Spotlight on Dr. David P. Jones, Interim President
Published Friday, August 01, 2025
It is with great enthusiasm that we introduce Dr. David P. Jones as the new interim president of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). Dr. Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in higher education, spanning over 32 years, which has uniquely prepared him for this pivotal leadership role. His journey through academia reflects a dedication to student success, community engagement, and institutional advancement.
Dr. Jones has dedicated the last 14 years of his career to Minnesota State University Mankato, where he cultivated a deep understanding of the higher education landscape. His diverse experiences in various roles have equipped him with a robust skill set as a leader. As he noted, “I feel like all of those career steps that helped prepare me as a leader through increasing responsibility, opportunities to learn new campuses and new cultures, and how to take the best of all to continue to improve where I’m at.”
His commitment to education began early in his life, rooted in a family tradition of teaching that spans three generations. This legacy inspired him to pursue a career in education initially as a social studies teacher. Dr. Jones shared, “I would be a third-generation teacher, so it’s part of the family, for sure.” He was driven not just by a passion for teaching but also by the opportunities to influence and shape the next generation of scholars and leaders.
After earning his master’s degree in community counseling from the University of Nebraska Kearney, Dr. Jones found his career path shifting unexpectedly. What he envisioned as a return to the classroom evolved into a role in university administration. Through his involvement as a hall director while a graduate student, he discovered a newfound passion for higher education administration.
His transition into residential life allowed him to work closely with students and understand their needs in a campus setting. “That experience will be so helpful for us as our primary focus for recruiting is to get students to live on campus,” he noted, highlighting SMSU’s commitment to creating a vibrant campus community.
Originally hailing from Oregon, Dr. Jones spent much of his childhood in Iowa and later in upstate New York, where he developed a strong sense of community and place. He fondly recalls, “I consider upstate New York my home… I have a lot of good memories.” Growing up in a small town, he values the relationships formed within close-knit communities.
Upon joining SMSU, Dr. Jones expressed his admiration for the institution and the potential it holds to serve its students and the surrounding community effectively. He is eager to engage with faculty, staff, students, and local community members.
As he steps into his role, Dr. Jones emphasizes that his priority will be to ensure the well-being of students, faculty, and staff at SMSU. He is acutely aware of the challenges faced by universities today and the necessity for institutions to adapt in a rapidly changing landscape. This proactive approach signals his readiness to tackle the challenges ahead and create opportunities for innovation and growth. He brings with him a tapestry of experiences, insights, and a profound commitment to higher education. His journey from a passionate educator to a seasoned administrator is a testament to his dedication to fostering an empowering and supportive learning environment.
We welcome Dr. David P. Jones to SMSU and to the Mustang Family. We also welcome to the extended Mustang Family: Dr. Jennifer Jones, his wife, a higher ed administration professor in the St. Cloud State University graduate school, as well as their children, Cooper and Riley, both recent college graduates.
Outside of his professional life, he and his family enjoy live sporting events as well as the outdoors through camping and biking. They recently completed a bucket list adventure by completing the Des Moines Register’s Annual Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).
Get to know Dr. Jones:
Favorite movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Favorite caffeine: Coke Zero
Favorite pizza toppings: Sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms
Current book: Annapurna: The First Conquest of An 8,000 Meter Peak
Recommended reading: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Pet: A Poo-Shi mix named Bama
Pro Sports Teams: Buffalo Bills and MN United
Activity: Camping and Biking
Fun fact: Started his career as a social studies teacher in Iowa
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