FAYETTEVILLE — Eli Jones, dean of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville’s business college, is a finalist for the same position at Texas A&M University.
Jones, 53, is the only candidate the university planned to conduct an interview with on campus. He visited the Texas campus last month, giving a public seminar Feb. 6.
Jones earned three degrees from Texas A&M University, including a doctorate in marketing.
“Following Dr. Jones’ visit, feedback from faculty, staff and students will be collected. The search advisory committee will make a recommendation to the Provost, who will then make a recommendation to the President and Board of Regents. The exact timeline is uncertain, but should be relatively soon,” William Dugas, chairman of the Texas A&M search committee for the position, wrote in a statement to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
In a note to UA faculty and staff members sent in January, Jones described his interest in the open job.
“Some time ago, I was contacted by my Alma Mater, Texas A&M University, to consider the open deanship at the Mays School of Business. I can’t fully express how much of an honor it is to be contacted by one’s Alma Mater to assume such a leadership role,” Jones wrote, adding that he has family in and around College Station, Texas, where the university is located, as well as in Houston.
“I must note that other institutions have contacted me during my tenure here, and I have unequivocally said no to those opportunities. This is the only one I have even given a second thought,” Jones wrote.
He went on to emphasize that his visit to Texas A&M would not necessarily result in an offer and that visiting “does not necessarily mean I would accept the position if offered.”
Jones called it an “honor and privilege” to be dean at UA’s Sam M. Walton College of Business, a position he’s held since July 1, 2012, after departing from Louisiana State University. He also served as dean of that university’s business college.
“My wife, Fern, and I love living in Arkansas. We’ve met truly wonderful people and made many friends. Walton College is on an upward trajectory. It is a spectacular college made with people who care about the institution and want to see the momentum continue,” Jones wrote.
Jones earns a yearly salary of $392,044, the highest salary paid by UA to anyone outside the university’s athletic department, where several coaches and UA Athletic Director Jeff Long earn more.
At Texas A&M University, the previous business school dean, Jerry Strawser, earned $337,500.