Academic Vice President Alan Wilkins announced Stephen Jones as the new dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications Thursday Sept. 18, 2003 in the Madsen Theatre.

Jones began his service at BYU as a professor of music. Since 2000, he worked as assistant to Academic Vice President Wilkins, where he specialized in technical support.

"He will be exceptional," said Scott Boyter, assistant dean of the college. "He will be wonderful. He's very young, but he has all the brain power and abilities that he needs to carry on the assignment."

Jones said he had no new agenda for the college, but instead, he wanted to continue in the path of excellence already in motion.

"The search committee asked me many thorough questions," Jones said. "When they asked me what I saw my role being if I were to be named dean, I told them I had three points of interest: 'Listen, listen and listen.'"

Rory Scanlon, professor of theater, said Jones is a man of his word.

"I've worked on committees with Stephen and he is just what he said, a listener," Scanlon said. "He's very honest and listens to other people and their concerns without pushing his own agenda. He listens to all sides before a decision is made, and that's a major plus."

Wilkins told the crowd of Fine Arts and Communication faculty that all of the dean candidates were outstanding, but now was the time for Jones.

"Stephen Jones is well prepared," Wilkins said. "He loves you. He knows the other college deans well. This is his home."

Jones said since he was young, he was driven by a desire for excellence. He also expressed admiration for his predecessor, Dean Newell Dayley, who led the college along an exceptional path.

"There are no new fields to plow," Jones said. "We will only set the plow deeper. Newell Dayley has left this place in ship-shape."

Jones outlined his hopes for continuing harmony in the college, and began by asking pardon for any possible failings.

"If I have offended any, please forgive me," he said. "In the College of Fine Arts and Communications we desire a spirit of unity and tolerance."

Jones also affirmed the far-reaching influence of the college.

"This college holds the power to shape the church in a way no other college can," he said.

In addition, Jones encouraged college faculty to review and live by the objectives of BYU.

"If it's been a while since you've read the mission of BYU, I strongly encourage you to read it again," he said. "When I review it, I feel like it is a wrench tightening some loose screws."

Dale Cressman, professor of communications said Jones is a natural fit.

"As soon as they said his name, it was like, 'Of course. Of course,'" Cressman said. "It was the same reaction as when a Bishop is named. It's just like, 'Wow. Of course.'"

Jones' role as Dean is effective immediately.



Copyright Brigham Young University 18 Sep 2003