Lincoln (Neb.) -Sept. 28, 1999 - Melvin W. Jones, vice chancellor for business and finance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, died Sept. 28 after suffering a massive heart attack in Washington, D.C. He was 48. Funeral services are pending; a university memorial service will be scheduled to celebrate his life and accomplishments.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Melvin's wife, Colleen, and to his extended family and friends," said Chancellor James Moeser. "His death is a crushing personal loss for me and members of the university community who had come to rely on his wise counsel and deep commitment to ethics. His many friends in the Lincoln community and the many organizations in which he played leadership roles will miss not only his kind and caring manner but his professionalism and integrity."
In a 1996 interview with the Lincoln Journal Star, Jones said his personal philosophy was "Never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever give up. There's a tendency for students to think if things aren't going well that this is not for me. But, never stop trying; never be satisfied with good enough. Society rewards people who persevere."
"Melvin was a warm, engaging person who was deeply committed to helping all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Diversity on our campus, as well as in all segments of society in which he worked, was at the top of Melvin's list of priorities. His own personal success served as an excellent role model for students and others. He was a mentor to many individuals," Moeser said.
Among his many civic affiliations included active participation in the MADDADS organization, which offers opportunities to youth.
"His involvement in the community set a standard for us all to emulate," Moeser said. "Melvin was a quiet but highly effective advocate for equity and diversity, preferring to work behind the scenes. However, when he did speak out, he did so forcefully and eloquently. I shall never forget his powerful and moving speech to the annual Martin Luther King breakfast two years ago."
His wife, Colleen, an assistant professor of management in UNL's College of Business Administration, and several siblings, survive him.
Jones was appointed vice chancellor in November 1995 and joined the university in February 1996. As vice chancellor, he had oversight of all university services that support the academic and student affairs programs. These services include but are not limited to human resources, facilities, landscape services, custodial, parking, police, mail services, purchasing and accounting/financial. Approximately 750 people are employed in these divisions at UNL.
Among his first accomplishments was the establishment of EEVACS, an internal mission statement for business and finance that called for its operations to be "efficient, effective and value-added." By fulfilling that credo, the units within business and finance were internally accredited.
Scott Lewis, associate vice chancellor for business and finance, said Jones was proud of the successful negotiation of a $24 million soft-drink pouring rights agreement with Pepsi that created an $11 million endowment for academic and student programs and yields more than $500,000 per year to support academic programs. This contract has become a model for other universities. Jones also successfully negotiated a radio contract and extension that generates about $1 million annually for intercollegiate athletics and student programs.
Jones negotiated the outsourcing of University Bookstore operations to Follette. He revitalized UNL's Combined Campaign fund drive as campaign chair in 1997. He established the annual Business and Finance Spring Extravaganza, a celebration of achievements and successes for business and finance employees.
He was a highly sought-after speaker, with broad expertise in areas such as tax law, securities, educational costs, diversity issues in higher education and other topics and was in Washington this week to speak to the Institute for International Research. He delivered a powerful speech at the 1996 Freedom Breakfast Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., titled "From Jericho to Texaco: The Dream, The Vision, The Reality."
He was the 1999-2000 chairman of the Lincoln/Lancaster County United Way Campaign and a member of the United Way Board of Directors. He also was a current member of the boards of the Downtown Lincoln Association, Leadership Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Press and the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. He chaired the UNL Budget Advisory Committee.
He was a member of the board of the National Association of State University and Land Grant Colleges and on its executive committee for business affairs; was a board member for the Government Finance Officers Association; and a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Jones' was raised in Memphis, Tenn. He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and political science from the University of Iowa, a master's of public administration from the University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. in public administration and finance from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Prior to working at Nebraska, Jones was vice president for financial affairs and treasurer at Marquette University. Among his other professional jobs were the vice presidency of Howard University, the directorship of the department of finance for the Government of the District of Columbia, oversight of the District of Columbia for the U.S. Senate, budget administrator for Iowa City, Iowa, and agent for the Internal Revenue Service.
Moeser said he will in the next few days appoint an interim vice chancellor for business and finance. A national search will be undertaken to find Jones' permanent replacement, Moeser said.