Kimberly L. Jones Named Howard University  Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture 

WASHINGTON— Howard University today announced the appointment of Kimberly L. Jones, Ph.D., as dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, effective July 1, 2025. 

The College of Engineering and Architecture is one of the University’s most research-intensive and interdisciplinary academic units, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture, civil and environmental engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The college is home to several innovative research centers and initiatives focused on addressing critical issues in infrastructure, sustainability, emerging technologies, and equitable design. 

“I am thrilled to announce the appointment of alumna Kimberly L. Jones, Ph.D., as the dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture.” said President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. “Her exceptional career, deep ties to the University, commitment to student success, and impactful work in environmental engineering make her uniquely qualified to advance the college’s national stature and research leadership. As we continue to expand our research enterprise and national reach, her appointment as dean is a major step forward in strengthening Howard University’s position as a leader in engineering and architecture education.” 

Dr. Jones most recently served as associate provost for faculty affairs and previously chaired the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She also served as associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Engineering and Architecture, where she led the development and expansion of the college’s research enterprise. 

“As a proud alumna of Howard University, it is an honor to lead the College of Engineering and Architecture at this pivotal moment,” said Jones. “My career has been defined by my commitment to developing the next generation of visionary engineers and architects. Looking ahead, I am excited to build upon our legacy of excellence by expanding interdisciplinary research, strengthening industry partnerships, and ensuring our students are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.” 

Dr. Jones has received numerous honors, including Howard University’s Researcher of the Year, Outstanding Faculty Mentor, and Outstanding Leadership and Service awards. She earned her Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Howard University, a Master of Science in environmental engineering from the University of Illinois, and a Doctor of Philosophy in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University. She has authored or co-authored more than 100 research publications, proceedings, and consensus reports in leading scientific outlets, including Environmental Science and Technology and Water Research, and has contributed to the work of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 

She is also a recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the Top Women in Science Award from the National Technical Association, and the Top Women Achievers Award from Essence Magazine. She is a fellow of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors and a Board-Certified Environmental Engineering Member of American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.  

Additionally, Dr. Jones serves as a presidential appointee to the board of directors for the National Institute of Building Sciences and served as chair of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chartered Science Advisory Board, where she has also chaired the Drinking Water Committee. She served as liaison to the National Drinking Water Advisory Council, helping to shape national policy on clean water access and environmental health. At the National Science Foundation, she chaired the Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education and was a member of the Advisory Committee for Engineering. With this appointment, Dr. Jones will be among a select few Black women deans of engineering in the country. 

Dr. Jones succeeds John M. Anderson, Ph.D., who has served as dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture since 2020. Following a sabbatical year, Dr. Anderson will return to the faculty. 

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About Howard University     

Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in awarding doctoral degrees to African American students. Howard is the top-ranked historically Black college or university (HBCU) according to Forbes and is the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard produces distinguished alumni across all sectors, including the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 165 Fulbright recipients. Learn more at www.howard.edu.