Peter Jones, who has served as senior vice provost for undergraduate studies for the past 13 years, has decided to return to the faculty, effective June 2017. An expert criminologist, he will teach criminal justice in the College of Liberal Arts and continue conducting research.

Jones has shown tremendous commitment to the university. He was instrumental in developing many programs that contribute to student success and help the university improve retention and graduation rates.

Dedicated to helping students achieve their full academic potential and take full advantage of all available resources, Jones expanded academic advising services and created the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowships. This office has increased student participation in external fellowships and eligibility for external scholarships. He also enhanced and expanded student academic resources such as the Writing Center and the Center for Learning and Student Success, which offer tutoring, homework review sessions and guided study sessions. To help STEM majors become eligible for certification as secondary education teachers in Pennsylvania, Jones helped develop the TUteach program.

During his tenure as senior vice provost, the university’s Honors Program saw a significant increase in the enrollment of academically talented students. Temple’s Career Center has also greatly enhanced its engagement with students under Jones’ leadership.

Early this year, Jones collaborated with Temple colleagues on a National Science Foundation funded research project as co-principal investigator. The team received a grant of nearly $1 million to study emerging STEM scholars.

An internal university search for Jones’ successor will be conducted during the spring semester.