PELLA—Extending his nearly three decades of service to Central College that includes previous work within the admission, advancement, student development and academic affairs offices,
Eric Jones has been named athletics recruitment coordinator.
Jones will work with the coaching staff for the college's 21-sport athletics program in coordinating recruitment strategies as well as assist in building relationships with prospective student-athletes and their families, both during on-campus visits and on the road, while also serving as a mentor for young coaches. Most recently a major gifts officer for Central's advancement office, Jones will continue connecting with the college's alumni and friends in supporting vice president for athletics Eric Van Kley's work in generating financial support for the Dutch squads and in further development of the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex. And Jones will remain an assistant football coach, a post he's held for 28 seasons (1995-2002, 2006-present), primarily working with the offensive line.
"Continuing to grow Central's enrollment is critical to the college's future and recruiting student-athletes is obviously a huge component of that," Van Kley said. "I've long regarded Eric as one of the most effective recruiters I've ever interacted with. He has a remarkable ability to connect with prospective students and their families, and a passion for helping young people chart a path for their future success. We're excited about having Eric in a role where he can fully utilize those talents."
A 1987 Central grad and former Dutch offensive lineman, Jones received a master's degree in counseling education from Iowa State University. Prior to joining the Central staff, he taught and coached in Shelbina, Missouri before serving as at-risk coordinator and assistant coach at Pella High School. At Central, he served as assistant director of admission, then served as dean of students at Waukee High School from 2003-06. He returned to Central as a counselor in the student development office in 2006, later heading the college's retention program in the academic affairs office before serving as interim dean of student life in 2011-12. He then became a class dean for the college before joining the advancement staff.
"Eric loves Central College, loves students and is a firm believer in the value of a Central education," Van Kley said. "Few can match the breadth of experiences Eric has gained in his work throughout the campus. But he's always had a heart for Dutch athletics and the Division III experience, and for the first time in his career, he'll be able to devote all of his energy to one department. He will be a tremendous resource, not only for our staff but for the student-athletes he's committed to serve. We're thrilled that he's willing to take on this important role."
