Jones named U-M associate vice president and dean of students

March 31, 2009
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ANN ARBOR—University of Michigan Vice President for Student Affairs E. Royster Harper has named Laura Blake Jones as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

Pending regental approval of the appointment, Blake Jones will assume the position July 13.

“Dr. Blake Jones brings a wealth of experience in student affairs and leadership,” Harper said. “Michigan students and the university will benefit from her previous involvement in emergency and critical incident management, strategic planning and diversity education and support.”

The position of dean of students oversees and directs the efforts of several student development units including University Health Service, Intergroup Relations, Counseling and Psychological Services, Spectrum Center, Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs and Trotter House, Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center and Services for Students with Disabilities. As associate vice president for student affairs, Blake Jones will also partner with units across campus to promote an environment that expands students’ world views and supports them in achieving their current and future goals.

During February, students, faculty and staff participated in the search process by attending public presentations and evaluating the three final candidates. “Feedback from a broad sample of the campus community helped to inform the committee’s recommendation of Blake Jones for the position,” said Donica Thomas Varner, assistant general counsel and chair of the Search Advisory Committee.

Blake Jones earned her bachelor’s degree at Miami University of Ohio and holds a master’s degree in student personnel services in higher education from the University of Vermont and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Oregon.

Blake Jones will leave her position as interim dean of students and director of the Office of Student Life at the University of Oregon where she oversees a variety of student affairs functions and has broad responsibilities for crisis management, threat assessment and student engagement and well-being. Prior to that, she served at the University of California, Berkeley as assistant director of housing and director of residence life.