College of Business and Economic Development
Entrepreneur of the Year
Each year, the College of Business and Economic Development recognizes an outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year. This year, we will host the event on November 17, 2022 at noon in the Trent Lott National Center on the Hattiesburg campus.
Register to Attend the Entrepreneur of the Year Luncheon
2022 Entrepreneur of the Year
Jonathan Jones is the CEO of Jones. He joined the company in 2003 after earning a Bachelor of Accountancy
from the University of Mississippi. He worked his way from Assistant Controller to
CEO, as he helped establish a broader vision for the company's future. Under Jonathan’s
leadership, Jones has grown to become more acquisitive and now includes a wide range
of middle-market operating companies and direct real estate investments.
Jones began as a family business with a simple mission: to help communities, provide jobs and enhance lives. Today, Jones carries on that mission by being a growth-oriented, value-added capital partner to businesses and management teams that share our common values and vision for long-term, sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders – customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.
Jonathan is in constant pursuit of personal and professional growth through mentorship, affiliation with industry associations, and continual learning. Jonathan is an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year National finalist and an active member of the Young Presidents Organization, which is the world’s premier peer network of chief executives and professional leaders who inspire business, personal, family, and community impact.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award Origin
The College of Business and Economic Development at The University of Southern Mississippi has a long history of producing outstanding graduates who go on to distinguish themselves in their career endeavors. In 2001, the College created the Entrepreneur of the Year to (1) showcase success in business and industry, (2) as a tool to bring nationally recognized entrepreneurs to visit with our students and faculty, and (3) to spotlight our focus on entrepreneurship as an academic endeavor. The Entrepreneur of the Year nominees must be a noted entrepreneur but do not have to be an alumnus of The University of Southern Mississippi. This award is open to all who have endeavored into the world of entrepreneurship and found the drive and integrity to become successful. The celebrated entrepreneur is selected using several criteria, including:
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: The recipient saw a need, created a plan and created a business to fill that need.
- Strategic Direction: The entrepreneur realized their vision, defined what their growth goals are and how they differentiate themselves within their market.
- Impact: The entrepreneur has experienced measurable success in terms of revenue, operations and influence or acclaim.
- Innovation: The entrepreneur created something new, improved or revolutionized a current process or industry and they anticipate and embrace change and undertaken continuous improvement and innovation throughout their business.
- Integrity: The entrepreneur has a virtuous record on corporate social responsibility and their business has been a leader in their industry and had a positive impact on their footprint community.