Falcon Flashback | Jamaal Barnes '05
In the aftermath of 9/11, an O'Neal freshman, Jamaal Barnes took the initiative to form the O'Neal Volunteers. Now called ONV/Key Club, it is a student outreach organization at O'Neal that still exists and continues to serve the community. From the beginning, Jamaal has focused on seeking out the best in people and how they serve one another.
1. How and when did you end up at O’Neal, and when did you graduate?
Hailing from Sanford’s West Lee Middle School, I joined O'Neal as an upper school freshman in 2001 and graduated in 2005. Transitioning to O'Neal was a pivotal step in my academic journey, as the school offered a nurturing environment that emphasized academic rigor, personal development, and a strong sense of community.
2. After graduating from O’Neal, what college(s) did you attend? What did you study?
After O’Neal, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and the History of Math & Science at St. John’s College, followed by a master’s degree in Prevention Science at Harvard University. Alongside my day job, I am a doctoral student at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, focusing on Business Administration and Management. Each step in my academic career has been driven by my passion for understanding complex systems and fostering human potential.
3. What have you been up to over the last 20 years? Work? Family?
The past two decades have been an incredible journey of professional growth and personal fulfillment. I’ve been fortunate to be named a Tin Whistles Scholar, a Coca-Cola Scholar, a Truman Scholar, received two fellowships at Harvard, and most recently, twice be named a “Global Icon” in HR (their words, not mine!). Not too shabby for a little guy from North Carolina.
I am currently the Vice President of Talent and Culture at Bristol Myers Squibb, where I lead global strategies for workforce engagement, performance, and talent management. My focus is on developing people insights and actions that bridge organizational behavior and ignite human performance. Before BMS, I held positions at Novartis, Google, and McKinsey & Company, where I focused on talent transformation, organizational culture, and innovative workforce strategies.
On the personal side, I’ve been fortunate to share my life with my husband and long-time partner, Matthew. We are celebrating our 19th anniversary this December and are proud dog parents to our five-year-old mini-goldendoodle. We split our time between Princeton, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts, embracing the unique offerings of both regions.
4. What are the O’Neal memories that still stand out the most to you?
O’Neal is a place that left an indelible mark on my life. My fondest memories include the relationships I built with teachers who believed in me (Lyn Cagle, Cindi Carr, Beth Whitman, and the late Michael Norman to name a few) and the close relationships that I made with classmates like Melinda Ackerman, Simon Cagle, and others. The journey to and through O’Neal wasn’t an easy one for me, but through it, I learned the value of perseverance, curiosity, and the power of community. Those lessons remain at the core of who I am today.
About the author:
Blanche Slade Hancock '88 serves in O'Neal development office focusing on alumni relations.
Want to nominate someone for Falcon Flashback? Email alumni@onealschool.org.
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