On July 1, a new leader will officially take the helm of Bucks County Community College as its sixth president.
After an intensive, nationwide search, the board of trustees announced that Dr. Patrick M. Jones, who is currently serving as the chancellor and a professor of music at Penn State Schuylkill, was deemed the best person for the job.
“I am grateful to the trustees for this opportunity to help Bucks County Community College continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and communities across the county,” said Jones. “The college is a gem, and I look forward to working with the trustees, faculty, staff and students on our campuses and centers, and our business, community and elected leaders in ensuring it thrives and fulfills its indispensable role as an educational, cultural and economic engine of Bucks County.”
The search for a new president came after Dr. Felicia Ganther, who in July 2021 became the first black woman to lead the institution, announced in October that she’d be resigning at the end of the fall semester.
In an official statement, Ganther said, in part, “The passing of three of my presidential colleagues unexpectedly in the past few weeks and other personal challenges have made me reevaluate my purpose for the work I do and my life priorities. I have fallen in love with Bucks and am proud of the great strides we have made over the past two years.
“However, I have decided to transition to new professional opportunities where I can pursue my passion to work with students and engage them in phenomenal student experiences, bringing the community into the college’s space, and partnering to create a web of support for students who need us the most.”
Following Ganther’s announcement, the board retained RH Perry, a national search firm specializing in higher education, to conduct the hunt for a new president. Seventy-five applications were received and, after careful consideration, the search committee narrowed the field to three finalists, who took part in open forums that were held in-person and virtually with faculty, staff and students. Afterward, Jones was selected.
“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Jones to Bucks County,” said board chair Thomas J. Jennings. “We are confident that he will lead the college forward with integrity, skill, vision and enthusiasm. He is a compassionate leader, driven by results, devoted to students and well-acquainted with service to our diverse communities.”
Jones brings much experience to Bucks County Community College, which serves more than 10,000 academic-credit students and 25,000 alternative-credit students annually. During his tenure at Penn State Schuylkill, which began in January 2019, he has overseen the addition of in-demand programs, such as nursing, cybersecurity and information technology.
He has also overseen upgrades to the campus’ physical plant, including new laboratories for chemistry, nursing and radiological sciences; a learning center; and technology and equipment upgrades to classrooms, and athletic and recreation facilities. In addition, the campus partnered with the business and nonprofit community to develop and launch “Penn State Schuylkill Co-op” in fall 2020.
Jones served in a variety of academic and administrative roles prior to joining Penn State, including assistant vice president for academic affairs at Drexel University, director of veteran enrollment practice and director of the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, chair of the music education department at Boston University, and head of the music education division at The University of the Arts. He has also held leadership positions in national and international scholarly societies, presented papers at academic symposia about the globe, and published book chapters and research articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals.
In addition to his academic career, Jones served for 30 years in both the Army and Air Force, retiring from the Air National Guard at the rank of Colonel. His assignments included serving as a musician, unit commander, chief of Air National Guard Bands and adviser to the Air Force director of public affairs. As chief of bands, he was responsible for units across the country and a worldwide mission that included diplomatic outreach globally and troop entertainment in deployed locations throughout the Middle East, Central and Southwest Asia, and the Horn of Africa.
Jones holds a bachelor of science degree in music education from West Chester University, a diploma of fine arts in conducting and wind literature from the University of Calgary, a master of arts degree in conducting from George Mason University, and a doctor of philosophy degree in music education from Penn State University. He is also a graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music, Air National Guard Academy of Military Science, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
