SMSU has recently had the fortune of welcoming Dr. David Jones to our campus as the 11th president of SMSU. After the retirement of Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya, David Jones was appointed interim president. Jones had come from Minnesota State University, Mankato, as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. He’s also had more experience in higher education, such as coming from the Assistant VP for Student Affairs at the University of Alabama,working at UNC-Chapel Hill, and College of William Mary. 

The Marshall community was extremely attractive to Jones as he was looking to apply for the position of President. Looking at a small community that is extremely focused on seeing continuous growth.  

“I like that the city planners have made the intentional decision to make sure there are parks and sidewalks everywhere. It really contributes to livability. I have been playing pick-up pickleball all winter and have enjoyed the exercise and meeting new people,” said Jones when it came to his favorite things about the community of Marshall. 

Looking to the community on campus, Jones loves attending all sorts of events, such as the sporting events, dropping into classes to speak, attending the fine arts in music and theater, and having impromptu conversations around campus.  

“I don’t know of a campus that starts a football game any better,” said Jones when asked about the events on campus. Jones is an important part of the college life here at SMSU, and he is excited to grow and change alongside the students, faculty, and the university as a whole.