Name: Ken E. Jones, MBA
Occupation: Director of Procurement & Vendor Relations @ EPB
City of residence: Ooltewah, Tennessee
Alma mater: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Mocs Club Member Since: 2014
 
Why did you decide to join the Mocs Club and support Chattanooga student-athletes?
I am a native of Chattanooga, TN and have always been fascinated by UTC's campus. In the late 90s when IT departments started updated computer networks to Category 5 network cables, I was working for a company called Key Services. They had a contract to rewire the campus to upgrade the computer networks, phone system wiring, coax, and fiber optics networks. That was my first real interaction with the campus. The first job I was on was the Fine Arts building, where we spent several weeks re-wiring it. Once that was completed, I was involved in re-wiring Lock Miller Apartments, Boiling Apartments, and Johnson Obear Apartments. The fun really started once we hit the Maclellan Gym and McKenzie Arena. 

Spending time on campus getting to know some of the staff members, coaches, and players was exciting. I got a chance to watch some of the practices. It was energizing seeing the collegiate level preparation. During the re-wire we had to be in some of the coaches' rooms. They were all receptive to answer questions and allowing me to pick their brains. I really enjoyed sitting and listening to Coach Wes Moore interact with his staff. He commanded respect of everyone around him, but he also gave that same level of respect. 

As time passed I remember all the great experiences I had while working around the campus. I quickly became a fan as I started to attend games. One day I noticed the signs in the arena about the Mocs Club. I was like what is that? After learning about it I decided I wanted to contribute to the success of UTC sports and the many student athletes that come through such an amazing university!

What is your favorite memory as a Mocs fan?
Saturday, January 25, 2014 Lady Mocs vs Samford at McKenzie Arena. Coach Jim Foster won his 800th career win. Lady Mocs 63 Samford 50. There were so many great coaches that sent a video message congratulating Coach Foster. It was truly an honor to witness such an amazing accomplishment and seeing so many well accomplished coaches send him so much love, including our very own Wes Moore. I remember Coach Moore telling him he left Foster a great team!

What are your interests outside of Chattanooga Athletics?
I love spending quality time with my family and friends. I really enjoy traveling, being outdoors, flying in airplanes, being out on the boat, grilling (especially for tailgating), networking. One of my biggest passions is giving back to the community.

What would you tell others in the Chattanooga community to get them involved in the Mocs Club and supporting Chattanooga Athletics?
Chattanooga is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. We have an amazing university that sits in the heart of downtown. The university's staff, coaches, student athletes, and students are all dedicated to making UTC one of the best universities in the country. Many people state they are looking for something different to do other than their normal routine. One of the best ways to spend your time and finances is by investing into your local community. When we pour into supporting our Chattanooga Athletics, we are also supporting our community. We can easily add value to our community and help it grown by supporting the Mocs Club and our student athletes!

Favorite place to eat in Chattanooga and favorite dish?
I like to eat at all the restaurants in town! However, I am very loyal to the many restaurants that support the MOCS. I love walking in and seeing them displaying MOCS paraphernalia. I support those that support the MOCS! #GOMOCS

What makes you most proud to be a Mocs Club member?
I'm most of proud of making a positive impact in the community I live in and love. My support of the Mocs Club provides opportunity for students to participate in something they love and gain a valuable education. It also provides job opportunity for the many supporting staff members that are needed, so there is an economic impact on my donations that extends far beyond the student athletes. 

Have you picked up any new hobbies in the past 8 months?
Well, COVID has put a damper on any new experiences. It has caused me to come up with creative ways to be involved in the community and slowed down my interaction with people. It is mainly Zoom calls, phone calls, DUO calls, and text messages now-a-days!

If you could have dinner with one person, who and why?
Coach Tony Dungy, because he is a man of integrity and someone I want to pattern my life after. I would enjoy spending time with him talking about life.

Favorite Moc of all time, player, coach, or administrator?
Coach Wes Moore. All my interaction with him were very pleasant while I was working on campus. While I didn't get to know him personally, I did get a few chances to speak with him. I was thankful he took time out of his day to speak with me. I never felt like he was rushing me or wanted to just end the conversation so he could get on with his day. I'm sure he had some important things to do, despite all he always made me feel welcomed!

Final thoughts?
I want to thank all the staff from the Mocs Club. I greatly appreciate everything you do to ensure our student athletes have the best opportunity. It's a blessing to be able to contribute to the success or such an amazing university. UTC (Gary Rollins College of Business) is where I received my undergraduate and masters. I'm forever grateful for my experience. I'm a proud alumni and supporter of my alma mater.