Thomas Franklin Jones (July 9, 1916 – July 14, 1981) was an academic and university administrator who served as the 23rd president of the University of South Carolina from 1962 until 1974, presiding over an era that included racial integration of the university, the Watergate scandal, the Vietnam War and other social changes.[1][2]
Early life and career
Jones was born July 9, 1916, in Henderson, Tennessee. He graduated from Mississippi State University and from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.[3]
President of the University of South Carolina
Jones was elected by the board of trustees to serve as president of the university in 1962, one year before the institution was formally integrated by three Black students, Henrie Monteith Treadwell, Robert G. Anderson and James L. Solomon Jr. The decision to integrate was met with protests, but eventually was conducted without incident.[4]
Jones is credited with expansion of the campus footprint, its graduate school programs and offerings.[5]
Death
Jones died on July 14, 1981.[6]
References
- ^ "USC President Thomas F. Jones at integration press conference". Richland Library. September 11, 1963. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "University of South Carolina protests: Jones on meeting with faculty". The University of South Carolina. May 15, 1970. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "Thomas Jones, 65, M.I.T. Aide Who Was Head of Research". The New York Times. July 17, 1981. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "University of South Carolina 1963-2013: Desegregation—Integration: commemorating the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of the University of South Carolina System". The University of South Carolina. 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "Remembering the Days — A man for all seasons: the Tom Jones presidency". The University of South Carolina. 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "THOMAS FRANKLIN JONES 1916-1981". National Academy of Engineering. 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.