UA Business Dean Eli Jones Taking Post At Texas A&M

The board of regents at Texas A&M’s university system approved the appointment of UA Walton College of Business Dean Eli Jones to be the new dean of the Mays Business School.

Jones is a 1982 graduate of Texas A&M and holds three degrees from his alma mater. He will assume his new role at A&M on July 1.

Besides the University of Arkansas, Jones has also held positions at Louisiana State University and the University of Houston.

“Mays Business School is uniquely positioned to play a transformational role in business research and education,” said Ricky Griffin, interim dean of Mays Business School. “Dr. Eli Jones has the right combination of experience, acumen and vision to lead our school through this exciting period. I look forward to working with Dr. Jones as he transitions to Mays, and then following his lead after he arrives.”

Jones earned his bachelor’s in journalism, his MBA and his PhD in marketing from A&M.

“There’s nothing sweeter than the sound of home,” Jones said. “My wife and I are excited about returning to Aggieland and becoming an integral part of my alma mater. Texas A&M University and Mays Business School have been on an upward trajectory for some time, and I know that’s definitely a tradition that the talented faculty, dedicated staff and wonderful students want to continue. I appreciate Dr. Ricky Griffin for his leadership during the transition.”

In 2009, Jones was a recipient of Mays Business School’s Outstanding Doctoral Alumni Award. The late Jeff Conant, former head of the marketing department at Mays, called Jones “one of our most outstanding doctoral students in the mid ’90s.”

“From the first moment I met Eli, I knew he was destined for greatness and major leadership roles,” Conant said in 2009. “He understands the multiple missions of large universities and has personally made effective teaching, conducting relevant research and serving our discipline through professional service, high priorities in his career.”