Event Details

Continuing our series on what’s next in leadership, we are delighted to have an emerging St. Louis leader, Michael Jones II, Ph.D. A native Saint Louisan he is Associate Director, of the Race & Opportunity Lab at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Jones provides leadership for  HomeGrown StL, an initiative dedicated to improving the well-being of Black boys and young men and reimagining the ways in which our communities support their health, academic attainment, employment, developmental opportunity, and transition into adulthood. Michael is passionate about his hometown’s ability to increase our capacity by building the necessary infrastructure and support systems for marginalized populations.

Mike is a graduate of Saint Louis University where he studied Sociology, Theology, and African American Studies prior to earning his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. Michael is also completing his Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS.

Prior to joining the Race & Opportunity Lab, Michael previously worked at the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement cultivating student leader and learning opportunities that partner with K-12 schools and local nonprofits. Mike is the youth pastor of Friendly Temple Church, serving youth throughout the St. Louis area through a variety of programs and community collaborations  including the launch of a Learn to Play partnership with the St. Louis Blues.