On the presidential terrace of historic Tyler Hall overlooking Tyler gardens, sitting under a shady umbrella while indulging on blueberry muffins and biscuits, Dr. Patrick M. Jones reminisced on his past accomplishments and experiences and how they have prepared him to take on presidency at Bucks County Community College.
Dr. Jones assumed presidency at Bucks County Community College in July 2024. As an accomplished leader and a strong advocate of student education, Dr. Jones’s ambitious strategic vision will lay a greater foundation for the college’s future growth and success.
Prior to becoming the president of Bucks, Dr. Jones served in the military for thirty years, joining the Army right after graduating high school in 1981. “The Army gave me structure, there were adults that really cared about me and gave me tough love when needed… I was sent to Germany where I learned German, and it opened my whole worldview. You learn how to be a team and learn how to be something greater than yourself.” Dr. Jones stated.
After spending three years of active duty in the Army, Dr. Jones commissioned as an officer in the Air Force where he completed Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College, which allowed him to gain knowledge in leadership, management, and strategic thinking.
“The biggest thing that shaped my life is learning to appreciate being a part of a larger team and how you must be able to work together. There is rigor in being a part of a team,” he said.
During 9/11, Dr. Jones had been in for twenty years and was a Major in the Air National Guard. Planning on retiring before the terrorist attack, he extended his contract and stayed in service for another ten years and retired as a Colonel in Oct. 2011.
The military gave Dr. Jones the opportunity to put himself through college. He studied Music and Conducting at George Mason University, Conducting at University of Calgary, Music Education at West Chester University and Pennsylvania State University where he completed his PhD.
From 2011 to 2016, Dr. Jones went on to work at Syracuse University as Director of Setnor School of Music, as the Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Veteran and Military Affairs and Director of Veteran Enrollment Practice. Until 2019, Dr. Jones was the Assistant Vice President at Drexel University.
Before he took the position of President at Bucks County Community College, he was a college music professor and Chancellor for Pennsylvania State University Schuylkill.
Having been involved in higher education for his whole career, Dr. Jones knew he could do more. “Like a lot of veterans, I went soul searching about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I hired an executive coach. She helped me figure out that I had never thought about what I wanted to do. I wanted to have a bigger impact on life than running a music school.” Dr. Jones explained.
Meeting with the Chancellor of Syracuse University, he was given the opportunity to become the Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Veteran and Military Affairs, which he considered “a clean slate.”
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Thomas J. Jennings, has assisted Dr. Jones in making a smooth transition to the presidency, as the former president of Bucks, Dr. Felicia Ganther, left nothing for him to transition after abruptly resigning last year.
Possessing administrative and leadership experience from the military and academic side, this allowed Dr. Jones to have confidence that he can fill the shoes of presidency for the college.
He maintains the philosophy of “Mission first, people always. Our mission is to change lives, that is what we do every day. Giving students access to education and helping them achieve their dreams.” Dr. Jones stated.
The faculty and staff at Bucks are dedicated to that mission. “Here at the college, we focus on the mission to improve people’s lives which are the students and take care of our teammates, which are the faculty and staff; they are not mission exclusive.”