Minister Jonell Calloway
Business/Industry Honoree
Minister Jonell Yarbrough Calloway, a 1971 graduate of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology. She began her 40-year federal career in 1971 by breaking barriers becoming the first African American hired in the Human resources office at Red River Army Depot, in 1973 she became the first African American specialist in the Human resources office employed at Anniston Army Depot, in 1975 she was the first African promoted to Labor relations officer at the Troop Support Command, in 1978 the first African American woman at the United States Army Civilian Appellate Review Agency, in 1989 she was the first African American to serve in management at the Army Human Resources Command and in 2006 the first African American as the Director of Education for the Army Reserve.
Throughout her distinguished career, she earned five Highly and 35 Outstanding Performance ratings and also received the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal.
In 2013, she earned her Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, answering the call to become an ordained Minister of the Gospel. She served as Chaplain at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital and now continues her spiritual leadership as Associate Minister at Trinity Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, uplifting her community through faith and service.
Minister Calloway has made significant contributions to Alabama A&M University through her dedicated work with the St. Louis Alumni Chapter. Also, alongside her husband, Donald Sr., she generously donated approximately $80,000 to support the university. Under their leadership, the Class of 1971’s 50th reunion raised a remarkable $289,000, contributing to a total of $1 million raised during the reunion weekend in 2022, with their class endowment now standing at $406,000. Their legacy continues with their son, Don Jr., as he displays his bulldog pride on air as a Political Analyst for MSNBC.
Jonell is a lifetime member of the AAMU National Alumni Association, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Association of Professional Chaplains, and Jack and Jill of America. Her outstanding leadership has been recognized by the Harvard School of Education and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, reflecting a lifelong commitment to excellence.
Jonell’s 40-year federal career was marked by breaking barriers and overcoming isolation, fueled by the Alabama A&M values of teamwork, unity, and respect. Minister Jonelle Yarbrough Calloway stands as a fearless pioneer and powerful role model, proving that perseverance and integrity open doors where none existed before to continue our Rich Heritage, Bold Future.
