The Bucks County Community College’s Board of Trustees has announced that Dr. Patrick M. Jones will take the helm as the sixth president of Bucks County Community College, effective July 1, 2024.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Jones home to Bucks County,” said Board Chair Thomas J. Jennings. “We are confident that he will lead the College forward with integrity, skill, vision, and enthusiasm. He is a compassionate leader, driven by results, devoted to students and well-acquainted with service to our diverse communities.”

The Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr. Jones to lead Bucks County Community College, which serves more than 10,000 academic-credit students and 25,000 alternative-credit students annually. The nationwide search for a new president was launched last fall after Dr. Felicia Ganther announced her resignation as president effective in December 2023.

“I am grateful to the trustees for this opportunity to help Bucks County Community College continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and communities across the county” said Dr. Jones. “The college is a gem and I look forward to working with the trustees, faculty, staff, and students on our campuses and centers, and our business, community, and elected leaders in ensuring it thrives and fulfills its indispensable role as an educational, cultural, and economic engine of Bucks County.”

Dr. Patrick M. Jones is currently the chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill, as well as a professor of music. During his tenure which began in January 2019, he has overseen the addition of in-demand programs such as nursing, cybersecurity, and information technology. Dr. Jones has also overseen upgrades to the campus’ physical plant including new laboratories for chemistry, nursing, and radiological sciences; a learning center; and technology and equipment upgrades to classrooms and athletic and recreation facilities. In addition, the campus partnered with the business and non-profit community to develop and launch Penn State Schuylkill Co-op in Fall 2020.

Dr. Jones served in a variety of academic and administrative roles prior to joining Penn State, including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Drexel University, Director of Veteran Enrollment Practice and Director of the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, Chair of the Music Education Department at Boston University, and Head of the Music Education Division at The University of the Arts. He also has held leadership positions in national and international scholarly societies, presented papers at academic symposia around the globe, and published book chapters and research articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Jones holds the Bachelor of Science degree in music education from West Chester University, a Diploma of Fine Arts in conducting and wind literature from the University of Calgary, the Master of Arts degree in conducting from George Mason University, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in music education from Penn State University. He also is a graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music, Air National Guard Academy of Military Science, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.

The intensive, focused search was led by the Presidential Search Committee which worked with RH Perry & Associates, a nationally recognized higher education recruiting firm. The on-campus visits included open forums with faculty, staff, and students as well as an interview with the full Board of Trustees. The Board welcomed input from the extended College community and thanks all who participated in the process.

Read more about the College and its new president at Bucks County Community College.