Dr. Chris Jones

Biography

Dr. Chris Jones arrived as Dean of the James E. Hurley College of Science and Mathematics in July of 2016. When asked why he decided to make the move to OBU, Jones said, “OBU is serious about academic excellence while holding firm to the principles of the Christian faith.” 

He has three areas of professional focus: the integration of faith and learning, community outreach, and active learning teaching methods.  

He is passionate about the integration of faith and learning. He states,”Engaging students in serious academic inquiry at a Christian university requires both academic and Biblical integrity.” Jones gives advice on the practical side of this topic through professional development workshops, academic conferences, and informally when colleagues are exploring methods to improve their efforts. 

From the start of Jones’ career, he has been involved in a diverse array of community outreach events in science and mathematics such as National Chemistry Week, Rocket Blast-offs, Math & Science Festivals, Science Fairs, and STEM camps. When asked about his motivation, Jones said, “Jesus told us that it is better to give than receive. (Acts 20:35) Teaching students to give back some of their knowledge and enthusiasm for science and math is academically reinforcing, Biblically sound, and just plain fun!”

The pedagogy he strives to see implemented is one based on active learning rather than passive lecturing. This ranges from the utilization of best practices in technology to collaborative group projects. “Today’s students need a positive and encouraging learning environment that actively engages them in critical thinking” says Jones. 

Education

• B.A. in physics Erskine College, Due West, SC
• Ph.D. in chemistry the University of Texas at Austin, TX

Select Presentations

Eric Liddell’s Surrender to the Calling to Chemistry, Christopher T. Jones, The 18th Christianity in the Academy Conference, Germantown, TN, March 24, 2017.

Robert Boyle: Chemistry, Faith, and Calling, Christopher T. Jones, The 17th Christianity in the Academy Conference, Germantown, TN, March 5, 2016.

STEM Collaboration with Local Colleges and Universities, Carol M. Jones and Christopher T. Jones, MGRESA STEM Conference, Warner Robins, GA, Feb 2-3, 2016.

Great Commission Thinking in the Chemistry Classroom Begins with Small Steps toward Global Awareness , Christopher T. Jones, IAPCHE International Conference: Internationalizing Christian Higher Education, Grand Rapids, MI, June 4-6, 2015.

A Comparison between Southern Baptist Colleges and Universities and Other Evangelical Institutions in Prioritizing the Integration of Faith and Learning, Christopher T. Jones, The 16th Christianity in the Academy Conference, Germantown, TN, Friday, March 13, 2015.

How Can I Integrate Faith and Learning if I Never Attended Seminary? Christopher T. Jones, The 16th Christianity in the Academy Conference: The Catholic-Evangelical Dialog after Neuhaus and Colson, Memphis, TN, Friday, March 7, 2014.

International Mission Projects as a Contextual Framework for Learning Aqueous Solution Chemistry. Christopher T. Jones, IAPCHE International Conference: Internationalizing Christian Higher Education, Grand Rapids, MI, May 23-25, 2013.

Integration of Faith and Chemistry: Mission Field “Solutions.” Christopher T. Jones, ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 7-11, 2013. 

Producing Video Podcasts, Christopher T. Jones, 2010 PTEC Annual Meeting, Savannah, GA, July 16, 2010.

Producing Video Lectures, Christopher T. Jones, Southeastern Technical College Faculty Workshop, Vidalia, GA, September 3, 2009.

How Late Is Late? When Do Students Complete On-line Assignments, Christopher T. Jones, ACS National Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 26-29, 2006.

How to Integrate Community Outreach into the Chemistry Classroom without Wasting Your Time, Christopher T. Jones, ACS National Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 26-29, 2006.

Integrating Digital Video into LiveText, Christopher T. Jones, BPC Math and Science Education Majors, Mt. Vernon, GA, October 11, 2005.

Using Blackboard in the College Classroom, Christopher T. Jones, BPC Faculty Development, Mt. Vernon, GA, Fall 2005 – 2011.  Multiple Sessions to faculty.

Using TurnItIn.com as a Classroom Tool, Christopher T. Jones, BPC Faculty Development, Mt. Vernon, GA, Fall 2006 – 2011.  Multiple Sessions to faculty. 

Taming the Wild World of Web Resources: How to Manage Online Activities for a Large Number of Multi-section Chemistry Courses, Christopher T. Jones, ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, August 29, 2001. 

DVAction:  A Database of Digital Video and Images Available for the Creation of Multimedia Laboratory Materials, Lynn R. Hunsberger1, M. Claire Dougherty2, Roxy B. Wilson3, Christopher T. Jones3, Rizalia M. Klausmeyer, ACS National Meeting, San Diego, CA, April 3, 2001.

Using CyberProf: An Interactive Tool for Teaching Chemistry on the Web, C.T. Jones, S.A. Zumdahl, S. Zumdahl,  ACS National Meeting, Dallas, TX, March 29, 1998. 

Interactive Web Materials for Inorganic Chemistry Instruction, Center for Instructional Technologies; Austin, TX; December 13, 1996.  CIT’s opening ceremonies. 

Conducting Plastics and Ceramic Superconductors, Central Davidson Senior High School; Lexington, NC; April, 1995. Invited presentation.

Conducting Polymer / High-Temperature Superconductor Composite Materials, American Chemical Society 49th Southwest Regional Meeting; Austin, TX; October 24-27, 1993. 

Energies of Second Row Modifications by Ab Initio Molecular Orbital Theory, Third National Conference on Undergraduate Research; San Antonio, TX; April 27-29, 1989.

A Comparison of Quantum Mechanical and Classical Calculations of Electron Transfer in Ion-Ion Collisions, Second National Conference on Undergraduate Research; Asheville, NC; April 21-23, 1988.