“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Jones to Bucks County,” said board chair Thomas J. Jennings. “We are confident that he will lead the college forward with integrity, skill, vision and enthusiasm. He is a compassionate leader, driven by results, devoted to students and well-acquainted with service to our diverse communities.”
Jones brings much experience to Bucks County Community College, which serves more than 10,000 academic-credit students and 25,000 alternative-credit students annually. During his tenure at Penn State Schuylkill, which began in January 2019, he has overseen the addition of in-demand programs, such as nursing, cybersecurity and information technology.
He has also overseen upgrades to the campus’ physical plant, including new laboratories for chemistry, nursing and radiological sciences; a learning center; and technology and equipment upgrades to classrooms, and athletic and recreation facilities. In addition, the campus partnered with the business and nonprofit community to develop and launch “Penn State Schuylkill Co-op” in fall 2020.
Jones served in a variety of academic and administrative roles prior to joining Penn State, including assistant vice president for academic affairs at Drexel University, director of veteran enrollment practice and director of the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, chair of the music education department at Boston University, and head of the music education division at The University of the Arts. He has also held leadership positions in national and international scholarly societies, presented papers at academic symposia about the globe, and published book chapters and research articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals.
In addition to his academic career, Jones served for 30 years in both the Army and Air Force, retiring from the Air National Guard at the rank of Colonel. His assignments included serving as a musician, unit commander, chief of Air National Guard Bands and adviser to the Air Force director of public affairs. As chief of bands, he was responsible for units across the country and a worldwide mission that included diplomatic outreach globally and troop entertainment in deployed locations throughout the Middle East, Central and Southwest Asia, and the Horn of Africa.
Jones holds a bachelor of science degree in music education from West Chester University, a diploma of fine arts in conducting and wind literature from the University of Calgary, a master of arts degree in conducting from George Mason University, and a doctor of philosophy degree in music education from Penn State University. He is also a graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music, Air National Guard Academy of Military Science, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.