New dean to lead collaborative, interdisciplinary vision for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jennifer Drake announced the appointment of Christopher Jones as the new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

Jones brings decades of experience in higher education to his new role after serving in leadership roles at Le Moyne College, Northern Illinois University and Bradley University. He will begin his appointment on June 21. 

A tenured professor in political science, Jones has published and presented research on the domestic sources of U.S. foreign and defense policies. He has also received university-wide honors for excellence in undergraduate teaching, honors education and international education. In 2013, he was named a distinguished teaching professor at Northern Illinois University and recognized nationally for his contributions to international education.  

“Throughout his career, Dr. Jones has advanced student success, experiential learning and interdisciplinary innovation,” Drake said. “He has strengthened undergraduate research and artistry programs, expanded honors and global education and launched new academic pathways.  

“He is especially enthusiastic about the CLAS Voyage and sees it as a cornerstone initiative to elevate experiential learning and student agency.” 

Drake said Jones’ commitment to shared governance, inclusive excellence and visible, engaged leadership distinguished him as a candidate.  

“He spoke about building a ‘One CLAS’ culture — grounded in trust, transparency and collaboration — where the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and interdisciplinary fields thrive together,” Drake said.  

Jones earned his doctoral degree in political science from The Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University and his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in political science from Binghamton University, State University of New York. He also completed Harvard University’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Higher Education. 

Joining Bradley University in 2014, Jones served in several roles, including dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, vice president for Strategy and Innovation and interim provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. In his current role at Bradley as executive director of Academic Partnerships, he leads the university’s mission to create accessible, efficient and sustainable pathways for student success with select partner institutions.  

“I am honored and excited to be entrusted with leading Grand Valley’s largest and most intellectually diverse college,” Jones said. “I am truly impressed by the CLAS faculty and staff’s unwavering dedication to student success and belonging, high-quality academic programs, teaching excellence, innovative research and creative work, and transformative experiential learning.  

“These strengths will be valuable assets as we work together to meet the needs of today's students in a rapidly changing world and ensure CLAS plays a central role in advancing the progress of the region and state." 

Drake also thanked search committee chair Mark Schaub, dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, and members of the search committee and extended her appreciation to Interim Dean Donovan Anderson for his steady, values-based leadership during the transition.  

“I am especially grateful to Dr. Mark Schaub for his thoughtful leadership as chair and to the search committee members for their significant time and care throughout this process,” Drake said.   

"I’m most appreciative to Donovan Anderson for his guidance and support during this transitional period in CLAS, and I also want to thank everyone who engaged in the process with candor and commitment to our shared future.”