From Marketing Major to Professional

Jones Gives Back to Alma Mater

UT Tyler alumna Stacy Jones was drawn to the marketing field due to her extensive sales background and strong ability to connect with others. She graduated in 2010 from the Soules College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing. The Gilmer native now gives back to her alma mater as a professional marketer.

Jones was among the first group of UT Tyler students who participated in adjunct lecturer Gail Johnson’s Mock Team Interviews event – where students connect with business professionals to learn professional branding, networking and interviewing skills for career success.

She regularly assists with the event’s process, representing EMA Engineering & Consulting. As EMA’s marketing manager, Jones formulates and implements marketing strategies that align with EMA’s business goals. Some of her main responsibilities include brand management, advertising, digital marketing and client relationship management.

Coming Full Circle

Jones calls it an “honor” to come full circle and help UT Tyler students. “I love interacting with students and being reminded of what it was like being an undergraduate,” she said. “Gail does a great job at placing the right students with the right companies, so it’s always exciting to meet students interested in what EMA does and what we look for during the hiring process.”

Jones also enjoys listening to students and offering advice on strengthening their interviewing skills and selling their professional value, noting that the event aims to set students up for success and prepare them for the “real world.” She tells many students that the class was one of the most valuable courses she took while attending UT Tyler. 

“Whether I’m connecting with potential clients through marketing efforts, or selling my own professional value, a lot of the concepts I learned in her class are still very relevant and useful,” she said. 

A Marketer in an Engineering World

Jones credits her UT Tyler education for being able to create EMA’s marketing department since there was not one when Jones arrived. Jones said as a marketer in an engineering world, she further transformed EMA’s marketing communications by simplifying complex and technical information, while also crafting effective brand messages that reach various audiences.

“I was trusted to build the department from the ground up, which was huge because I was fresh out of college,” Jones said. “The concepts I learned while attending UT Tyler played a major role in preparing me for moments like that.”

Jones said EMA seeks out UT Tyler students regularly, noting that a vast amount of their interns come from UT Tyler. She also recently hired two marketing assistants, both of whom took Johnson’s class and attended the MTI event.

“The university pours into the success of their students, and it’s events like the MTI that help develop top-notch students,” Jones added.

As a UT Tyler alumna, Jones also appreciates the hands-on approach utilized by faculty and admires UT Tyler’s unique “small town, big university” atmosphere.

“UT Tyler offers the same level of education as some of the nation’s largest universities, while providing the same experience that some people only receive at smaller junior or private colleges,” she said. “As a UT Tyler student, you truly receive the best of both worlds.”

Jones has two daughters and one son. She enjoys cooking, working out and spending time with her children and their boxer, Jax.

#SoulesCOB

Read more from the May 2021 issue!

• UT Tyler Soules College of Business Primes Students for Career Success
• Cavender’s CFO Calls Soules College a “Blessing” for Students