Black On Campus
Higher Education and the African American Experience

In Memoriam: Jerome B. Jones (1937 – 2008)

July 14th, 2008 by Ajuan Mance

Education defined my father. It was who he was.

— Merrill Jones

Jerome B. Jones (1937 – 2008)

Pioneering educator Jerome B. Jones died on July 4, 2008. His death was the result of injuries sustained after being struck by an automobile on June 26.

Jerome B. Jones was the first African American to become the superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools. He accepted this post in 1983 and served 7 years before retiring in 1990. In 1995 he came out of retirement to join the faculty of Howard University, where he founded and directed the the Department of Educational and Administrative Policy.

Prior to his untimely death, Jones had accepted a new position as dean of academic affairs at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Croix. His first day at the University would have been Monday, July 7.

He is survived by two daughters, Merrill Jones of Washington, D.C., and Allison Jones of Atlanta.

Posted by Ajuan Mance

Posted in African American Students, African Americans, Black Colleges, Black History, Current Events, Higher Education, Jerome B. Jones, Uncategorized


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