Former NCCU Provost Dr. Beverly Washington Jones Passes

Durham, NC – Dr. Beverly Washington Jones served as Provost and Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), the very school where she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees. She made history as the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jones passed on July 19 at the age of 71.

Dr. Beverly Washington Jones was appointed Interim Chancellor at NCCU on June 16, 2007. Prior to becoming Interim Chancellor, Dr. Beverly W. Jones served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dean of University College for four years, Director of the Institute for the Study of Minority Issues, and Directed the Saturday Academy, an academic enrichment program for third through fifth graders.

In March 2008 Dr. Jones was named one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal, New York tri-state area’s premier business magazine for African-American professionals. Dr. Jones has published five books including “Durham’s Hayti” which she co-authored with Andre Vann in 1999.

Dr. Jones lived by her mantra ‘Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.’ She was passionate about education. She insisted that touching one life at a time can make a world of difference. It was a belief that underpinned her efforts to narrow the academic achievement gap between Blacks and other ethnic groups. Her life was shaped by supportive efforts, she asserts as she explained in an interview why she is committed to being an advocate for programs and activities that support closing the gap. “This gap starts in kindergarten and goes up to twenty years of age. These students don’t have strong academic readiness,” she says.

Jones’s parents did not graduate from high school, but they stressed the importance of family, gratitude, humility, and education to Jones and her siblings. All 11 children attended college, but their parents constantly reminded each of them never to forget “from whence they came.”

With the support of her parents, husband, and family, Jones was able to accomplish many feats in life. Her mentors included the late historian Helen Edmonds and renowned scholar John Hope Franklin, both of whom inspired her to be a courageous and humble activist who pioneers change with confidence.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Photo courtesy of NCCU