Special to The Mississippi Link
Mississippi Valley State University President Donna H. Oliver announced recently the appointment of Dr. Johnny Jones as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Jones’ caliber to return to his ‘home’ in the Delta and join our team as we continue with the Valley Renaissance,” said Dr. Oliver.
“Dr. Jones brings experience not only in leadership and strategic planning, but a plethora of experience in understanding today’s collegiate population,” Dr. Oliver said.
A 1996 graduate of MVSU, Jones will return to his alma mater and head the division that provides housing and other support services for The Valley’s more than 2,800 students. He will also focus on increasing Valley’s enrollment and retaining the students from year to year as they matriculate toward a four-year degree.
Jones comes from Arkansas Baptist College, a private, historically black, four-year liberal arts college where he has served as executive vice president and chief academic officer since June of 2006. Prior to his current appointment, he was assistant dean of graduate recruitment and retention at the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Jones was a member of the faculty at Washington State University from August 2001 to 2004, and served as director of recruitment and retention programs for the WSU College of Education Future Teachers of Color Program.
While a student at MVSU, Dr. Jones earned a bachelor of science degree in health, physical education, recreation and dance. He received a master of education in recreation and leisure management from Springfield College. He holds a doctorate in education in leadership and policy from Bernelli University in Alexandria, Va.
Dr. Jones completed the management development program at Harvard’s Summer Leadership Institute in 2007.
The newest member of Dr. Oliver’s executive team has traveled extensively, including teaching, researching and presentation opportunities in Monrovia, Liberia Africa; Johannesburg, South Africa; Kunming City, China; Basseterre, St. Kitts West Indies, and Accra Ghana.
Dr. Jones is a member of the Achievement Disparities Task force for the Little Rock School District, the John D. O’Bryant Think Tank for the National Association for Black Educators on Predominately White College Campuses and the American Education Research Association.
His research focuses on presidential leadership, African American student recruitment and retention at traditional white institutions, and institutional governance. In addition, he has conducted research in the areas of African American recruitment and retention and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Jones’ appointment is effective July 1.
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