Norman W. Jones has been named dean and director of the Ohio State University at Mansfield. Jones has served as interim dean and director on the Mansfield campus since July, 2017 during the national search for this permanent leadership position.
“I am thrilled and honored to accept this role at Ohio State Mansfield,” said Jones. “Ohio State is an institution of academic excellence, with the highest caliber of learning and educational opportunity, wedded with a land grant mission of access to all. Ohio State Mansfield plays a critical role in providing that access in northeast Ohio. Because of that, we can propel students to transformational futures at Ohio State Mansfield. It is an exciting time to be here and lead this campus.”
Dr. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Yale University, and both a master’s degree and doctorate in English from the University of California at Los Angeles. He joined Ohio State’s faculty in 2004 and has taught undergraduate- and graduate-level courses on American literature, the Bible, and film. Dr. Jones is the author of scholarly essays and books that explore intersections and tensions between the Bible and literature, focusing especially on literary representations of marginalized subjectivities in twentieth- and twenty-first-century American literature. The Mansfield campus has recognized his contributions with its Award for Excellence in Scholarship and its Award for Excellence in Service.
During his tenure as interim dean and director, Dean Jones oversaw an academic community of more than 1,000 students, 35 tenure-track faculty, 25 full-time associated faculty, 40 part-time associated faculty, and 60 staff members. He also provided leadership of a $14.5 million budget and assisted with the management of shared services with North Central State College. In addition, he continued with responsibilities related to his role as associate dean, including oversight of the curriculum and instruction on the Mansfield campus as well as academic advising.
“Please join me in congratulating Norman on this permanent leadership appointment,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Bruce A. McPheron, PhD in an email announcing Jones’ appointment to the Ohio State community. “I look forward to our continued collaborations to move forward with our ambitious agenda.”
Pending approval by the Ohio State Board of Trustees, Jones’ appointment is effective on July 1, 2018.