Last week President Blanchard announced that as Provost Deborah Bordelon assumes the position of Interim President on May 1, 2026, Dr. Jonathan Davis, Dean of the Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB), will step into the role of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Dr. Kevin Jones will serve as Acting Dean of MDCOB.

Throughout his 16-year tenure at UHD, Davis, a professor of Supply Chain Management, has shown a deep understanding of the intersections between academia, workforce development, research, and service. He served as Chair of the General Business, Marketing, and Supply Chain Department from 2017 to 2022. Davis’s teaching, research, and service focus on improving operational and supply chain decision making through technology and data driven approaches. 

Davis earned a Ph.D. in Industrial Technology from Purdue University, an MBA in Operations Management from St. Edward’s University, and a bachelor's degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to entering higher education, he held industry roles as a production manager, financial analyst, and professional writer and later consulted with distribution and logistics firms. 

Under his leadership, MDCOB reached new heights in national rankings, established vital industry partnerships, and expanded academic degree offerings. To ensure the college’s continued momentum, Dr. Kevin Jones will serve as Acting Dean. He was appointed Associate Dean for Academic Operations in 2023 after chairing the Department of Finance, Information Systems, Economics, and Risk Management and Insurance.  

Jones joined UHD in 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University and an MBA and Ph.D. in Finance from the University of North Texas. His scholarly work focuses on market efficiency, financial derivatives, and wholesale electricity markets. 

Uniquely prepared to lead MDCOB, he has demonstrated excellence in strategic planning, curriculum management, and faculty development throughout his 14 years at UHD. As Acting Dean, he will foster student success, faculty and staff development, and industry and community engagement to ensure the college’s strategic priorities continue without interruption.