Ed Jones honored with emeritus status

Ed Jones, professor of wildlife sciences, former associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, and former director of Virginia Cooperative Extension, has been conferred the title of professor, associate dean, and director emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 2011, Jones developed a leadership team and strong partnership with Virginia State University that led to an increase in the number of Extension faculty and the visibility of Virginia Cooperative Extension throughout the commonwealth.

Throughout his 38 year career as an Extension professional, Jones has held many leadership positions at both the regional and national level. Most notably, he served as chair of the National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program, the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals, the Extension Disaster Education Network, the Association of Southern Region Extension Directors, the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, and was founding co-chair of the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy 4-H Leadership Committee.

Jones was recognized for his leadership with the Association of Southern Region Extension Directors Excellence in Leadership Award in 2020, and the 2021 Distinguished Service Ruby Award by the Extension organization, Epsilon Sigma Phi.

Jones received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.