Next stop for UT Martin graduate: Disney World

NEXT STOP FOR UT MARTIN GRADUATE: DISNEY WORLD

MARTIN, Tenn. – Not many 12-year-olds dream of becoming a motivational speaker, but Brandon Jones is an exception. This University of Tennessee at Martin graduate crossed the commencement stage in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in mass media and strategic communication and is now setting his sights on something magical. 

Jones, a native of Halls, developed an appreciation for public speaking through his involvement with Move 2 Stand, a mental-health awareness and bullying-prevention program for high school students. Through this program, he was asked to speak to the WestStar Leadership group about the social climate in rural West Tennessee high schools. WestStar is UT Martin’s longtime regional leadership program, which sponsors conferences for youth. 

“They (WestStar) always asked our group to come speak because we just simply told our stories. We were the youth using our voice to empower other people and help them see their value, no matter what age or where they stood in life.” 

His enthusiastic spirit and outgoing personality only flourished during his time at UT Martin. He credits peers, professors, and mentors for encouraging him to get involved in student organizations and activities. 

When he was not attending class, Jones was often seen working events during “I Heart UTM” Week or gracing the stage of the Harriet Fulton Theatre. He had a desire to act, and his faculty advisor encouraged him to enroll in theatre classes. 

Enrolling in an entry-level acting course on campus led Jones to his first ever audition. Part of the course requirements included auditioning for that semester’s theatrical production. He went on to have roles in Legally Blonde and Seussical during his time at UT Martin. 

When describing his collegiate experiences, Jones said, “The one thing I can fully say about the theatre department as well as mass media and strategic communication is they care about every person. They do not just look at you as another number, another student, but they look at you as a person who they want to see grow.” 

Jones’ dream to one day be on the big screen inspired him to apply for the Disney College Program. This program is a paid internship at Walt Disney World for college students and recent graduates to gain practical experience and develop professional skills while enjoying the theme park benefits. He applied during his final semester at UT Martin and received admission into the program for August of this year. His passion for entertaining and helping others is a perfect fit for the Disney atmosphere. 

“When people approach me, I want them to say, ‘That guy is really nice. He’s going to be able to help us one way or another.’” 

He is currently working in food services at Disney Park’s Roaring Fork at Wilderness Lodge Resort. He uses customer-service skills every day and meets people from all over the world.  

“I’m learning a lot professionally as far as no matter what position you get in life, it’s up to you to make the best of it and learn the job and perfect it as much as possible,” he said about his placement through the Disney College Program. He is learning to appreciate the work experience while spending a semester surrounded by the wonders of the parks. 

“Don’t wish away the hard parts because in the end you’ll find more value in everything you gained during that part,” he said. “I’m young and have a lifetime of success ahead of me.”  

If you visit Disney Park’s Roaring Fork at Wilderness Lodge Resort in the next few months, you might run into this UT Martin graduate. He will no doubt greet you with a smile and welcoming spirit. Stop and say “hi,” because one day his name may be on the marquee. 

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