(Sarasota, FL, April 25, 2005) – Dr. Bonnie Jones has been named director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness for the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. She will be responsible for measuring the effectiveness of campus programs and for providing research for strategic planning and accreditation.

Jones has 27 years of university-level academic experience from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Cleveland State University, and the University of Akron, in Ohio. Prior to her university experience, she taught high school English, physical science, and biology. She earned her baccalaureate degree in biological science magna cum laude from Miami (Ohio) University with a minor in general science and English. She holds a master’s in education, and a doctoral degree in educational psychology, both from Kent State University. She has 14 peer-reveiwed publications and over 30 professional presentations at national, regional and state conferences and meetings. Her credentials include past and present membership in professional organizations as well as numerous community service affiliations.

“As we continue to grow it is essential we establish research and measures to ensure our students are receiving the best education possible -- the kind of education expected at a nationally ranked research university,” said Dr. Laurey T. Stryker, USF Sarasota-Manatee vice president and campus CEO. “Dr. Jones comes to us with excellent qualifications and we welcome her to our regional campus.”

Jones’ background will be invaluable as USF Sarasota-Manatee prepares for future separate accreditation within the USF system. “This academic designation will add to the campus flexibility in designing programs for the community,” Stryker added. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee is an upper-level campus for those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree who are interested in getting a baccalaureate or master’s degree, professional certification, or continuing education credit. The campus offers the prestige of a national Research 1 university on a convenient hometown campus, including classes in south Sarasota County at the Manatee Community College Venice site.