UAF chancellor takes position at Ohio’s Urbana University
Published Tuesday, May 6, 2008
University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Steve Jones announced Monday that he’s leaving “America’s Arctic University” for the greener pastures of Ohio.
Jones, the UAF chancellor since 2004, has been named the new president of Urbana University, a private liberal arts college about an hour from the hub cities of Columbus and Dayton.
“They made Judy and me feel very special,” Jones said of his trip to the school with his wife. “When we were on campus, it felt like a special place.”
The move to a private university brings Jones’ career full circle. He spent 12 years in private industry before working more than three decades at six universities.
Jones announced in March that he was leaving UAF to be closer to his grandchildren, but his next destination was unknown until Monday.
“We made up our minds in late fall of last year because you only have young grandkids once,” he said.
Urbana officials praised Jones in their announcing him as the university’s new president following a national search.
“Steve Jones is a dedicated and visionary leader, an accomplished scholar and an engaging teacher,” said James R. Wilson, an Urbana trustee and chair of the presidential search committee in a statement. “Steve has a powerful intellect, coupled with a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate people to deliver their best efforts at building solid futures at a university.”
Jones said he takes the most pride in helping to shape UAF’s image as “America’s Arctic University,” as well as increasing the school’s endowment. He noted that private donations were up 45 percent last year, and look to be 25 percent above that for the next year.
“We turned the corner,” he said. “We now have a more proficient and systematic culture of providing the funds necessary for excellence.”
His one regret, he said, was that during his tenure he was unable to procure the $113 million from the state for UAF’s proposed Bioscience Facility.
Jones’ tenure as Urbana president begins July 1. In the coming weeks, he anticipates meeting with interim chancellor Brian Rogers to ensure a smooth transition.
Comments
So long...thanks for all the...uhm....walking trails?
Yeah you did a great job doing whatever it was that you did.
And thanks for writing all those great memo's. Those are going to really come in handy.
Good riddance. He was a phony from the get-go. Too bad he's got so much of Alaskan's money. I hope my friends who work up there will comment here and reveal some of the damage he has caused.
I feel bad for Urbana University... But at least I feel better for UAF.
Jones was just another carpetbagger in a long line of them imported to run our state school. He accomplished nothing while he was here, except he gets a sweet retirement out of the deal. I wonder if Mr. Rogers will move into the big house now or if he'll use it to house visiting University types to save on room and board elsewhere. Nahhhh, why save money when you can squander it. Hey Jones, Don't let that door hit ya in the ass on the way out. Thank God for schools like Urbana, otherwise we'd be stuck with this clown for who knows how long. Bios building! HA! They don't even maintain the ones they already have. And forget about building one on time and on budget.
SmallBob, yeah, except he "accomplished" a lot of ill will, more elitism, ruining the Honors house and program...
I thought (at least from my acquaintance and perspective) Marshall Lind did a good job. I was really sad to see him go, and I told him so.
Oh yeah, I'm not thrilled about Brian Rogers at all. He's been part of the good ol' boy crowd forever...
Guess we'll see. At least, that which we'll be allowed to see...
I agree with corinne. Marshall Lind did a much better job than the clown we have now. Plus, Brian Rogers owns the firm that just completed an external review of the University system. Very interesting indeed...
Those of you who are casting stones at Brian Rogers obviously don't know him. We now have an opportunity to have a campus leader that:
1) Knows the State of Alaska, Fairbanks and the University system;
2) Can hit the ground running rather than trying to figure out how it all works;
3) Is willing to openly discuss issues rather than cover them up or ignore them.
Remember when the first article of Brian's appointment appeared he was chastised for the "appearance" of a conflict of interest with his company and the work that was done with the University? Who responded on the very same comment page with a clear, consise explanation...Brian himself. Give it some time folks...you will see that this appointment may very well be one of the best appointments Mark Hamilton has ever made for UAF.
We as a community have become so quick to judge people in Fairbanks...not everyone talks out of both sides of their mouths...
Give Brian a chance until he proves otherwise.
Good Luck to you Mr. Jones. It can't be easy trying to lead such a group made up mostly of ...............
Farewell to a feeble-minded nabob who mistook UAF for a medieval manor specially designed to meet the needs of his wife and himself. If he wanted the Patty Center opened early for his benefit, it opened early. If he needed to pad his expensive travel habits, they got funded. If he wanted walking trails, they got built--all the while cutting back on valuable programs like the campus daycare center--all the while giving little sermons about the need for “shared sacrifice.” Thank goodness the general and board of regents realized Steve Jones needs to spend more time with his grandchildren.
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