Charles "Mick" Jones (ADP ’07, MSOL ’11)

Mick Jones (ADP ’07, MSOL ’11) chose Geneva College’s Adult Degree Program (ADP) because it is structured to accommodate working adults who wish to return to school and, especially, because of its commitment to train and educate servant-leaders.

Mick, the Beaver Falls (PA) City Manager and former Police Chief of the Beaver Falls Police Department, was looking for a degree that would develop his leadership skills and an education that he could apply to his organization. His Geneva education assisted him in increasing his efficiency as a leader and also enhanced his role as a servant for the kingdom of Christ. His degree complements his interest in “learning what motivates organizations and the people who work for them.”

Although the prospect of returning to school while holding a full-time job could be overwhelming, Mick found that the ADP was very complimentary to an adult’s work and family life. Mick enjoyed the freedom to manage his coursework along with his job and family commitments. He was able to complete his degree in 17 months.

Mick went on to complete a Geneva master’s degree in leadership (previously Master’s in Organizational Leadership and now in Leadership Studies) while also continuing to work. His Geneva education helped him develop the skills and abilities as a leader, both professionally and personally, needed to become the city’s newest city manager.

Mick urges anyone considering a Geneva ADP or graduate program to “make a commitment to complete the program regardless of the obstructions, because there are no words that can describe the satisfaction one feels when you work hard and successfully complete a personal goal.”