Broadcast Media Operations Honors Recent Retiree Jeff Jones

Given how the modern workforce is evolving, the days of someone having only one or two jobs throughout their career (or spending decades in one place and impressively adapting to change and technology) are likely coming to a close.

Longevity and expertise are just two of the reasons why the Broadcast Media Operations (BMO) team recently honored Jeff Jones, who retired in March after 35 years at Montclair State. Described as someone who “could fix anything,” “always had a smile on his face” and touched the lives of thousands of students, faculty and staff, Jones contributed to the rapid growth of the university in many ways. He fixed cameras, trained students how to operate the latest equipment and provided innovative solutions as the needs of students and faculty rapidly evolved alongside advances in technology.

Surrounded by dozens of colleagues, former co-workers and friends, the BMO team honored the television engineer by naming the BMO Equipment Shop after him. In a testament to how much he was admired as a person and colleague, alumni and friends of the program raised enough money in 24 hours to make that honor a reality. During the dedication ceremony on June 7, the BMO team unveiled a beautiful plaque featuring a photo of Jones and quotes from co-workers that highlighted his work ethic, expertise and gregarious personality.

After the ceremony, an Instagram post on the School of Communication and Media account received more than 250 likes and engagements, including comments such as “Legend!”, “Icon”, and from @mikeybano13, “An absolutely legendary man to work with!!”  The BMO team shared with Jones many other accolades he received after the call went out to alumni to raise money for the plaque and dedication.  “I read all those interesting and wonderful posts,” Jones said. “It was a jaw-dropping experience for me. I was really moved by that. I was in shock.”

Perhaps it’s not shocking to realize the impact Jones had on those he worked with since 1988, for what he did and how he made people feel. “If you have a broken piece of equipment, he can fix it for you and if you have a broken mood, he can fix that for you, too,” said Krystal Acosta assistant director of Production Services. “He always puts a smile on your face.”

“I am very honored to have worked with Jeff over these last 10 or 11 years,” said BMO chief engineer Adam Goldberg. “Every day he surprised me with something new or different. He came to me with new challenges and he has this amazing ability to build anything. This is a great honor for him and his legacy here at Montclair.”

Jones began work as a Television Engineer at Montclair in 1988, when Broadcasting was a concentration in Speech and Theatre. Over the years, the program grew and the name changed to the Department of Broadcasting, which became Television and Digital Media. Today, it is Film and Television in the School of Communication and Media, which is part of the College of the Arts.

“Jeff is such a positive influence on everybody he works with,” said Dean of the College of the Arts Daniel Gurskis. “Whenever I would look into the (Equipment Shop) and he’s huddled over something, even then he always had a smile on his face, and always had something good, positive and kind to say.”

“Jeff fixed cameras, trained students how to operate equipment, and saved the day so many times for so many,” said Patty Piroh, director of Production Services and Technology. “He continued to grow as the technology changed and was always there to help. I’m so happy he is being recognized in this way  and for generations, other people will see this plaque and wonder about this amazing man.”

Story by Keith Green