Jherylmax Jones Finds Purpose and a New Home at Virginia Union University

July 29, 2025

By Karyn Cook 

North Carolina native overcomes homelessness, chooses Virginia Union University for its history, heart, and hope.

RICHMOND, VA — Jherylmax Jones’ journey to Virginia Union University didn’t start with a campus tour or a college fair—it began with a bus ticket and a desire for something more. Originally from North Carolina, Jones knew little about Richmond and had only visited Virginia once before. But one thing was clear: he didn’t want to stay in the circumstances he was in. 

“I never had a stable home in my life. The only stable place I ever knew was the projects, where I lived for five years,” he recalled. Raised by a single mother, Jones was determined to create a different future. He purchased a one-way bus ticket to Richmond and moved between the homes of various people he knew while trying to get on his feet. 

Upon arriving, he received support through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal initiative that helps unhoused students access educational opportunities. As a result of this program, Jones was able to enroll in high school. He attended classes while working fast food jobs to support himself and save up for a car, eventually sleeping in that very car. 

One of his teachers, Ms. Angela Jordan, took notice and shared his story with Liberation Church, which stepped in to provide temporary housing and additional support. He continued showering at school and attending class, determined to keep moving forward.

Despite the challenges, college was always on his radar. He applied to every HBCU in Virginia and was accepted to all of them. However one university stood out. 

“I kept getting emails from VUU, and when I visited campus, the energy was different,” Jones said. “It had a lot of history. The people were kind—and they reminded me of myself.” That moment made the decision easy. Jherylmax Jones chose Virginia Union University. 

Now a student in Business and Mass Communications, Jones is enrolled in summer classes and already making strides. He’s proud of the progress he’s made and excited to get involved on campus.

When asked what kept him going through the hardest times, his answer is simple—but powerful:

“You’ve got to keep pushing. If you stop, you’ll stay.”