The academic convocation and investiture of Dr. Dan Jones, president of the Texas A&M University-Commerce, will be held on Friday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the Ferguson Social Sciences building. Jones began serving as president of the University last fall after Dr. Keith McFarland retired in July.
“Dr. McFarland, who continues to be a source of insight and wisdom to me, transformed the campus during its first decade as a member of the Texas A&M University System.” Jones said. “I’m very honored to be the eleventh president of an institution that has changed so many lives over the last 120 years.”
Events celebrating the investiture of Dr. Jones will officially commence with a reception and dinner the evening of Feb. 5, followed the next day by a continental breakfast, the academic convocation, a buffet luncheon, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new music building. Events will end with a community wide celebration of faith on Saturday, Feb. 7.
While the dinner, continental breakfast and buffet luncheon are invitation only events, the convocation, groundbreaking ceremony, and community wide celebration of faith are open to the public. All classes will be cancelled from 8 a.m. until noon on the morning of the convocation.
According to Linda King, secretary of the president, the academic convocation will include the president’s investiture speech as well as presentations by the Chancellor, Federal and State representatives, and the Chairman of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System, among others.
“Music will be provided by A&M-Commerce faculty and students,” King said. Representatives from other universities will join our faculty in full academic regalia in the processional and recessional march.”
According to Dr. Mary Hendrix, vice president for student access and success, each president that has served has brought the leadership skills and focus to usher the University to a new level.
“I think that President Jones is taking what President McFarland has accomplished and moving us to the next phase by focusing on improving campus housing, service to students, and establishing performance standards that will make certain we are providing the levels of services needed to attract and retain our students,” Hendrix said.
Jones, who previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M International University, set up two key committees when first arriving to Commerce.
The Budget Review and Development Council works to manage university resources and the Strategic Enrollment Management Committee develops new strategies aimed at increasing and sustaining enrollment. According to Jones though, getting to know the University was top priority.
“My most important goal when getting here was to get to know the faculty, the staff, and the students, as well as alumni and members of the community,” Jones said. “And while I’ve spent a lot of time walking around and traveling throughout Northeast Texas and the Metroplex, I still have a long way to go.”
As the structure of the American economy rapidly changes, Jones is working to identify areas that need more attention and also, areas that need expenditure cuts in order to help the University and its students cope with recent financial changes.
“Dr. Jones understands that most students today need financial assistance,” Hendrix said. “I believe he will help us focus our efforts on providing assistance to students and their families. I also believe that he will help us improve student access and success.”
According to Jones, though he still has a lot to learn about the University, he shares the same passion for the mission of the University that previous presidents have, while urging students to diversify and learn from their experiences here.
“Give yourself permission to become a different, more authentic version of yourself while you are here,” Jones said. “Don’t be afraid to change into who you really are. That’s what a great college education can do for you.”