‘Muddy Boots’ Professor Named Hunt Chair

Eric Jones, associate professor of biology, has been named the Caroline Rose Hunt Distinguished Chair in the Natural Sciences.

Eric Jones leads a class during May Term 2013.
Eric Jones leads a class during May Term 2013.

Jones earned a BS from Bucknell University and his MS and PhD from The Pennsylvania State University. Since he joined the Mary Baldwin faculty in 1986, Jones has been an active member of the college community, and currently serves as chair of the School of Science.

The self-described “muddy boots” professor was anonymously nominated for this honor by a colleague who said “Thanks to him, thousands of young women have graduated from Mary Baldwin with a special appreciation for the unique plants, animals, and ecosystems of our region.” An alumna, also wished to remain anonymous, said “Dr. Jones was the first professor I met when I came to visit the campus and one of the big reasons I decided to stay at Mary Baldwin.”

The distinguished chair in the natural sciences is named in honor of Caroline Rose Hunt ’43, co-founder and owner of Lady Primrose’s Royal Bathing and Skin Luxuries, honorary chairman of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, and a member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame.