By Ronna Fisher, Assistant editor
Dr. Mary Jones, SNU’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, announced her resignation, effective June 30, in February. She has worked at SNU since 2006 when she taught in the School of Business for two years. In 2008, she accepted the Provost position. Dr. Jones talked about her time at SNU in an interview with the Echo.
The Echo: What brought you to SNU?
Dr. Jones: We moved here from the mission field in 2006, specifically I served as the chief academic officer at Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya for five years … I had a decision between four different positions during this transition… and this seemed to be the best place for where I was in my life at the time. I chose SNU and Oklahoma… and I have no regrets! It’s a wonderful place.
TE: What has been most meaningful about your time at SNU?
Dr. Jones: I have reflected a little bit about this questions. For me, the relationships are the most meaningful part of my time at SNU… from the cabinet, to the deans, the faculty, and the students. I have enjoyed meaningful work with great colleagues who share a calling to make SNU a wonderful place of learning and preparing graduates.
TE: Why are you leaving?
Dr. Jones: I have accepted a similar position at MidAmerica Nazarene University where I was previously on the faculty for ten years… that area is “home” for me.
TE: What is one of your favorite memories from your time here?
Commencement is my all-time favorite day! That day holds my best memories as we celebrate the achievements of our students and the faculty. It’s a great day! I am thankful to have celebrated with graduates at almost 20 difference ceremonies in these short years at SNU.
TE: What impact have the students made on you?
Dr. Jones: The best impact a student makes on me is to leave SNU with a sense of mission and purpose for his or her life… and to have a meaningful life. Seeing this lived out in multiple students is all I need to keep me focused on our mission.
TE: What impact do you hope to have had on the students?
Dr. Jones: My impact is most usually indirectly felt through the faculty… and I have done by best to support the faculty and our academic programs.
TE: What will you be doing next?
Dr. Jones: Pretty much the same thing… just up the road on I-35 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. I will miss SNU very much.