Dr. Chris Jones, who in 2022 became the first African-American to be nominated for governor by a major political party in Arkansas, will present a talk titled, “Politics and Faith: A Power Couple,” at University of the Ozarks on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Jones’ visit to campus is made possible by the Cecil and Ruth Boddie Farmer Chapel Guest Speaker Endowment. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in Munger-Wilson Memorial Chapel and is free and open to the public.
Jones, who is an ordained minister, was the Democratic nominee in the state’s 2022 governor’s race. His campaign launch video was the most viewed campaign launch video in the country for the 2022 election cycle.
Prior to his run for governor, Jones was the executive director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub where he helped dozens of entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses and created programs that trained thousands of Arkansans on various STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) topics, including the Skills to Launch Program, which continues to provide young adults with certification and training in trades such as roofing, welding, HVAC, and carpentry.
Jones holds five degrees, math and physics bachelor’s degrees from Morehouse College, an M.S. in nuclear engineering and an M.S. in technology and policy from MIT, and a Ph.D. in urban studies and planning from MIT.
He and his wife, Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, an emergency room physician, live with their three daughters in Little Rock.