The UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has made history, today, with the naming of Milton H. Jones, Jr. as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
In a press release announcement, it was revealed that Jones — an Atlanta businessman known for his work with Peachtree Providence Partners, as well as a longtime civic leader — is the first Black man to hold the position of Chair of the Board of Directors.
Jones succeeds longtime UNCF Board of Directors chair William F. Stasior, Sr., retired Chairman and CEO of Booz Allen Hamilton, who served as UNCF’s Chair for 11 years.
“Since 1944, UNCF has played an integral role in changing the life trajectory for each student it has served, and l look forward to continuing that legacy,” said Jones, in the press release announcement. “Our member institutions and students remain the focus of our collective efforts. As we progress each year, we will grow our organization by building upon the strong foundation laid at UNCF’s inception and strengthened throughout its history.”
In this role, Jones will work to grow the UNCF endowment, benefiting the 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) belonging to the UNCF network of member institutions.
Prior to his election as Board Chair, Jones served as Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the Finance Committee. He has been a member of the UNCF Board since 2005.
Perhaps most gob-smacking of all, about this announcement, is that Jones is the first Black man to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for an organization designed to help Black students get the college and university education they otherwise might not be able to afford. Past Chairmen of the Board of Directors include John D. Rockefeller, III; former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo’s International Food and Beverage Division Michael H. Jordan and former Revlon President and CEO Jack Stahl (all of whom, it goes without saying, are white).
