Joe Jones has resigned his position as an Oakland University trustee effective to focus on a new position at Ferris State University.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy journey at Oakland University began as a student, and my time as an alumnus and a member of this Board has been deeply rewarding,\u201d Jones said. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The governor will choose Jones\u2019 replacement\u00a0 but there is no timeline for the appointment.\u201cIt was an honor to serve as Joe\u2019s vice chair last year. I learned how to serve with humility through his actions,\u201d said Board of Trustees Chair Brian Calley.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe was a great boss and a wonderful teacher. He taught all of us by his example the fine art of caring for one another,\u201d said OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new position will \u2018bridge the rapids,\u2019 tapping the world-class people and programs on our Big Rapids campus to support students and grow the thriving West Michigan economy,\u201d said Ferris State President Bill Pink. \u201cIt would be hard to find a better person who can do what we need to do. Joe\u2019s leadership, his history, and the respect people have for him in West Michigan will be a tremendous asset.\u201d<\/p>\n
He is the founder of the Hekima Group, a Grand Rapids-based consulting firm that provides crisis management experience and communication guidance to organizations.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Jones said. \u201cWe will collaborate with industry and the community, and work with the K-12 school districts all across West Michigan.\u201d<\/p>\n
He holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Communication Arts from Oakland University and a master\u2019s degree in Ministry Leadership from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Jones has also completed executive leadership programs at Dartmouth\u2019s Tuck School of Business, the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and New York University\u2019s Stern School of Business.<\/p>\n
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