Dr. Mike “Tennessee” Jones Retires After Forty-Two Years with CECS

Dr. Michael H. Jones retired from the University on July 31 following a career spanning four decades of service to this College and the University.  Dr. Jones’ work as teacher and mentor to thousands of students of the past forty-two years has had a lasting positive impact on their lives and the life of CECS.

In addition to his distinguished teaching, Dr. Jones began his career as the College’s Director of Freshman Engineering. He served In that capacity for over twenty years, coordinating advisement and orientation for all freshmen and transfer students, and organizing and compiling course schedules for the entire College.  For nine years, Dr. Jones was the Director of Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Environmental, and Industrial Engineering.  It was through his leadership and that of others in the College, that the Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering programs obtained program accreditation from the Accrediting Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), and approval of the degree designations, BSME, BSChE, and BSCE from THEC. Dr. Jones also led the campus’ efforts to establish a student chapter of Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society.

Dr. Jones received over 20 outstanding teaching awards including multiple year honors as Student Government Association Teacher of the Year. In addition to his dedicated work as teacher and mentor, he served for over twenty years as a volunteer coach of the UTC Men’s and Women’s Track and Cross-Country Teams, and was UTC’s Faculty Representative to the Southern Conference for a decade.  In 2016, he was named to the All-Conference Faculty Team of the Southern Conference.

“Tennessee Jones,” Dr. Jones’ alter ego – a character based on the Indiana Jones adventure episodes of popular culture – was depicted in dozens of his problems in every one of the courses he taught. “Tennessee Jones” became a favorite of two generations of our students as they looked forward to seeing in what dire situation “Tennessee” found himself, and how solving the problem would lead to his survival.  See if you can solve the problem below as “Tennessee” tries to escape from the “Temple of Gloom.” Enter your answer in the field below.  All those who provide the correct answer will receive CECS “swag,” so take pencil in hand, and give it a try in honor of Dr. Jones. Please email answers to Susan-Cardwell@utc.edu with the subject “Temple of Gloom Answer” . The winner will receive some CECS “swag”.

An event honoring Dr. Jones will be held this fall.  Alumni will be invited to attend, so be sure to check your email for details.