Dr. Cadavious M. Jones, Ph.D., is a distinguished leader in higher education with over 19 years of experience in STEM education and 16 years in academic leadership. Born in Mobile, Alabama, and a first-generation college student, Dr. Jones began his journey as an intern for The Walt Disney Company, later serving as a Disney campus recruiter to help provide diverse opportunities for students.

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Currently, Dr. Jones serves as Dean of the Division of Science and Mathematics at Rust College, where he has secured over $6.3 million in grant funding, expanded academic programs, and forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as FedEx, Cisco, and the FAA. His expertise in strategic planning, program management, budget development, communication, and community outreach underscores his effective leadership in higher education.

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Dr. Jones is passionate about creating and nurturing inclusive academic environments, ensuring that both students and faculty have meaningful opportunities to thrive in STEM fields. His active research portfolio includes work in discrete mathematics, big data analytics, robotics, public health modeling, and combinatorics. He contributes as a reviewer for the NIH, serves as a doctoral examiner, and is an associate editor for several STEM journals.

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A contributor to the Australian Maths Trust and a member of the MASAMU international research group, Dr. Jones champions mathematics and statistics awareness across the globe. One of the highlights of his career has been his STEM outreach efforts — mentoring local high school students and facilitating global math camps that bridge students from the United States, Australia, Germany, Wales, Japan, and Africa.

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Driven by a deep desire to increase diversity in STEM, Dr. Jones finds joy in inspiring young minds, whether in the American Black Belt or the Australian Outback. His lifelong mission is to empower the next generation of STEM leaders through innovation, strategic vision, and a commitment to educational excellence.