Jones accepts position at Longwood

		Deneese Jones accepts dean position at Longwood University

President Todd and Dr. Jones

Deneese L. Jones, chair of the University of Kentucky's Presidents' Commission on Diversity and member of the UK College of Education faculty, has accepted the position of Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Longwood University, effective June 25, 2005.

Dr. Jones has been with the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky since 1991 when she was appointed assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction.. 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 at the college.

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 Longwood. However, when I look back at my time at UK in relation to my upcoming appointment, it is, without a doubt, a bittersweet emotion for me," said Dr. Jones. "There have been so many experiences and relationships with faculty, staff and students that have stretched me both personally and professionally in preparation for the work that is now ahead of me. In fact, after engaging myself at so many levels here, it is too bad that I will not be able to stay and participate in the university's activities as it takes some powerful steps in moving toward a top 20 research university."

Dr. Jones will replace Judy Johnson, associate professor of Kinesiology, who has been interim dean of Longwood’s College of Education and Human Services since last June.

"We are very excited about Dr. Jones joining our faculty," said Dr. Wayne McWee, interim vice president of Academic Affairs at Longwood University. "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."

Jones earned her Ph.D. degree in curriculum and instruction with a reading emphasis from Texas A&M University. She and her husband, Stephen Jones, commissioner for Disability Determination Services for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, have two adult daughters and two grandsons.