After serving since January 2018 as Interim, Dr. Jeff Jones will become the permanent Department Head of Finance and General Business effective March 1, 2019.

Jones’ appointment was confirmed by the Board of Governors at the February 22, meeting.

“Dr. Jones brings an abundance of knowledge and industry experience to the position, and a straightforward, positive, and inclusive leadership style.   He is a visionary and charismatic leader with a proven record of accomplishment as an interim department head,” states College of Business Dean, David Meinert. “He has the vision, drive, and passion to enhance the reputation and impact of our finance and risk management and insurance programs.”

Record of service, teaching

Jones joined Missouri State University as an Assistant Professor of Finance in fall 2013, and achieved the rank of Associate Professor in August 2017.  He received a B.A. in Business, Economics, and Accounting from Drury University in 1997, an M.B.A. from Drury University in 2003, and a PhD in Finance from the University of Arkansas in 2008.

He is a licensed CPA in Missouri, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and holds the designations of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified in Financial Management (CFM).

Prior to joining Missouri State, Jones served for several years as a professor at Drury University, and for one year as a visiting professor at the University of Arkansas.  His recent research, which focuses on the opacity of financial institutions and its impact on the valuation of banks and systemic crises, has been published in the Journal of Economics and Business, Journal of Financial Intermediation and Journal of Banking and Finance. 

Prior to his academic career, Dr. Jones worked for several years as a consultant with BKD, LLP, and as a production supervisor with General Electric.

“I am humbled to be selected as the Department Head for the FGB Department”, states Dr. Jones.  “I look forward to working with FGB faculty and leadership in the College of Business to provide students with a transformative academic experience that culminates into the pursuit of an impactful professional career.”

Appointment follows national search

The appointment follows an extensive national search.  Three finalists were brought to campus for interviews.