Jones retires after 45 years at Charleston Southern University

CHARLESTON, SC – May 3, 2012 – Dolores Jones was teaching at Charleston Southern University before it was Charleston Southern University. She taught at the Baptist College for 23 years, then, continued to teach 22 more years after the college changed its name to Charleston Southern University.
 
Over 45 years she seen a lot – almost the entire college’s history, she’s heard a lot and she’s certainly taught a lot of students. Jones’ impact on the college and its students is breathtaking and, unlike the generation she taught over five decades, they are now able to share their memories instantly through social media.

When the news was posted on Charleston Southern University’s Facebook page Wednesday afternoon, well wishes began pouring in from faculty, staff and former students. 

I care about what becomes of my students, Jones told CSU in an interview.

Jones, a Gastonia, North Carolina native, earned her undergraduate degree in English from Duke University and then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she completed her masters degree in Communication with a major in Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures and a minor in Theatre.

In 1993, Jones was awarded the excellence in teaching honor for her work. On Saturday, Jones, an assistant professor of communication, will be named professor emerita of communication at Charleston Southern’s commencement ceremony at the North Charleston Coliseum.

U.S. Congressman Tim Scott, a member of CSU’s Board of Visitors and has been named a CSU Alumnus of the Year, will be the guest speaker and will be awarded an honorary doctorate of public service. Scott, who is serving his first term as the representative for South Carolina’s 1st District, graduated from Charleston Southern in 1988 with a degree in political science.

A combined 597 undergraduate and graduate students are scheduled to graduate Saturday.