Dr. Jones is widely recognized in the technology field.
Dr. Elva J. Jones, chair of the Department of Computer Science at WSSU, was named to the 10th Annual 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology for her work in education, research and outreach.
The selection was made by eAccess Corp., a San Francisco-based publisher. The purpose of the list is to raise the profile of African-Americans in technology and to inspire new generations.
Jones is professor and department chair in WSSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. Her entire career has centered on exposing underrepresented minorities to computing and preparing them for computing careers.
“It is a tremendous honor for me to be included on the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology list,” said Jones. “Computing has been such a captivating field for me that I never tire of the work and the discovery each day brings. I want as many students as possible to experience the joy of idea discovery, creative design, and technology integration.”
Jones has focused her recent teaching, research and outreach in two areas: analysis and visualization of NASA data and robotics as tools to attract African-American students to the field of computer science.
She is the founding chair of the Department of Computer Science. She has led the natural progression from teaching the first courses in computing, developing the first concentration in computer science, leading the development of the major program in computer science, leading the development of the master of science program in computer science and information technology and the BS in information technology, to most recently leading the development of an option in information security.
Jones and other honorees was recognized at a 10th anniversary symposium in San Francisco, CA on Jan. 15, 2010.
“Jones is an example of the critically important role of African-American innovators, educators, policymakers and executives who shape the future of the global economy,” says John William Templeton, president/executive editor of San Francisco-based eAccess Corp., which has produced the list since 1999. “During a transformational national administration, they represent the role models to propel new generations into the careers of the future.”
