UA WALTON COLLEGE PROFESSOR ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE DECISION SCIENCES INSTITUTE

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Thomas W. Jones, professor of Information Systems in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, has been elected president of the Decision Sciences Institute (DSI).

DSI is an interdisciplinary, international organization that advances science, education and research in the area of business decision-making.

Jones takes office, Monday, April 1. He has been active in the Decision Sciences Institute since 1975, and in 1994 he was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the Southwest Region. He also has served as president-elect, a two-year term as treasurer, vice president (twice), annual meeting program chair, and as a member of its board of directors and executive committee, as well as numerous other committees.

Walton College Dean Doyle Z. Williams said, "The Walton College congratulates Tom on this outstanding accomplishment. His leadership in the Decision Sciences Institute will ensure that it continues to be the premier professional organization for business scholars."

Fred Davis, chair of the Walton College department of Information Systems and the David Glass Chair in Information Systems, said, "It is a great honor for Tom to be elected president of this prestigious organization. His leadership brings national and international recognition for the excellence of the Information Systems department and the Walton College."

Jones received a bachelor of science in statistics in 1969, a master of science in statistics in 1970, and a doctorate in statistics and industrial engineering in 1973 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He has taught at Western Illinois University and worked at Duke University Center for Demographic Studies, Virginia Tech Computing Center and NASA (Goddard Space Flight Center).

He joined the University of Arkansas in 1977. His current research focuses on the application of statistics and operations research techniques. He teaches statistics, management science/operations research, and production and operations management. Jones has received the Walton College "Teaching Achievement Award" on five occasions. He received the Walton College Faculty "Excellence in Service Award" in 2000.

He also serves the Federation of Business Disciplines as historian and member of its board of directors. He currently is general chairman for Arkansas Swimming, Inc. and is a swimming official for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, USA Swimming, and Arkansas Activities Association. He is the recipient of the United States Swimming Phillips 66 Outstanding Service Award and was elected to the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame.

The Decision Sciences Institute is located at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, in Atlanta, Ga.

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