jones did not complete his degree at the art institute of chicago and left to teach painting at dillard university in new orleans in 1936. though it is generally recorded that elizabeth catlett is responsible for starting the art department at dillard, jones contended that he actually started the program, but could not be credited because he technically did not have a degree yet. jones taught and studied at dillard from 1936 to 1940 and attained a bachelor's degree in dramatic arts from the university. before leaving dillard, jones was awarded a rosenwald fellowship to study at the famed taller de gráfica popular in mexico.