Woodrow Jones, Jr.

Woodrow Jones Jr., professor of political science, served as dean in the College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University from 1994 2001.

During his seven-year tenure as dean, the College of Liberal Arts strengthened its academic programs, developing three new undergraduate degrees – American Studies, Telecommunication Media Studies and Music – as well as two graduate degrees – a Masters in Science and Technology Journalism and a Ph.D. in Speech Communication. The Department of Performance Studies was created under Jones’ leadership and was the first academic department at Texas A&M dedicated solely to the arts. The study of humanities was also enhanced with the creation of the Center for Humanities Research, (renamed the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research in 2002). Also during his tenure, the college’s development council doubled in size and the college’s endowment increased significantly.

“Woody called the College of Liberal Arts the ‘heart and soul’ of Texas A&M University,” said Charles A. Johnson, current dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “Those of us throughout the College who knew and worked with Woody will remember this as one of his legacies.”

Jones came to Texas A&M as a political science professor in 1988 and was named associate dean the following year. His appointment to Dean of Liberal Arts in 1994 marked the first time in history that Texas A&M had appointed a black faculty member to the role of college dean.

Jones used his position as dean to promote diversity among students and faculty. He supported multiculturalism in the university’s core curriculum and, during his tenure, the College offered more international study abroad opportunities to Texas A&M students than any other college.

“Barriers are broken when people come together to work for a common goal,” Jones said after his appointment. “I can’t change everything, but I can be a part of the process by offering insights that lead to change.”
He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of New Mexico and a public health degree from the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston. He earned doctoral and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Oregon.

Jones’ areas of research included minority health care, health policy and planning and environment health policy. He authored or co-authored eight books and numerous book chapters, refereed journal articles and convention papers.

"He really had a calling to excellence, not only in researching his discipline, but a calling in excellence to mentor those who were coming up in the field of health so that the work would continue and grow, and more people would be reached," said A&M administrator Mary Broussard, who knew Jones for 20 years. "What I really think about when I think about Woody Jones is his ability to inspire others, his ability to motivate, the wisdom and the guidance that he gave on a daily basis."