SRU names Anthony Jones as new chief diversity officer

Oct. 7, 2021

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Anthony Jones, associate dean for diversity and inclusion at Thiel College, was today named chief diversity officer at Slippery Rock University.

"Anthony brings a strong academic and professional track record to this new position," said SRU President William Behre. "I firmly believe that a more diverse, open and inclusive environment creates a richer experience for our entire campus community.

"Adding this key position to our management team reflects our commitment to fostering an academic and campus culture that lives up to our values of diversity and inclusion. And while there have been a lot of initiatives taken by people throughout the University, there is much more to do. It became clear to us that, although it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our campus is diverse and inclusive, we needed the full-time focus of an experienced and dedicated leader to elevate our efforts. I am delighted that Anthony is joining our team."

In his role at SRU, Jones will work collaboratively with campus and external communities to advance SRU's commitment to all aspects of global diversity and inclusion and serve as a member of the President's Cabinet.

"I would characterize myself as a compassionate and motivated DEI leader," said Jones. "My track record has extensive experience in student retention, advocacy, safeguarding culture and finding opportunities to build symbiotic relationships with advocacy groups to drive education and cultural diversity.

   JONES

"My dedication and commitment to the success of the institutions with which I have worked have allowed me to approach my responsibilities with a focus in alignment with the strategic goals of the institution, the students that attend those institutions, and the communities surrounding them. Throughout my career, I have taken great pride in leading students from all backgrounds in celebrating the cultural differences of their counterparts and educating campus communities on diversity issues through effective training and programs."

Jones, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, comes to SRU after a three-year stint at Thiel College. While there, he led efforts to foster and maintain an increasingly inclusive environment that "welcomed, embraced, supported and celebrated diversity in all its forms." Jones served as the chair of Thiel's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and worked with the president's office to make sure the college's policies and procedures were inclusive in nature. During the past three academic years, he collaborated with colleagues at every level of the college, including the president, vice presidents, deans, student organizations, administration, faculty and community partners to promote diversity as an institutional strategic initiative that was in alignment with the college's mission.

Jones recently earned his doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Eastern Kentucky University, where he also earned a master's degree in student personnel with a concentration in counseling (2013). His doctoral thesis at EKU focused on why Black males persist and graduate from predominately white institutions. He is also a 2006 graduate of the University of Mount Union with a bachelor's degree in art.

Prior to his work at Thiel College, Jones worked as the director of multicultural student affairs at Eastern Kentucky University (2016-18) and Marietta (Ohio) College (2009-2011) where he conducted programs to educate campus populations about minority group social issues and cultural competence. He led various diversity conferences and taught courses on the first-year experience, community engagement and global education. Additionally, his student group advising experience includes overseeing Black student unions, Latino student associations, international student associations, LGBTQIA associations and National Pan-Hellenic councils. Jones himself is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

"Part of what I do is helping to mentor and guide students through successful college careers that transcend graduation," Jones said. "As a first-generation college student, I understand the significance of potential and maximizing that potential to better one's future. I'm always looking forward to meeting and interacting with parents, faculty, and staff, but most importantly students. I believe, without question, that college students are the building blocks that will broaden many horizons domestically and internationally throughout the communities in which we learn and live."

Jones is expected to join SRU in mid-December.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robb.king@sru.edu