TAMIU's Dr. Jones Sole Finalist for TAMU-Commerce Presidency

Dr. Dan Jones, Texas A&M International University provost and vice president for Academic Affairs since 2003, has been named the sole finalist for the presidency of Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said he is elated that Dr. Jones’ service as provost here has lead to his consideration for the Commerce post.

“Clearly, we’re very happy that one of our own has been tapped to help lead a sister institution in our System. We believe they have chosen wisely and will be well pleased with him as their top candidate,” Dr. Keck said.

“I am confident that he was selected for his experience, his academic attainments and his way of discussing and approaching challenges. He is very thoughtful, very reflective, and yet decisive. His service to TAMIU has been truly commendable,” Keck continued.

Prior to joining TAMIU, Jones was dean of University College at the University of Houston-Downtown. His service at UH included being a member of the faculty since 1985, as well as professor, chair, associate dean and interim dean.

He holds his Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa (UI). An MA in American Studies and an MA in English were earned from UI and Rice University, respectively. Both BA in English and BJ in magazine journalism were earned at the University of Texas-Austin.

Jones will be the institution’s 11th president, succeeding Dr. Keith McFarland, who announced his retirement plans last fall. McFarland has been president and CEO for 10 years, having also served for nearly 38 years as history professor, department head and dean of the graduate school.

As chief executive officer, Jones will supervise more than 1,100 employees, manage a $97.6-million annual budget for an institution of some 8,879 students.

He is married to Jalinna Jones and has two daughters, Aislinn and Allyson.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents may consider Jones’ appointment to the position of president after the 21 days required by state law for public notice of the appointment with the Texas Secretary of State.

Texas A&M University-Commerce, founded in 1889, is home to northeast Texas’ only industrial engineering program and bachelor’s degree in wildlife and conservation science. An innovative partnership allows students to remain at the Navarro College campus in Corsicana and complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

It joined the A&M System in 1996.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu