W. Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity at Pennsylvania State University, died on August 19 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania, after an extended illness. He was 64 years old.
Tom Poole, vice president for administration, said, “The passing of Terrell Jones is an immeasurable loss for Penn State, the Centre region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His advocacy for low-income, first-generation college students and those who experience discrimination set him apart as a champion for justice.”
Dr. Jones began his career at Penn State in 1980 as a residence hall coordinator. In 1984, he was named director of the Division of Campus Life. In 1990, Dr. Jones was promoted to deputy vice provost for educational equity.
After a one-year stint as acting provost and vice president for academic affairs at Loch Haven University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Jones returned to Penn State in 1997 as associate vice provost for educational equity. He was promoted to vice provost a year later.
A native of Harrisburg, Dr. Jones was a graduate of Loch Haven University, where he majored in sociology and played football. He held a master’s degree and a doctorate in counselor education and student personnel services from Penn State.
