William Penn University Announces Irving C. Jones as Fall Convocation Speaker

09/08/2016

Join William Penn University staff, faculty and students as they ring in the new school year during the annual Fall Convocation to be held on Thursday, September 15, at 11:15 a.m. in the George Daily Auditorium. The keynote speaker this fall is Dr. Irving C. Jones, Sr., William Penn College Class of 1975.

Dr. Irving C. Jones, Sr., a native son of New York City’s South Bronx, spent 34 years in public education. Dr. Jones received his Bachelors of Arts Degree from William Penn College, Masters of Education Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Virginia, and his Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Moving through the ranks from an English teacher to a high school principal, and then an assistant superintendent, Dr. Jones has initiated a variety of mentorship programs for both students and teachers, and developed partnerships between private industry, community colleges, universities and high schools. Dr. Jones is recognized as a leader on topics of educational leadership. Over the last 25 years, Dr. Jones has presented at international, national, state and local conferences on topics including: minority student achievement; dropout prevention; interdisciplinary instruction in the secondary school; supervision of instruction; teaching strategies that engage active learning; career pathways; creating collaborative teaching and learning environments in schools; students transitioning from alternative placements; the transition of 9th graders into high school; and leadership in an age of accountability.

Dr. Jones was selected as the 2002 Outstanding High School Principal for Virginia. In October of 2002, Dr. Jones was named the 2003 NASSP/MetLife National Principal of the Year. Additionally, for his dedication to education in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2003, he was awarded The Virginia Lottery’s Excellence in Education Award.

In addition to his previously listed accomplishments, Dr. Jones has also served on the Executive Board for 100 Black Men of Central Virginia, the United Way, the Martha Jefferson Hospital Board and the Executive Board of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). His hobbies include singing in his church choir, martial arts, reading, doing crossword puzzles, motorcycling, and swimming. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Jeannette, and they have one son, 24-year-old Irving Jr.

The community is encouraged to join William Penn University as we welcome keynote speaker Irving C. Jones, Sr., to the 2016 Fall Convocation on Thursday, September 15 at 11:15 a.m. in the George Daily Auditorium.

For more information, contact:
Hailey Brown
Communications/Event Coordinator
William Penn University
641-673-1078 | brownhe@wmpenn.edu