John R. Jones III, Ph.D., has been named vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham following a national search guided by a 15-member committee made up of students, faculty and staff, and chaired by UAB Collat School of Business Dean Eric Jack.
“We were fortunate to have a highly engaged search committee and a streamlined process that allowed us to vet and propose extremely strong candidates,” Jack said. “We were also pleased with the great participation and input we received from across the UAB community. The feedback received about Dr. Jones was very positive, and I believe the UAB community will be very pleased with this selection.”
Jones will provide leadership and direction to the Division of Student Affairs, which consists of Student Life, One Stop Student Services, Career and Professional Development, Dining, Housing and Residence Life, Hill Student Center, Campus Recreation, Disability Support Services, and Student Health and Wellness.
He will lead collaborative efforts in the development of co-curricular programs to improve the quality of life for students; link Student Affairs with Academic Affairs to enhance the intellectual and personal development of students; establish goals and accompanying metrics for the Division of Student Affairs to ensure that all initiatives meet the needs of the students; serve as an expert resource on Student Affairs for UAB’s 10 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences; critically evaluate existing programs to ensure they best meet the needs of students; and conduct an ongoing evaluation of the responsibilities and professional development needs of division staff.
As a finalist for the VP role, Jones visited campus to interview and meet with students, faculty and staff.
“I truly enjoyed my time on campus, learning more about this great institution, its students, and the talented faculty and staff,” Jones said. “I look forward to joining the UAB family and working with a dedicated team in creating an integrated student experience and a robust campus environment.”
| “I look forward to joining the UAB family and working with a dedicated team in creating an integrated student experience and a robust campus environment.” |
Jones — who earned his Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Iowa — joined University of North Carolina-Pembroke in 2013 as vice chancellor for Student Affairs, promoting student learning and personal growth by providing strategic leadership and vision for programs, services and opportunities that encourage student success.
Prior to UNCP, Jones worked in college administration at Purdue University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and Northern Illinois University. He has served on the board of directors for the Association for Student Conduct Administration, the Madame Walker Urban Life Center in Indianapolis and the Center for Academic Integrity. Jones also served in the Army National Guard for 18 years.
“Dr. Jones has an excellent background and vision, and he is a leader who will engage student groups across our diverse campus with regular dialogue and ensure their consistent voice and influence with the leadership team,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “I would like to thank Dean Jack for his leadership on the search committee and recognize its members for graciously giving their time to a very successful effort.”
Jones will serve on the president’s senior administrative cabinet and report directly to Watts while working closely with the Office of the Provost.
“Dr. Jones strikes me as a consummate professional and incredible talent, as well as a bridge-builder certain to enhance the administration’s communication and collaboration with students across campus,” UAB Provost Linda Lucas said. “I look forward to working closely with him as an integral member of the senior leadership cabinet, where I feel he will have an immediate positive influence.”
Jones’ first day at UAB will be July 15.