Central College names class dean and director of academic resources

Roe Center on the Central College Campus

PELLA — Eric Jones, who currently serves as the interim dean of students at Central College, will be the class dean for the class of 2016, a new position for next year’s first-year class. He will also serve as director of academic resources. Jones will begin in both roles July 1, 2012.

“Eric’s experience and deep commitment to student success make him the ideal person to serve as Central College’s inaugural class dean,” said Mary Strey, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty.

This new appointment will enable Jones to work with an entire class of students throughout their four years at Central. He will facilitate the effective transitions of incoming students from enrollment to the campus, classroom, residence halls and athletics.

Jones is a 1987 graduate of Central College. He earned a master’s in counseling/professional studies from Iowa State University.

His contributions to Central have been extensive and have included roles as interim director of residential life, associate director of admission, instructor of Introduction to College Success and assistant football coach. For five years, Jones was the director of academic success, where he worked extensively with many first-year students.