New president ready to take office at Cal U
By Christine Haines
chaines@yourmvi.com
This first week back on campus for California University of Pennsylvania students is the last week as president for Geraldine Jones, who ends a 46-year career on the campus.
The university has been more than an employer for Jones, who is also a graduate of what was then California State College.
“Cal U has been my school, my workplace and my home,” Jones said in a video address to the campus community. “It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as the seventh president of this wonderful university.”
Jones said she had no idea what was ahead of her when she enrolled as a student at California or when she joined the faculty and staff there 46 years ago. She served for 20 years as director of Cal U’s Upward Bound program.
“I didn’t set out to be president,” she said. “I began my career with a strong desire to help students succeed, and that has been my mission ever since.”
Jones was named president of the university in 2016, but had served as the interim or acting president for four years prior to that. Her career at Cal U also included 11 years as chair of the Department of Academic Development Services and being associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services for two years before serving as the college dean from 2000-2008. Jones was named provost and vice president for academic affairs in 2008, a position she held until being appointed acting university president in May 2012.
Jones thanked her colleagues for their support over the years.
“I want to thank our students, too. Your energy and passion have been an inspiration. Your success has been my greatest reward,” Jones said in the video. “During this past year, especially, I have seen you rise to meet difficult challenges. It hasn’t been easy, but you haven’t let hard times stop you.
“Our beloved California has been a beacon of promise for more than 168 years – and I know that all of you will keep that beacon burning brightly for generations to come,” Jones said.
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