Delaware, OH – Ohio Wesleyan University President Rock Jones has been elected as the next chair of the Ohio Five, a collaborative group of five private liberal arts colleges in Ohio. Jones will begin his two-year term on July 1, 2024.

The Ohio Five, which also includes Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College and the College of Wooster, works to advance the shared interests of its members through collaborative efforts in areas like academic programming, student recruitment, and fundraising.

“I am honored to be elected chair of the Ohio Five,” Jones said in a statement. “We have a strong history of working together to enhance the quality of liberal arts education in Ohio. I look forward to building upon that legacy and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.”

Jones has been president of Ohio Wesleyan since 2017. He is a recognized leader in higher education with a focus on innovation and strategic planning. He has worked to enhance Ohio Wesleyan’s academic programs, foster student success, and strengthen the university’s financial position.

“Rock Jones is a proven leader with a deep commitment to the values of a liberal arts education,” said Denison University President Adam Weinberg, who served as the previous chair of the Ohio Five. “I am confident he will provide strong leadership as we continue to work together to ensure the vitality of our institutions.”

The Ohio Five has a long history of cooperation. The group was formed in 1999 to address common challenges facing private liberal arts colleges. Over the years, the group has collaborated on a number of initiatives, including the creation of a shared admissions database, the development of joint academic programs, and the establishment of a consortium for faculty development.

Jones’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Ohio Five. The group is currently exploring new ways to collaborate on student recruitment, financial aid, and technology. Jones’s experience and vision will be essential in guiding the group’s future efforts.

The Ohio Five

The Ohio Five is a collaborative group of five private liberal arts colleges in Ohio:

Denison University

Kenyon College

Oberlin College

Ohio Wesleyan University

The College of Wooster

These colleges share a commitment to providing a high-quality liberal arts education and are dedicated to working together to ensure the vitality of their institutions.