Peru State announces new dean of education

PERU – Peru State College has named John Jones as its new dean of the school of education.

Dr. Jones is the former chair of the Department of Education at Truman State University and previously taught special and elementary education in South Carolina and Texas.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, his master’s from George Washington University and his doctorate from Pennsylvania University.

A college press release says Jones will support the faculty and expand the teacher education program.

 

 Here is the college's press release

(Peru, NE) - The new Dean of the School of Education at Peru State College is Dr. John Jones. Peru State, established in 1867, is Nebraska’s first college and has always focused on teacher training. This profession is based on the noble cause of shaping young minds. Dr. Jones shared, "If you seek a dynamic career that makes a difference, teaching is for you. You can see the impact you make that lives on in your students' minds for life."

Jones joined Peru State after 11 years at Truman State University, where he most recently served as Chair of the Department of Education. He has also taught special and elementary education in South Carolina and Texas and part-time at the College of Charleston. Jones holds an impressive academic background with a bachelor's from Georgetown University, a master's from George Washington University, and a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Jones brings excellent experience and a unique perspective to Peru State School of Education,” said Peru State College President Michael Evans. “The School has a lot going on – from its innovative TELL Lab to its hands-on approach to education, and Dr. Jones is the right person to take the School forward.”

Jones grew up in Medford, Massachusetts, before moving to Tokyo at 14, where he attended an international school. Initially a nursing student in college, he switched to Theology without plans to enter the ministry.

With parents in education, Jones naturally pursued a career in teaching. In grad school, he became interested in educational policy, working in special and elementary education before transitioning to higher education and educator training. His guiding philosophy is "work-to-live, not live-to-work." Jones is eager to expand the Peru State teacher education program, stating, "I want anyone even slightly interested in teaching to join this program."

Jones praised the faculty's proficiency and collaboration, stating, "I'm fortunate to have joined this team; my goal is to support them with the necessary tools and then let them excel."

Outside of work, Jones and his family, including two daughters, moved recently to Nebraska City. He likes to read and write and is into physical fitness.

Kelcie Keeling

Nestled in the hills of historic southeast Nebraska, Peru State College offers a mix of innovative online and traditional classroom undergraduate and graduate programs, including online graduate degrees.