I Hold The Stone and The Stone Holds Me

About the Book

Joel M. Jones, PhD, is President Emeritus at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Although he is best known for his work in American Studies, Education, and Leadership, Dr. Jones has been writing poetry for over fifty years. This collection represents some of his most poignant reflections on life, death, love, academia, and the unique discoveries to be made while hiking throughout his favorite landscape, the American Southwest.

About the Author

Joel M. Jones received his B.A. from Yale University, his M.A. at Miami of Ohio and his Ph.D. in American Studies at the University of New Mexico. After teaching at the University of Maryland in Baltimore County for three years, he returned to the University of New Mexico to become the chairperson of the doctoral program in American Studies. Over the next 19 years at UNM, he served as the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Provost and Dean of Faculties, and Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Student Affairs. He became President of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado in June, 1988, a post that he held for ten years before retiring. In 1998 he chose to finish his career by returning to his first love, teaching and writing. He has remained at Fort Lewis College as President Emeritus and Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, and has held several interim administrative posts including President of Salisbury University in Maryland, Superintendent of the Durango 9R School District, and Executive Director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. His research interests, publications, and lectures cover such topics as: American social/intellectual history, leadership training, cultural pluralism, environmental studies, educational planning and program development.