Erick Jones, George and Elizabeth Pickett Endowed Professor of industrial, manufacturing and systems engineering, and associate dean for graduate affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been announced as the third finalist in consideration to be the next James L. and Katherine S. Melsa dean of Iowa State’s College of Engineering.

Jones will visit campus from Wednesday through Friday and will also host an open forum on Thursday from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Alliant Energy-Lee Liu Auditorium in Howe Hall.

During his open forum, Jones will answer questions from students, staff, stakeholders and community members.

Jones spent eight years working at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and then joined the University of Texas in Arlington staff in 2010. At the National Science Foundation, Jones has served as program director, engineering research and centers, according to a press release.

Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in industrial engineering. He also earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Houston, both in industrial engineering, according to a press release.

Jones is the third of five candidates in consideration for the position. Each candidate will host an open forum during their visit.

Earlier this month, Janis Terpenny of Pennsylvania State University and Robert Frosch of Purdue University were announced as the first two finalists. 

The fourth candidate will visit campus March 24 through 26 and will be announced one business day before their visit.

More information on the dean search can be found on the Office of the Senior Vice President and the Provost’s website, along with Jones’ itinerary, Vita and other information.