University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., has announced that Sharon A. Jones, dean of the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering, accepted the position of vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Washington Bothell. Her final day at the University of Portland will be June 30.
Jones has provided exceptional leadership in service to the students, faculty, and staff of the Shiley School of Engineering. She spearheaded numerous enhancements to the school’s curriculum, forged deep and sustainable relationships with significant philanthropic and industry partners, provided support for faculty scholarly and curricular development, and increased diversity among students and faculty. Today, 39 percent of undergraduate students in the Shiley School of Engineering identify as a minority, and 33 percent of its faculty are women. Among many other accomplishments, she launched Oregon’s only biomedical engineering master’s program, supported the construction of the University’s first maker space (known as “Pilot Space”), and led UP to become the only private institution to join Oregon’s Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP).
As vice chancellor at University of Washington Bothell, Jones will oversee the university’s academic units, drive the development and implementation of academic policies, and lead efforts to enhance the campus culture for faculty and staff starting July 15.
An interim dean of the Shiley School of Engineering will be appointed shortly. A national search for Jones’s successor will be launched soon.