Joe Jones has resigned his position as an Oakland University trustee effective to focus on a new position at Ferris State University.
He was appointed to the board by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November 2020 and his term was set to expire in August 2028. His resignation is effective Feb. 16.
Jones said it became necessary to leave OU after accepting a new role as a vice president at Ferris State University overseeing engagement in west Michigan.
“My journey at Oakland University began as a student, and my time as an alumnus and a member of this Board has been deeply rewarding,” Jones said. “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve my alma mater, and I have greatly valued the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team of professionals, especially you, my board peers. I am particularly proud of the work accomplished during my year as Chair, and I am confident the university is well- positioned for continued success.”
The governor will choose Jones’ replacement but there is no timeline for the appointment.“It was an honor to serve as Joe’s vice chair last year. I learned how to serve with humility through his actions,” said Board of Trustees Chair Brian Calley.
“Joe was a great boss and a wonderful teacher. He taught all of us by his example the fine art of caring for one another,” said OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz.
“This new position will ‘bridge the rapids,’ tapping the world-class people and programs on our Big Rapids campus to support students and grow the thriving West Michigan economy,” said Ferris State President Bill Pink. “It would be hard to find a better person who can do what we need to do. Joe’s leadership, his history, and the respect people have for him in West Michigan will be a tremendous asset.”
He is the founder of the Hekima Group, a Grand Rapids-based consulting firm that provides crisis management experience and communication guidance to organizations.
Jones served as a Grand Rapids city commissioner for the second ward from 2016 to 2022 and previously served as president and CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan from 2011 to 2020.
“I will be here to listen to what the community needs, then champion new approaches that Ferris State can offer as a resource and a partner,” Jones said. “We will collaborate with industry and the community, and work with the K-12 school districts all across West Michigan.”
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Oakland University and a master’s degree in Ministry Leadership from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Jones has also completed executive leadership programs at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and New York University’s Stern School of Business.