NCCU

DURHAM, NC – Beverly W. Jones, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), will become interim chancellor of NCCU effective June 16. Jones, appointed today by UNC President Erskine Bowles, will lead NCCU until the August 1, arrival of Charlie Nelms. The UNC Board of Governors elected Nelms today to succeed outgoing Chancellor James H. Ammons, Jr. Nelms is currently vice president for institutional development and student affairs for theeight-campus Indiana University.In announcing Jones’ appointment, President Bowles said, “During her three decades of service to NCCU, Beverly Jones has distinguished herself as a top-notch academic administrator. She has extensive knowledge of the institution and this state, and she has earned the respect of her colleagues, the students, the local community, and other key campus constituencies. NCCU will be in very capable hands in the coming weeks.”Jones holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in history from NCCU and was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A member of the NCCU history faculty since 1974, she assumed the campus’ top academic post in 2005. As provost, she has provided leadership for the restructuring of the College of Arts and Sciences, developed five new academic degree programs, created six new centers and institutes, and gained two accreditations in the School of Business. She also received national attention for her efforts to provide science and math instructors for Durham’s Southern High School when the school faced a critical teacher shortage.Prior to being named provost, Jones served as dean of NCCU’s University College (1999-2004), director of its Community Service Program (1993-1998), and director of the Institute for the Study of Minority Issues (1987-1998). From 1997-1999, she also directed the Saturday Academy, an academic enrichment program for third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders in six Durham public schools. In 2002, Jones secured grants totaling $2.25 million to increase the Saturday Academy’s enrollment from 175 to 400 students and to expand the number of public schools served from six to 12.Jones has published five books and more than 20 articles on subjects ranging from Durham’s historic Hayti district to the advancement and consequences of American politics.