ASU Delta Center names Cliff Jones as deputy director

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 862 views 

Dr. Cliff Jones, former vice chancellor for learning and instruction at ASU Mid-South, has been named deputy director of the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development, according to Delta Center executive director Andrea Allen.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Jones join the A-State Delta Center team,” said Allen. “His 15-plus years of success in executing strategic programs as an academic administrator, as well as his passion for providing quality programs that promote economic advancement in the delta region, make him ideal to serve as the project lead for launching our Executive Education program.

“The Executive Education program will provide business and community leaders with new skills and ways of thinking as needed to acclimate to the rapid changes occurring in the business world.”

The Delta Center coordinates the economic development outreach services of Arkansas State by providing technical assistance, leadership development, applied research and guidance for businesses, governments and citizens of Arkansas.

“It is an exciting time to join the Delta Center,” Jones said. “I look forward to working with the team to enhance the services and opportunities in the region.”

Jones earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas. He began his full-time career as an educator as executive assistant to the chancellor and political science instructor at Baton Rouge Community College in Louisiana.

From there, he moved to the Houston area to work at Lone Star College-Cy Fair as dean of Arts and Technology and department chair for Government, Sociology, Psychology and Criminal Justice. From 2008-12, Jones served as the vice chancellor of academics at the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville. In 2012, he joined then Mid-South Community College as vice chancellor for Learning and Instruction where he supported the seamless merger with the Arkansas State University system.

Designated an economic development administration university center in 2018, the Delta Center is comprised of A-State Innovate, the Small Business Technology Development Center, and Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions – all partners in providing community and economic development services to communities in the delta region.

The Delta Center is a partner in the administration of the Delta Regional Authority’s eight-state leadership program, the Delta Leadership Institute, and alumni network.