TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) proudly announces alumnus Kenneth Jones, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Homecoming Convocation on Friday, Oct. 17 at 10:10 a.m. in the Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, 1800 Althea Gibson Way. The event, a highlight of FAMU Homecoming 2025: Eternal World Tour, is free and open to the public.  

President Marva Johnson, J.D., said Jones represents the exciting accomplishments that FAMU graduates can achieve after earning their degree from the Highest of Seven Hills.

"Kenneth Jones leveraged his biology degree from Florida A&M University to launch a remarkable career in healthcare administration. Today, he plays a vital role in ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for countless patients across the South Florida region," said Johnson. "We are thrilled to welcome him and hear his inspiring message of success and tenacity—one that will undoubtedly resonate with FAMU students, alumni, and friends alike."

Jones possesses more than two decades of experience in hospital administration and clinical operations, with a strong track record of leading healthcare organizations through growth, innovation, and transformation.  At HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, Jones has prioritized driving a culture of excellence by focusing on culture, patient experience, quality outcomes, and growth. His strategic initiatives include strengthening board and colleague engagement, building a culture of safety, and enhancing physician collaboration. Under his leadership, Jones has overseen the expansion of cardiovascular and neurointerventional services, as well as the development of new graduate medical education programs. These include residencies and fellowships in anesthesiology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, and general surgery, further solidifying the hospital as a destination for both exceptional care and physician training.

“I am deeply honored to return to my alma mater as the Homecoming Convocation speaker,” said Jones. “FAMU played a pivotal role in shaping my values, leadership style, and commitment to service. It’s incredibly meaningful to have the opportunity to share my journey with current students and inspire the next generation of Rattlers to pursue their dreams with passion and purpose.”

Prior to joining HCA Florida, Jones held executive roles at several prominent institutions, including president of AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, and CEO positions at St. Joseph Hospital and The Orthopedic Hospital of Lutheran Health Network in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He also served as CEO of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from FAMU. He also earned a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis. He has been currently serving as an HCA Healthcare Hope Fund board member since 2024.

The 2025 Homecoming Convocation will be livestreamed on FAMU’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

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