Eli Jones, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, has accepted a position as dean of the Texas A&M Mays Business School, his alma mater, effective July 1, 2015.

Jones has been dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business since 2012. All three of his academic degrees are from Texas A&M.

“The University of Arkansas is a great institution, and the Walton College has such dedicated people,” Jones said. “I am especially grateful for the enthusiastic support I have received from Chancellor Gearhart and Provost Gaber, both of whom I respect and admire. … Sincerely, the great people here and the positive momentum of the Walton College and the entire region made my decision to leave this institution tough. However, I have the opportunity to go home and be physically closer to my family while working for my alma mater.”

Next steps include Provost Sharon Gaber identifying an interim dean and appointing a search committee for the new dean. A timeline for the search has not been established yet.