Office of the President
Henderson State University’s Board of Trustees named Bobby G. Jones as the university’s full-time interim president at the June 10, 2011, board meeting. Jones will serve during the continuation of the presidential search into the next academic year.
Jones is a native of Malvern, Arkansas, holds a BSBA degree in accounting and an MBA both from Henderson State University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate from the Henderson ROTC department and a four year letterman on the Henderson State College football team. He retired from the United States Army Reserves in 1997 having attained the rank of Colonel.
After returning from Viet Nam in 1973, Jones located in Arkadelphia and worked for a local CPA firm, and two local financial institutions. In July of 1989 he became controller for Henderson State University and in January of 1999 was appointed Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Jones resides in Arkadelphia and has served as a board member of the Henderson State University Alumni Association; Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation Commission; Southern Bancorp, Arkadelphia; and the Clark County Industrial Council. He is also past treasurer of the Arkadelphia Homebuilders Association. He currently is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, serves as a Board Member of the Arkadelphia Baptist Medical Center, and is a member of the selection committee for the Reddie Sports Hall of Honor.
Jones is a Reddie through and through. Whether he is reminiscing about playing football and falling in love with the most beautiful Reddie cheerleader or talking to the new freshmen class at Heart Start, his love of Henderson shines through. He has said many times that he is proud and humbled to serve the university as interim president.
He and his wife, Judy Echols Jones (that beautiful cheerleader), were married in 1970 and have two sons and eight grandchildren. Kevin and Cynthia, parents of Cooper, Emery and Julianna, reside in Maumelle. Scott and Bridgette, parents of Whit, Jett, and Cy Jones and Maddox and Braxton Allen, reside in Malvern. Bobby and Judy are members of First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia where he is chairman of the Personnel Committee and an active deacon.
Henderson’s been the perfect fit. I’ve gotten lots of connections since I’ve been here. In my field, that’s how you get places.
Holly CarterBachelor of Arts - Mass Media, 2011
