���ߺ���

For nearly two decades, Dr. Janine Jones has been a pillar of the UW ���ߺ��� — mentoring generations of scholars, strengthening academic excellence, and fostering deep connections across our community. From her early days as an assistant professor to her leadership as associate dean for academic affairs, she has left an indelible mark.

A compassionate leader, Dr. Jones guided us through challenges like the pandemic with creativity and care, ensuring our community stayed united. This June, she will celebrate a milestone: her 40th doctoral student graduation, a testament to her extraordinary mentorship.

While we will miss her deeply, we celebrate her next chapter as Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Affairs and Dean of the Graduate Division at UC Santa Barbara, beginning July 1, 2025. UCSB gains not just a visionary leader but a champion for inclusive, forward-thinking education.

Join us in honoring Dr. Jones' legacy and read her reflections below.

When did you first join the CoE?  

I joined the ���ߺ��� in 2005 as an Assistant Professor — hard to believe it’s been 20 years! From 2013 to 2020, I had the privilege of serving as the Director of the School Psychology Program. I also had the honor of being the COE Faculty President from 2019 to 2020, and in 2020, I began my role as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

What will you cherish most about your impact as associate dean and/or as a faculty member?

So many things! I will cherish the relationships that we have built over the years-with my colleagues and my students. I figured out this week that I am graduating my 40th doctoral student this year.  The opportunity to support so many students into their dreams has been a great honor. I will also cherish the opportunities I had to find ways to build community in the college when we were all pulled apart by the pandemic.  

What are you most proud of as you reflect on your experiences at the CoE?

I am so proud of what our college has become.  I can remember vividly when my work on multiculturalism and culturally responsive practice was misunderstood, and I had to do a lot of explaining. Now, we are a community of scholars who have a shared vision for racial equity and a sense of purpose around making a difference in education for those who have been historically minoritized and racialized. The UW COE has been a safe home for my professional identity.  It was a beautiful journey to watch our college grow into that safe space.  My heart is full every time I think about it.

What are you excited about as you look ahead to your new role at UCSB?

I am incredibly excited to lead UCSB into the next generation of graduate education. We are at a pivotal moment in Education where new models and approaches will be warranted. I love the process of collaborative thinking and problem-solving, so I am looking forward to bringing new ideas to the UCSB community and shaping the future collectively. I am so grateful for the mentorship that I have received here. I am only equipped to do this position because of my role models and mentors — especially Dean Mia Tuan!

Is there a message or piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues and the College community?

I want everyone to know and remember what a special place this is. It is so easy to take for granted the people around you when our lives are so busy. As I envision our transition to a new city, I keep having moments of immense gratitude.  For example, I am grateful for:  

• this gorgeous campus that is meticulously maintained, and draws the eyes of the world every Spring
• the people who love and care for our building and community with little recognition,  
• the faculty who are dedicated to ensuring that the hearts and minds of our students are protected and grow,
• our leaders who cope with constant criticism and only sprinkles of appreciation for their work,  
• our staff, who quietly are the “little engine that could” but are truly the only reason why we continue to successfully function,
• our students who trust us with their lives and are willing to be molded into their dream careers, and
• the opportunities to facilitate people supporting one another with the big things and the little things.

I am grateful for these things and so much more.  

My advice to the community is to resist the temptation to allow “the busy” to overtake the things that you want to do. Don't wait to schedule that social outing with someone.  When you walk through campus, notice the flowers, the fresh air, and the greenery.  Like on the walk between the Padelford parking lot and Miller Hall — notice the smell of the maple trees at the top of the stairs in the Fall and the jasmine bushes on Skagit lane in the evenings in Spring. Recognize who ensures that this beautiful landscape stays this way. Notice the people who often go unnoticed and unrecognized. Take a moment to express your appreciation to people. One kind word might change their life. Be that person.  

I am going to miss you all.  Keep caring, supporting, and leaning on one another.  This is a special place.