DECATUR, Ala. — Calhoun Community College proudly announces Bruce Jones, a former NFL standout, as the keynote speaker for this year's Annual MLK Program. The event is scheduled for Thursday, January 18th, at 11 a.m. in the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) on Calhoun's Decatur campus. Admission is FREE, and the event is open to the public.
A North Alabama native, Bruce Jones overcame extraordinary challenges in his youth while growing up poverty-stricken in rural South Courtland. Despite early hardships, Jones's resilience, determination, and passion for sports propelled him to graduate from Courtland High School, where he earned accolades as Mr. Courtland High School and Most Athletic for the class of 1981.
Jones went on to secure a football scholarship at the University of North Alabama (UNA), distinguishing himself as a College Football All-American Defensive Back. His professional journey included being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 1986 NFL Draft and later joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1987.
Motivated by his early struggles, Jones delved into human behavior and development, earning a B.S. degree in Social Work from UNA in 1987 and a License of Master of Social Work (LMSW) from Alabama A&M University in 2017.
Post-football, Jones embarked on a meaningful career, serving as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor at Decatur General West - Psychiatric Department. His commitment to youth development led to the establishment of Decatur's first Youth Services Department in 1994, where he served as Director for 25 years.
Jones's impact on at-risk children and families has been profound, inspiring countless young people to persevere and embrace life's journey. After retiring in January 2020, he continues his mission as a full-time Consultant and Leadership Coach. In 2023, Jones founded Impact Leadership and Counseling Services, dedicated to strengthening families in the community.
Some of his accolades include being inducted into UNA's Athletic Hall of Fame, selection to the university's 50th Anniversary Team, and inductions into the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame (2006) and Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame (2010). Jones is a recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, National Conference of Community Justice Award, UNA's Alumni of the Year for Community Service, and the Morgan County Leadership Hall of Fame.