Jarvis Christian University President Dr. Glenell M. Lee Pruitt has named Dr. Yolanda Jones as the Interim Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness, effective July 1, 2024.
In her new role, Jones will lead efforts to guide, design, and conduct research that supports academic planning, decision-making, enrollment management, accreditation, and program assessment. Her responsibilities include collaborating with academic and non-academic departments to integrate cross-departmental data to submit federal and state reports.
“I am excited to serve Jarvis Christian University during this pivotal time in higher education,” Jones said. “I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to our university’s growth and am eager to build strong relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and students as we work together to elevate the university and propel it to new heights.”
Jones brings to her new position a robust background in academics, student affairs, student success, enrollment management, athletics, and administrative roles, following over 25 years of extensive experience in higher education.
Serving Jarvis Christian University since July 2021, Jones has served as the Executive Director for Student Success Services, the Director of the Early Start Summer Program, Interim Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, and Director of Admissions. Her extensive experience at Jarvis Christian University highlights her deep commitment to the institution and its mission.
Before joining Jarvis Christian University, Jones had a distinguished 20-year career at Mississippi Valley State University where she served in various roles, ending her career at MVSU as the Dean of Student Development in 2021.
A proud native of Greenwood, Mississippi, Jones earned three higher education degrees from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, including a Bachelor of Science in Hearing-Impaired Education and Disabilities Studies, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Urban Higher Education. Her dissertation was titled: An Examination of Academic Variables That Explain Persistence to Graduation for Students Who Take Remedial Courses in Higher Education. She previously attended Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana majoring in speech pathology with a minor in hearing-impaired education. Jones also earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
An avid lifelong learner, Jones currently is studying American Sign Language at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. Dr. Jones is an active member of several federal and state professional associations.
Jarvis provides a culturally rich educational environment where students are empowered to achieve their career goals through an inclusive and diverse academic experience that prepares them for a life of significance. Whether a student is a recent high school graduate or a working adult seeking career advancement, Jarvis Christian University develops all of its students intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally.
