About Dr. Shaniqua Jones

Dynamic and Devoted Post Secondary Instructor & Lecturer
Outstanding knowledge of curriculum design and deep understanding of Social Work, Restorative Justice, Leadership and Student Success. Proven success with all the students in classrooms and working tirelessly for student comprehension, discipline aand healing.
CEO/ Founder of Purple Path/ Jones Academy of Excellence
Dr. Shaniqua Jones
Dr. Shaniqua Jones is a Global Leader and Restorative Justice Practitioner, Expert, Affectionately known as Dr. J and her brilliant ability to connect deeply with those who have been harmed and have caused harm through Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices. Dr. J has been called upon to remove barriers alienating and dehumanizing people from all walks of life. Dr. Jones completed her doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership specializing in Higher Education in May of 2016. She has a diverse background in academics. What separates Dr. Jones from her peers is her uncanny ability to infuse her personal and professional experiences, which allows her to connect genuinely and have a great deal of empathy for the people she serves.
Serving Community
Serving the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement as Restorative Justice Trainer, Dr. J has solidified herself as an effective leader with significant momentum. In May of 2021, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education appointed Dr. Jones to the Whole Child Task Force.
In December 2021, Dr. Jones accepted a one-year assignment as the Restorative Justice Facilitator for MacArthur Foundation – Just Imperative Working Group based on her expertise aas a Restorative Justice Practitioner focused on healing and resilience. Dr. Jones also serves as Chief Educational Officer for Touch Gift Foundation.
Education
EdD - Interdisciplinary Leadership (Specialization: Higher Education Administration)
Governors State University (2016)
Master of Art- Criminal Justice
Governors State University (2013)
Bachelor of Art - Interdisciplinary Studies
Minor: Social Work
Governors State University (2011)







Community Engagement
Recently Dr. Jones acted as Director of Community Engagement and Diversity Programs at Trinity Christian College. The educator provided opportunities to discuss matters of the heart related to diversity and social justice by utilizing Restorative Practices. Dr. Jones advised students to serve across the country and mentored scholars through academic preparation and spiritual formation.
Dr. J used her experiences as Restorative Justice Coordinator – Dean of Students at Chicago Collegiate Charter School. She also used her foundation for Restorative Justice training for churches, schools, community organizations, The Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council, and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. Dr. Jones has served as a consultant-to-District Coordinator of Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices with Thornton Township High Schools District 204 for four years, ending her residency in 2022. With a global platform, asa the founder of Purple Path and Jones Academy of Excellence, Dr. Jones has educated and served thousands of students, parents, guardians, educators, organizations, and more through her work rooted in Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices.