Becoming the First Black Female President of OKC Community College | Degrees of Success Ep 001

Trailblazer. Leader. History-Maker. 🎓✨ Dr. Mautra Jones is redefining leadership in higher education as the first woman and first person of color to serve as President of Oklahoma City Community College. In this episode of Degrees of Success, she shares her inspiring journey—from overcoming a challenging childhood to earning top honors in education and becoming a nationally recognized advocate for diversity and inclusion. In 2023, Dr. Jones was named Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO for public companies by The Journal Record. She’s also received prestigious awards like the 100 Women to Know Across North America Award and Oklahoma’s Remarkable Woman award. Dr. Jones was inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame in 2022 and named National Mother of the Year in 2021 by American Mothers, Inc. Dr. Jones’s dynamic leadership has left an indelible mark on the institutions she’s served, and she is now one of the nation’s most sought-after thought leaders. In this episode, Dr. Jones discusses how education has shaped her career, the challenges she’s overcome, and the importance of perseverance and leadership in driving institutional change. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix brings you inspiring stories of alumni who have transformed their careers through education. Each episode highlights personal journeys of overcoming obstacles, achieving professional milestones, and using education to unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re looking for motivation, career advice, or guidance on how education can propel you forward, these alumni stories offer invaluable insights to help you succeed. ⭐️ Key takeaways from this episode: ✓ Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of education as a great equalizer. ✓ Her grandmother's influence was crucial in her upbringing and success. ✓ Leadership requires grace and understanding of people's challenges. ✓ Dr. Jones transitioned from a modeling career to academia unexpectedly. ✓ The University of Phoenix provided a flexible and supportive learning environment. ✓ Mentorship is vital for personal and professional growth. ✓ Gratitude and appreciation for others are essential in leadership. ✓ Fearlessness in pursuing goals is necessary for success. ✓ Dr. Jones believes in honoring ancestors by seizing opportunities. ✓ She maintains a victor, not a victim, mentality in her life. 📖 Chapters: Jump to key moments 00:00 - Introduction to Degrees of Success and Dr. Mautra Jones. 00:20 - Overview of Mautra’s historic leadership and achievements. 04:15 - Becoming a Trailblazer in Education 12:40 - Insights into Mautra’s leadership style and her impact. 21:25 - Reflecting on national accolades and their importance. 32:10 - Mentorship and Community Impact 40:05 - Final Thoughts on Leadership and Legacy Learn more about the MBA program at UOPX! 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/online-busine... Subscribe for more powerful success stories and mindset strategies! 👉    / @uopxdegreesofsuccesspodcast   Learn more about our host, Freda Richards! 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-c... Alumni Chronicles | Mautra's Story 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/uopx-alu... Alumni Chronicles | Main Page 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-c... Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Page 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-c... Explore the University of Phoenix 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/ ⭐️ Connect with us on social! ►TikTok:   / uopx   ► Facebook:   / universityofphoenix   ► Instagram:   / uopx   ► LinkedIn:   / university-of-phoenix   ► X: https://x.com/UOPX Thinking about attending UOPX online? 📱 Request info today: https://www.phoenix.edu/request/reque... 💻 Apply to one of UOPX’s online programs today: https://rb.gy/k0a75c 🎓 Find your degree program University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-degree... #overcomingadversity #highereducation #podcast #successstories #universityofphoenix #degreesofsuccesspodcast