The Faces of Suwanee — Meet Dr. Dion Jones, Principal of Roberts Elementary School
INTERVIEW BY FRANCESCA AUGELLO / PHOTO BY KATELIN WILSON
Dr. Dion Jones has served as the principal of Roberts Elementary School since it opened in 2010. Throughout his tenure, his leadership has shaped not only the school’s success but also the experiences of its staff, students, and families. We had the pleasure of getting to know Dr. Jones, and are excited to introduce you to the person behind the title.
PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I’ve been married for 27 years to my wonderful wife, Sonya, and we have two kids, Montrell (Texas) and Serenity (Gwinnett). I also have two grandkids, both little girls, Ari and Genesis. So yeah, nothing but bows and dresses around my house. As for my parents, Kenneth and Judy, and brothers, Andre and Tyrone, they’re all in Kentucky.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT AND PAST CAREER. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? Before I got into education, my biggest goal was to become a business mogul/corporate executive. When I finished college, I started substitute teaching and felt I found my passion, but I didn’t pursue that career right away. It wasn’t until April 1995 when God stopped me in my tracks and I saw myself standing at a crossroads. He said I could continue the professional path I was on or choose His and have a different life, but that He would carry me. I said, “let thy will be done.” I chose this path and never looked back. So, I’ve been subbing since ’95, teaching since ’96, in admin for 25 years, and a principal now for almost 23 years. I also currently teach college as an adjunct professor working with doctoral students at Grand Canyon University.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A PRINCIPAL? There’s a lot I love about this job. Mostly that it allows me to make an impact on so many people both educationally and personally. I am an instructional leader who has impacted thousands of children over my 25-year career. In my role, I’m providing jobs to people that feed their families and ultimately impact their livelihood. I always say this job is a ministry and it’s what God called me to do.
WHAT ARE A COUPLE OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN OUR COMMUNITY? I have three. For starters, I love Raik Mediterranean. That’s also one of the office’s favorite restaurants. I also love Flavor Rich. When I have a cluster meeting here, I either serve Raik or Flavor Rich. My other favorite is a restaurant owned by a Roberts parent, Flaming Iron. They’re great people and the food is delicious. Those three interchange for me.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED OR WORKED HERE? We’ve lived in Suwanee since 2005, and I opened this school in 2010. Roberts Elementary is my baby.
WHAT BUSINESS OR PLACE, CURRENT OR FORMER, MAKES YOU FEEL THE MOST NOSTALGIC ABOUT THIS AREA? It’s probably what everybody says, but Town Center Park. I remember moving here and visiting the park with my family, and I’ve been on the board for Suwanee Vision 2020 to help discuss both Town Center and the city’s evolution. My daughter, Serenity, literally had a hand in the first Suwanee PlayTown with her handprint on the cow that was there. Then I volunteered with the building of the second PlayTown. It’s cool seeing a place that means so much to me personally, and knowing I had a hand in creating it in one way or another.
IF YOU COULD TAKE ANYONE TO LUNCH, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD THAT BE? I would take my high school self. Mostly because he struggled in school and had a hard time navigating what he wanted to do. I’d tell him to hang in there because he has an amazing life ahead of him. The same kid who graduated from high school with a 1.9 GPA was going to not only teach, but eventually lead a school and earn his PhD in Educational Leadership. The irony. Thinking about that still blows my mind!
WHERE IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU’VE EVER BEEN? This is going to sound crazy because I’ve been all around the world, but my drive home to Kentucky. I drive through the Cumberland Gap and the Smoky Mountains, and if you catch it at the right time, it’s probably the most beautiful scene you’ll ever see — especially in the fall. Kentucky’s full of rolling hills, farms, and the white fences with horses grazing behind them. When I see that, I know I’m home.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MOVIE YOU REMEMBER SEEING IN A THEATRE? Eddie Murphy Raw. I know, crazy.
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Going on a Safari in Africa. That’s been on my list for quite some time, and I plan on going in the next year or two.
WHO IS THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE EVER MET? I meet a lot of people who I find to be interesting. I just love a good conversation, and I’ve had many great ones over the years that have impacted me. I honestly don’t think I have an answer for this one because I find interesting people everywhere.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO? Everything from country to rap. I love it all. My employees during the summer usually hear jazz, yacht rock, or maybe some country. At home, I throw some ’90s R&B and rap into the mix. Mainly R&B — old and new.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW. Most people don’t know that I did my summer internship at Disney, and it was probably the best gig I ever had. I even earned my Ducktorate Degree while I was there. I guess Mickey was preparing me for my Doctorate!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A CROWD OF PEOPLE? Life is short. Cherish every moment and be kind. It’s that simple.
