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As an instructor and fieldwork coordinator for ����AV’s (SRTM), Tina Jones helps prepare students for the transition from college student to working professional.��

“It's great to see students gain confidence in their abilities to secure a job or internship and then be successful when they get out in the field,” Jones said.

Jones teaches a mix of online and face-to-face courses in events management, wedding planning, civility and professionalism, career preparation, and internship at SRTM within Mason’s . She also spends a lot of time coordinating their internship program by working with industry partners and connecting them with students.

“Thanks to Tina, I believe I started my career at the highest caliber I could and was able to immediately jump into the workforce with no stress that I was underqualified,” said Jaime Klopfer, '16.

For her extraordinary dedication to Mason students, Jones is March Employee of the Month.

“When internships for tourism and events management students were significantly decreased due to the pandemic, she tirelessly worked with industry partners to pivot and create virtual positions for students,” said ​​Min Park, associate professor at SRTM.

Jones joined Mason in 2006 as an adjunct instructor and later transitioned to a full-time term faculty member in 2014. In 2016, she took on the role of fieldwork coordinator in addition to her teaching load.

“I feel grateful and privileged to work here at Mason where we get to be recognized for the work we do,” Jones said.

In 2015, Jones’ guidance and expertise helped create an ongoing tourism and events management practicum experience for students, many of whom have gone on to work at Disney, Marriott, and other tourism and events organizations.

“She inspires me to do better, and I know I will always have a friend in her,” said Janell Armstead, a tourism and events management student. “She truly is one of my favorite and most impactful professors I've had at Mason.”

How she got to Mason:

After having my first child, I quit my job to stay home with my son. I never wanted to give up my career, but I didn't want to miss that time when my son was little. So, I was trying to find something part-time. I saw a job posting for an adjunct teaching position in events management at Mason. Having worked in the industry for 14 years planning events, I thought I could teach, so I applied and was given the opportunity.��

Best day on the job:

It's graduation day every year! I love to see the pride on our students’ faces (and the cool shoes they wear) as they walk across the stage.

What she likes best about working at Mason:

I love the diversity of our students and Mason's commitment to being an inclusive campus that welcomes everyone. I'm so fortunate to work with wonderful campus partners and a great team in the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management who support each other.

What she does when she’s not working:

This time of year, most of the time I'm in the gym watching my son and his Hayfield High School basketball team. I enjoy shopping with my daughter and love spending time with my family, friends, and my dog.��

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