“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!”
Dr. Brandon Jones has made history as the first Black president of The American Geophysical Union (AGU), one of the world’s largest and most respected scientific organizations, Forbes reports. Appointed during Black History Month, this momentous achievement not only signals progress within the scientific community but also paves the way for future generations of Black scientists and leaders. Jones is now the first Black person to helm the organization since its founding in 1919.
Jones is a proud HBCU graduate of Lincoln University, where he earned his bachelor’s in Biology. He also earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in Marine Sciences from the University of Delaware. With an extensive background in science and leadership, he previously served on the AGU Board of Directors in 2017 and held the position of AGU President-Elect from 2023 to 2024.
AGU, an international nonprofit dedicated to advancing Earth and space science, plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and disseminating knowledge about new developments in Earth and space science to the scientific community. Still, as of 2021, Black scientists made up just under two percent of AGU’s membership. Dr. Jones’ presidency marks a significant step toward changing that with the goal of diversifying and strengthening the scientific community.
A distinguished member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Dr. Jones recently sat down with his frat brother, Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a distinguished scientist and the second Black president of the American Meteorological Society, to talk about his new role and vision for AGU.
He emphasized the importance of adaptability and future preparation, noting the importance of sustainability for the organization given the current social and political climate. For Jones, his historic achievement holds deep personal and societal significance, reflecting on his own journey as a scientist and why it’s important to continue holding that door open for others like him.
“When I was 7 or 8, I had a vision of becoming an oceanographer. I had no idea what it would entail, how long it would take, or where I would end up. But I kept that vision and was open to experiences and opportunities that moved me forward,” Dr. Jones shared. “I am a product of opportunities that were intentionally designed to expand access to science, and I think the return on investment from those efforts is undeniable.”
Jones hopes to serve as a role model for others and inspire a new generation of Black scientists. In his new role, he hopes to usher in a new era for AGU while helping to develop the organization in a way that ensures it always remains future-focused. While Dr. Jones is grateful to be the first, he sincerely hopes not to be the last and is actively trying to build a world where diversity in leadership across sectors is no longer a milestone but the norm.
Cover photo: Dr. Brandon Jones Makes History as First Black President of the World’s Largest Scientific Organization/Photo credit: Dr. Brandon Jones/AGU