PEMBROKE — Dr. Jerry Jones, a veteran educator from West Virginia, will join the faculty of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke this fall as the first Joseph B. Oxendine Distinguished Professor of Education.

The endowed chair in the School of Education was created in late 2007 by a gift from the C.D. Spangler Foundation and named for UNCP Chancellor Emeritus Oxendine.

Dr. Jones, who comes from Marshall University, will teach in the graduate school leadership program.

With more than 20 years in higher education, Dr. Jones began his career as an elementary school teacher, and he worked as a guidance counselor, principal and superintendent of two school districts.

“We are excited about this new addition to our faculty,” said Dr. Leah Fiorentino, dean of the School of Education. “Our search committee was incredibly impressed with his credentials.

“Dr. Jones has already contacted superintendents in our region and will work with them to target their needs,” Dean Fiorentino said. “He will be a major benefit to area schools and our entire region.

“He brings an understanding of rural education to this position,” she said.

Dr. Jones has published seven textbooks on a wide range of topics from “Insuring That No Child is Left Behind” and “101 Tips for School Leadership” to “A Handbook for the Teaching of Science and Math” and “Curriculum for Teachers of Early Childhood Education.”

He described his current scholarly interests.

“I have an interest in creativity in school management and the renewal of organizations,” Dr. Jones said.