation for the future of the UGA Engineering program. Although some of them may not realize it yet, they will continue on to be future donors, professors, recruiters, and working professionals who got their starts at UGA. I think that investing in these students is one of the best ways to invest in the future of the program. I think an investment at the birth of a program has a more significant impact than adding a drop in the bucket of an established program.”
What has been the most satisfying moment of your experience as a donor at UGA?
“Attending the scholarship luncheon and meeting my scholarship recipient has been my most satisfying moment so far. It was so great to meet him and talk with him about what he envisions for his future. By being there, I also hope it inspires him to give back in his own way some day. Giving back does not require substantial wealth, and someone of any age can do it. I believe I may have caught some people by surprise – I think I was mistaken for a student at times.”
“I think that investing in these students is one of the best ways to invest in the future of the program.”
What do you hope your scholarship achieves?
“I hope my scholarship can aid students in getting their degrees so that they can have successful careers in the fields they choose. I also hope they don’t forget their roots and where they came from. Giving back to the college and the community allows many others to follow in their footsteps.”
If you could say one thing to someone who is thinking about becoming a donor to the College of Engineering, what would it be?
“With current events what they are, it has never been more apparent that we must help those around us succeed and prosper in life. Everyone is capable of lending a hand, whether it is through donations, volunteering, or by being a good neighbor.
John Bunyan said, ‘You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.'”
