Sherri L. Jones proved herself on the pitch as a soccer player in high school and college. Her nickname, “Sherri Berry,” got shortened to “Berry.” That name morphed into “Bear.” As fate would have it, the name underwent a fitting evolution this year as “Dean Bear.”
Northeast State named Jones as the new dean of the Science Division effective June 1. She follows former division dean, Chris Hitechew, who retired this year. She spent the month meeting with division faculty members and college administrators in preparation for the upcoming fall semester.
“Health care is so important because everybody needs health care,” said Jones. “I think we do a good job here of making sure they are prepared for their next steps.”
The Science Division delivers classes in astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, physical science, and numerous health-related pre-professional programs. Science majors typically earn associate of science degrees, with many transferring to four-year institutions after graduation from Northeast State.
“The health classes we teach connect to health professions majors as more of our students go into health care,” said Jones.
Prior to becoming dean, Jones taught students as a member of the Science faculty. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryville College and a Master of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
Jones began her professional career as an athletic trainer. She worked in physical therapy in hospitals. Pre-physical therapy major at Maryville College, where she also earned her athletic training certification. She began at the Sullivan Center, which served as the outpatient rehabilitation center for Holston Valley Medical Center Hospital in Kingsport.
Changes in the physical therapy profession and health care industry nudged Jones toward pursuing a different path. She returned to graduate school to earn a master’s degree to fulfill her desire to teach. She served as an athletic trainer for high school sports teams in Middle Tennessee during her time at MTSU.
“I knew if I wanted to continue to use all of my skills, I would have to do more,” said Jones. “It was strange to go back and study again.”
While pursuing her education, King University in Bristol recruited her to join their athletic training program. She spent three years teaching and developing the program to earn national accreditation. As fate would have it, her childhood friend and Northeast State staff member Angela Shrum talked to her about possibly joining the Northeast State faculty. The College’s then dean of science, Dr. Carolyn McCracken, brought Jones on board as an adjunct instructor. She credited the collegiality of Dr. McCracken and the late Dr. Lana Hamilton for welcoming her to Northeast State.
“I’ve been very appreciated and very much supported here,” said Jones. “Lana once told me, ‘King’s loss was our gain.’”
Jones graduated from the community college leadership program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). She is pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis program at ETSU.
Jones makes no apologies about being a demanding professor. The role of health care leaves no room for carelessness by providers, she said.
“I have had multiple students come back after they entered their field and say they understood and appreciated it,” said Jones. “As long as I get that once in a while, I’m good!”
A variety of personal experiences with health care professionals both delighted and disappointed Jones over the years. These experiences translated into lessons she imparted to her students over the years. She noted the best health care professionals were good students but great caregivers.
“We are always going to need health care, and we need good health care providers,” Jones said. “They were the students who really seemed to care about what they were doing.”
Sherri L. Jones proved herself on the pitch as a soccer player in high school and college. Her nickname, “Sherri Berry,” got shortened to “Berry.” That name morphed into “Bear.” As fate would have it, the name underwent a fitting evolution this year as “Dean Bear.”
Northeast State named Jones as the new dean of the Science Division effective June 1. She follows former division dean, Chris Hitechew, who retired this year. She spent the month meeting with division faculty members and college administrators in preparation for the upcoming fall semester.
“Health care is so important because everybody needs health care,” said Jones. “I think we do a good job here of making sure they are prepared for their next steps.”
The Science Division delivers classes in astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, physical science, and numerous health-related pre-professional programs. Science majors typically earn associate of science degrees, with many transferring to four-year institutions after graduation from Northeast State.
“The health classes we teach connect to health professions majors as more of our students go into health care,” said Jones.
Prior to becoming dean, Jones taught students as a member of the Science faculty. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryville College and a Master of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
Jones began her professional career as an athletic trainer. She worked in physical therapy in hospitals. Pre-physical therapy major at Maryville College, where she also earned her athletic training certification. She began at the Sullivan Center, which served as the outpatient rehabilitation center for Holston Valley Medical Center Hospital in Kingsport.
Changes in the physical therapy profession and health care industry nudged Jones toward pursuing a different path. She returned to graduate school to earn a master’s degree to fulfill her desire to teach. She served as an athletic trainer for high school sports teams in Middle Tennessee during her time at MTSU.
“I knew if I wanted to continue to use all of my skills, I would have to do more,” said Jones. “It was strange to go back and study again.”
While pursuing her education, King University in Bristol recruited her to join their athletic training program. She spent three years teaching and developing the program to earn national accreditation. As fate would have it, her childhood friend and Northeast State staff member Angela Shrum talked to her about possibly joining the Northeast State faculty. The College’s then dean of science, Dr. Carolyn McCracken, brought Jones on board as an adjunct instructor. She credited the collegiality of Dr. McCracken and the late Dr. Lana Hamilton for welcoming her to Northeast State.
“I’ve been very appreciated and very much supported here,” said Jones. “Lana once told me, ‘King’s loss was our gain.’”
Jones graduated from the community college leadership program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). She is pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis program at ETSU.
Jones makes no apologies about being a demanding professor. The role of health care leaves no room for carelessness by providers, she said.
“I have had multiple students come back after they entered their field and say they understood and appreciated it,” said Jones. “As long as I get that once in a while, I’m good!”
A variety of personal experiences with health care professionals both delighted and disappointed Jones over the years. These experiences translated into lessons she imparted to her students over the years. She noted the best health care professionals were good students but great caregivers.
“We are always going to need health care, and we need good health care providers,” Jones said. “They were the students who really seemed to care about what they were doing.”
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