Texas A&M University–Central Texas has named Clifton T. Jones, Ph.D. the new Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. He will fill the position vacated by Dr. Peg Gray-Vickrey who retired earlier this year.
Jones currently serves as Vice Provost at Angelo State University in San Angelo. As Vice Provost, he is the second highest ranking academic officer at the university, providing support to the Division of Academic Affairs.
As the chief academic officer and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at A&M–Central Texas, Jones will not only oversee the planning, organization, and operation of the university’s three academic colleges, but he will also oversee divisions directly related to student success such as enrollment management, retention, library services, and student affairs.
"I am honored to have this opportunity to join A&M–Central Texas and work alongside its dedicated faculty and staff to advance its mission focused on student success and community engagement,” Jones said. “A commitment to excellence and sincere concern for their students have allowed the institution to make great strides and position itself as a strong and growing member of The Texas A&M University System. I am excited to see what we can accomplish together in the years to come. The future of A&M-Central Texas is very bright indeed."
Jones has a diverse background including both faculty and leadership positions. He has developed curriculum, built programs, and worked with the non-academic side of education, dealing with student affairs. A&M–Central Texas President Richard M. Rhodes, Ph.D., said the university is fortunate to have someone with Dr. Jones’ experience and knowledge to fill such an important position.
“Dr. Jones’ track record of building academic programs and working with the student affairs side of university life is impressive. He is accomplished both in the classroom and in leadership positions, giving him the experience and background he needs to serve as Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs,” Rhodes said. “We look forward to seeing how Dr. Jones can build on the great tradition of strong academic programs we have here at A&M–Central Texas.”
Prior to his time as Vice Provost at Angelo State University, Jones served as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs (2021-2022) as well as Dean of the College of Business at ASU (2015-2021). He also served as Dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, S.C. (2012-2015), department chair of the Department of Economics and Finance at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches (1995-2012), and as director of the M.S. in Economic Program at Murray State University in Murray, Ky. (1994-95).
A graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs (2022), Jones holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Texas A&M University (1985), and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UT-Austin (1981).