The campus community celebrates the life of Curtis Jones, who established strong Laker ties within his family as the first Black faculty member hired at Grand Valley. Jones died March 7 in Grand Rapids. He was 86.
Jones, professor emeritus of sociology, joined the faculty in 1967. He earned a doctorate in sociology from Michigan State University, with a focus on family dynamics in marginalized communities.
He retired in 2000. In 1997, Jones received the Alumni Association's Outstanding Teaching Award. Recipients of that award are nominated by alumni and recognized for having a significant impact on the lives and careers of graduates. During a 2018 Grand Valley Founder's Day event, Jones and other Grand Valley leaders were recognized as trailblazers .
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Curtis's family on his passing," said GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella. "Curtis was known as a catalyst whose positive influence has been felt by both students and the campus community throughout the university's history. His impact carries on through his family and the many lives he touched."
Jones's daughter, Catherine Jones-Rikkers, is an associate professor of management at the Seidman College of Business. His wife, Constance Jones, retired in 2001 as an associate professor emerita of English. Jones-Rikkers said she and many other family members have earned Grand Valley degrees, including her siblings, her husband and one of their children.
A celebration of life for Jones is planned for May 22 at the Cook-DeWitt Center on the Allendale Campus.
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