Bobby Jones (academic)
Bobby Jones, PhD (13 January 1942 - 18 April 2001) was a noted American educator who distinguished himself by becoming the first African American to earn tenure at Mercer University, a highly selective private university. Jones later became chair of the Education Department there. He was instrumental in the development of innovative teaching techniques that are used as standards throughout the education industry to this date. He inspired hundreds of students to go on to become educators as highlighted in A Joyful Passion for Teaching.
Jones is also credited with assisting in destroying the racial divide that existed throughout central Georgia in the novel Macon Black and White.[1] Jones devoted his life to helping others realize their goals. He was instrumental in the establishment of Mercer University's first Upward Bound Program[2] where he mentored aspiring, educationally talented under-privileged youth. Jones assisted them in the pursuit and achievement of their collegiate aspirations.
References
- Manis, Andrew Michael (2004). Macon Black and White: An Unutterable Separation in the American Century. Mercer University Press. ISBN 9780865549586.
- "Upward Bound Program". www.ed.gov. 2018-02-15. Retrieved 2018-03-06.
- Stramiello, Al; Willingham, Mary; Martray, Carl (2006). A Joyful Passion for Teaching. Mercer University Press. p. 86. ISBN 9780865549975.
- Manis, Andrew Michael (2004). Macon Black and White: An Unutterable Separation in the American Century. Mercer University Press. p. 382. ISBN 9780865549586.
- "macontelegraph.com | Opinion". www.mindspring.com. Retrieved 2018-03-06.
1972 - Dr. Bobby Jones joins the Mercer University Education department, which he later chairs, and is the first black to receive tenure at Mercer.