Principal Investigator

Shonda

Dr. Shonda Jones has worked in theological education for twenty years and an established track record of providing strategic leadership at academic institutions, establishing best practices in recruitment and admissions, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and engaging learners through courses and co-curricular programming. She has worked in the HIV/AIDS arena as an employee and board member in several organizations and has also served on the HIV and Faith Advisory Board for the COMPASS Initiative®.

Dr. Jones’ scholarly interests include the intersection of theological school choice and race, faith and health, and her focus broadly examines intercultural practices that promote communal thriving with and among faith leaders and faith communities. She teaches in the area of intercultural competency for ministry and leadership. Dr. Jones is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), and a trainer for intercultural competency and relationship-building. She earned her BA in English and Religious Studies from Texas Christian University, and MDiv from Brite Divinity School, and EdD in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama.