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New Vice President of Advancement Ed Jones

Shaping a culture of generosity that continues to bear fruit today and for a brighter tomorrow is Jessup’s new Vice President of Advancement, Ed Jones. Now with renewed energy and a profound sense of authenticity, Jones comes back to Jessup with a bigger vision and a stronger voice. What makes this return even more special is that he’s not just coming back to a University he believes in — he’s coming home to the region that shaped him, ready to invest in the people and place that mean the most. 

“I was born and raised in the Greater Sacramento Region and am passionate about developing Christ-centered leaders who will bring their perspective throughout the marketplace in the state of California and beyond,” Jones said. “It’s not only Jessup, it’s the mission, people, potential and our shared love for the Lord. This isn’t just a return, it’s a recommitment. To this region. To this campus. To the hope for Jessup’s future.” 

His earlier tenure with the University was also in Advancement, where he helped launch the Stilgebouer Legacy Society. A man of deep faith, he’s an alumnus from Jessup’s MBA program and in his new role, he’s tasked with growing the University’s endowment to secure long-term sustainability for the students Jessup serves. 

Jones will build partnerships and align University resources with community needs including economic development, education access and local innovation. “This is about those students who will now have an opportunity they never thought possible,” Jones said. “It’s about the businesses that hire Jessup graduates prepared to lead and hit the ground running. It’s about the surrounding community that knows Jessup is here to support Placer County, Northern California, our nation and our world, all for His glory.”

Jones remembers when he first learned about Jessup relocating from San Jose to the Greater Sacramento Region in 2004. “I was ecstatic,” he said. “The idea that a kingdom-minded University was building relationships and laying down roots in this region was unprecedented. Making connections, providing resources, not only for students, but to the Church and surrounding community, represented a win for everyone. That still holds true today.”

Jones has an extensive background in the lending and banking industry under his belt and is well into his second decade leading major campaigns and strengthening donor partnerships in the fundraising arena. Over the summer, he and his wife Christy relocated from Tampa, Florida where he represented a Christian high school in the area. While there, he tripled their annual fund, increased their donor base by 60% and initiated, oversaw and completed a $15 million capital building project.

The couple have two boys, one attending the University of Florida, the other started his third year at Jessup. “Like many of our donors, I know what it’s like to be the parent of a Jessup student,” Jones said. “Over the past two years, I’ve seen my son navigate opportunities that build him emotionally, spiritually and academically. He lights up when he talks about faculty that truly care for and shepherd him as a student. Many people don’t realize our faculty are the crown jewels on this campus and work tirelessly to support the growth of our students.”  

There’s no doubt that Jessup is where Jones is called to be. “I came back because I believe we can do something extraordinary,” he said. “Together, we can raise more than funds. We can raise hope all while raising futures and shining the light of Christ bolder and brighter wherever we go.”