OBU Welcomes Jones as Dean of the Hurley College of Science and Mathematics

June 9, 2016

OBU is pleased to welcome Dr. Chris Jones as dean of the James E. Hurley College of Science and Mathematics. He will assume his duties July 5.

Jones currently serves as professor of chemistry at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, assuming that role in 2014. From 2002-14, he served as associate professor of chemistry/ instructional technology specialist at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia. While at Brewton-Parker, he served as interim chief information officer from 2004-06, chief instructional designer from 2006-11, interim provost from 2011-12, and unit coordinator for math and science from 2012-13.

He served as a lecturer in general chemistry and computer-assisted learning specialist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1997-2002. Previously he served as a teaching assistant from 1990-97 at the University of Texas at Austin.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Erskine College in 1990 and a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Texas in 1997. He also has extensive research experience at the University of Texas, Argonne National Lab, the University of Alabama and Erskine College.

Dr. Stan Norman, provost and executive vice president for campus life, is excited to have Jones lead the Hurley College of Science and Mathematics. “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Chris Jones as the dean of the James E. Hurley College of Science and Mathematics. Dr. Jones has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence in his service in Christian higher education. In addition to his significant administrative and teaching experience, he has studied and written extensively on the Christian faith and science.”

“I believe that Dr. Jones will help advance the already-strong Hurley College legacy of integrating faith and discipline,” he said. “His knowledge, experience and vision for the future of the Hurley College will be valuable as we move toward the rebuild of the Wood Science Building and as we look to future expansion of the programs within the College. I’m anxious to see how our tremendous faculty work together with Dr. Jones to accomplish the College’s goals.”

Jones says he was drawn to OBU because of the university’s commitment to academic excellence and biblical principles.

“I think the most exciting part of serving as dean of the James E. Hurley College of Science and Mathematics will be working with a great team of professionals to intentionally integrate faith and learning with integrity in both our academic disciplines and our Christian faith,” he said.

“I believe the most significant aspect of my job as dean will be to help others realize the opportunity we have to prepare students for the calling God has placed on their lives,” he said. “We are not simply preparing students for a job, but for a true calling. The calling placed on the lives of someone majoring in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, natural science or physics is no less significant than someone called to be a pastor or a missionary. Engaging students with serious academic inquiry while connecting them to a deep understanding of the Christian faith is crucial if they are to impact the culture in meaningful ways.”

He and his wife, Carol, have been married for 25 years. They have three children: Silas, 14; Isaiah, 11; and Elizabeth, 8. He loves outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.