After waiting for more than one year, Bradley will be welcoming a new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on June 8.
Christopher Jones, who accepted the position this month, currently serves as Dean of Arts and Sciences at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y.
Provost David Glassman said Jones has the experience and leadership skills to be a highly successful dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
“He has an excellent understanding of the diverse nature of the academic disciplines that make up the college and a strong conviction to move the college forward in recognition and excellence,” he said.
When selecting a new dean, the university selects candidates who demonstrated a record of successful leadership as a dean or department chair, Glassman said. They also must have a strong understanding and appreciation of Bradley’s educational mission and core values, he said.
“We look for evidence that the candidate is a consensus builder, excellent communicator, strategic planner, sound fiscal manager, one who is honest and equitable, values diversity and inclusion and will be a strong advocate for the college,” he said.
Jones said he is honored and excited to join Bradley in this important role at a highly regarded institution, both regionally and nationally.
“I look forward to working with the college’s impressive faculty and dedicated staff, serving its talented students and collaborating with members of the university and local communities,” Jones said.
Jones plans to conduct a listening tour with chairs and directors during the summer and meet with the faculty, staff and students in the fall.
“Over the years, I have taught and encountered a number of Bradley graduates,” he said. “I have been impressed with how fondly alumni remember their time at Bradley.”
When interviewed on campus, Jones said a student gave him a “superb” campus tour.
“Her pride and enthusiasm for the institution went a long way in convincing me that Bradley was a special place,” he said. “Similarly, faculty members’ deep commitment to Bradley and its students was quite apparent.”
Jones said he enjoys developing and launching student-centered initiatives.
He also said he is a strong advocate of the liberal arts and sciences, high quality teaching and scholarship and engaged learning opportunities among other aspects that Bradley upholds.
“I am a high-energy person who likes to get things done,” he said. “People will find me to be a pragmatic optimist who is organized and very interested in building upon and broadening Bradley’s academic points of pride.”
