I am saddened to report that Dr. David B. Jones, the former Dean of the Pennoni Honors College, passed away this morning.
Dave was a brilliant scholar, inspiring teacher, versatile leader and loyal colleague who made everyone he interacted with better. He joined the Drexel faculty as an Associate Professor of Film in 1978 and held a number of leadership positions before retiring last year. Over his nearly 40 years at the university, he made a deep and lasting impact.
Dave served as the Dean of the Pennoni Honors College from 2008-2014. He was the Head of the Media Arts Department from 1996-2000 and the Cinema & Television Department from 2006-2007 in the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.
Dave also served as the Interim Head of the Department of Humanities-Communications in what was then known as the College of Humanities and Social Sciences from 1985-1987.
Dave was an early advocate for the creation of the Digital Media program that is now one of Westphal’s strongest units. He also created the Film and Video major and designed the film studies curriculum.
In addition to his dedicated leadership, Dave was a beloved teacher, cinema studies scholar and gifted filmmaker. He wrote three books as well numerous chapters, reviews and articles. Dave also directed, produced or wrote 11 films, several of which won awards and were broadcast on PBS and other major media outlets in the U.S. and Canada.
Dave inspired scores of Drexel students who benefited from his deep knowledge and love of film. Likewise, he mentored many junior faculty members, fostering excellence in the classroom and furthering their research and scholarship. Dave was instrumental in helping to recruit a number of faculty as well as serving on dean searches, and tenure and promotion reviews.
Dave was the epitome of a great college professor and dedicated colleague. He made Drexel a better university. Please keep his family and loving wife, Avo, in your thoughts. Dave will be deeply missed.
Sincerely,
John Fry
President, Drexel University
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