2021 NEA Women in Business: Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch

Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch
Graduate School Dean
Arkansas State University
Residence: Jonesboro
Education: Bachelor’s degree (1994) and master’s degree (1997) in history, The College of Charleston; doctorate in history (2003), The Ohio State University

What was your dream job as kid and why? At first I wanted to be a Soul Train dancer, but when I grew older I wanted to be a historian. I loved to dance, but I fell in love with books and encyclopedias. I also had a lot of questions about whose histories were being told and whose were excluded.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? I think being graduate school dean, because I’m really passionate about graduate education.

What advice would you give young women who are at the beginning of their careers? Be brave and take chances. Know your worth and then add tax. And, closed mouths don’t get fed. Ask for what you want.

What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? I am determined and motivated by opportunities to grow and learn. I never want to be stagnant.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? I want to finish the book I’m currently writing.

How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? I like to read, write, and spend time with my husband Ezell and our two dogs, Winnie and Coco.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? My undergraduate and graduate adviser Dr. Amy T. McCandless. When I was at The College of Charleston, she really helped me grow as a historian and she was extremely patient with me and my impetuousness. I still communicate with her, and we send each other cards every Christmas.

What’s the last good book you read? “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown.

What’s your biggest passion and why? I have a passion for helping people realize that no matter where you come from or your background you can become what you want in life. You are capable of great things. Believe in yourself, have faith, and it will work out. It was true for me and it will be for you.

What is something distinctive people would be surprised to know about you? I think some people might be surprised to know that I was a debutante, and I am a Persian Gulf War Veteran.

What’s your favorite app at the moment? I really like Pinterest!

If you have a bucket list, what are the top three things on it? To write another book. To go to Fiji. Go camping in a yurt.

Editor’s note: Profiles for this year’s NEA Women in Business class were compiled and written by George Jared and Paul Holmes.