Rock Jones Reception and Summer Science Program

The campus community extended a warm welcome to president Rock Jones as he joined Ohio Wesleyan July 1.

Highlights of his first day included an early-morning visit with a group of Buildings & Grounds staff, a campus-wide reception, lunch with a group of students at Smith Dining Hall, a meeting with a group of campus administrators, and a reception with the University Relations staff. The OWU community also welcomed Rock’s family — wife Melissa Lollar Jones and daughters Alissan and Anna at a campus-wide reception.

“We are thrilled to be here,” he said. “I don’t know what it’s like to give birth; but I feel like this last seven months have been a gestation period. We have arrived and we feel so fortunate to be here.

“This institution is one of the treasures in American higher education. There’s a legacy and rich tradition of educating students and preparing them to be leaders. The people who have attended here are making the world a better place.”

Click here for Rock's letter to Alumni and Friends
Click here for Rock's letter to campus community

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Reception July 1, 2008

A New President and Scientist…

OWU President Rock Jones’ resume just got a little longer.

With just two days on the job, Jones already has been dubbed an “honorary scientist” by students and faculty participating in the University’s Summer Science Research Program.

On Wednesday, Jones spent three hours meeting with and learning more about the breadth and depth of the scientific research occurring this summer at Ohio Wesleyan.

Included was information about research into how a fungus could be used to destroy bee mites, how principles of “green chemistry” could be used to purify water without adding toxic chemicals, how gravity affects plant growth, how starspots can help us to better understand the sun and predict its evolution, and how aging affects long–term memory.

“I am impressed with the caliber of research here at Ohio Wesleyan University,” Jones said. “The opportunities available to students, including publication in professional journals and presentations at national conferences, are indicative of the quality education that Ohio Wesleyan strives to provide.”

Summer Science Program July 2, 2008