22 March 2005

New dean to lead the College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Deneese L. Jones, chair of the University of Kentucky's Presidents' Commission on Diversity, has accepted the position of Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Longwood University, effective June 25.

Dr. Jones has been with the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky since 1991 when she was appointed assistant professor of curriculum & instruction in the Department of Education. From 1998 to 2002 she served as associate dean of the graduate school at the University of Kentucky. From 1994 to present, Dr. Jones has also served as the director of the Center for the Study of Academic Achievement in Learning Environments in the University of Kentucky's College of Education.

In 2002-2003 Dr. Jones was an American Council on Education Fellow working in the Office of the Chancellor at the University of Kansas. During the past 13 years, Dr. Jones has secured over $2 million in funding from various sources to work on eliminating high illiteracy rates.

On a national level, Dr. Jones was editor for Action in Teacher Education , the journal for the Association of Teacher Educators. She is co-author of a teacher education textbook, Preparing Student Teachers for Pluralistic Classrooms. Dr. Jones is a widely published scholar. She has served as an expert witness on a panel for a Congressional briefing with the Children's Caucus, and as a panelist presenting to the Congressional Black Caucus.

"I am excited about the possibilities of joining an institution that has a history of fostering engagement, and high achievement for all students," said Dr. Jones. "Indeed, it is a privilege to lend my own expertise to the further implementation of learning-centered educational change in the College of Education and Human Services in its quest to better prepare professionals for effective practices. With the Longwood University focus on learning, commitment to demonstrated achievement and intentional practices, I believe this quest is achievable."

Dr. Jones will replace Judy Johnson, associate professor of kinesiology, who has been interim dean of the College of Education and Human Services since last June. The College encompasses five bachelor's degrees, 13 master's degrees, three initial licensure programs and one five-year combination bachelor's/master's program.

"We are very excited about Dr. Jones joining our faculty," said Dr. Wayne McWee, interim vice president of Academic Affairs. "She brings the type of experience and leadership that will allow the programs in the College of Education and Human Services to increase and enhance their reputation regionally and nationally."

Dr. Jones, a native of Dallas, earned her Ph. D. degree in curriculum and instruction with a reading emphasis from Texas A&M University, an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University, and a B.S. in elementary education from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. She and her husband, Stephen Jones, commissioner for Disability Determination Services for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, have two adult daughters and two grandsons.