Tony Jones, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith class of 2016 alumnus and University of Arkansas School of Law Juris Doctorate candidate, will speak at UAFS’s fall commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Stubblefield Center, located at 532 N. Waldron Rd.
“It is truly an honor to have such a successful and motivated alumnus like Tony Jones deliver the commencement address to our new graduates,” said Dr. Terisa Riley, chancellor of UAFS. “The legacy Tony left through his involvement at UAFS has inspired many, and with each new step in his career he reminds current Lions that their degrees will empower them to do the same. Just a few months from earning his law degree, I know Tony is uniquely poised to encourage our graduates to move forward with confidence and ambition, no matter how lofty their goals.”
Jones is in his final year at the University of Arkansas School of Law, where in 2019 he was selected by Dean Margaret E. Sova McCabe to be the school’s inaugural Pro Bono Fellow for his commitment to pro bono service. Jones also serves as Honor Council chair, is a member of the Black Law Student Association and works as a legal clerk at the Washington County Public Defender’s Office.
“UAFS is home,” said Jones. “It’s a place where I developed lifelong friendships, solidified my perspective on life and learned how I wanted to contribute to society. The school has poured so much into who I am and has forever shaped my outlook on life because of the lessons I learned in the classroom and out. Having the opportunity to address the graduates and their families on such a joyous occasion as commencement is a true honor.”
The fall commencement ceremony will honor more than 500 students completing graduation requirements during the second summer and fall semesters.
In addition to Dr. Riley, UAFS administrators presenting candidates are Dr. Georgia Hale, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs; Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology; Dr. Ashok Subramanian, dean of the College of Business; Dr. Paul Hankins, dean of the College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Ron Darbeau, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and interim dean of the College of Health Sciences; Dr. Norm Dennis, senior associate dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; and Wayne Womack, registrar.
Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, president of the University of Arkansas System, will also be in attendance.
Christopher Cluck, chair of the UAFS Alumni Advisory Council, will provide a welcome from the Alumni Association. Dr. Susan Simkowski, chair of the Faculty Senate, chief marshal and bearer of the mace, will give the call to order and adjournment.
Music will be provided by the UAFS Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, director of bands, and featuring soloist Kody Goad, UAFS music major. Dr. Stephen Husarik, head carillonneur, will provide pre-ceremony music and post-recessional bell peal on the Donald W. Reynolds Bell Tower carillon.
