MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University is mourning the loss of Dr. Jesse D. Jones, a cherished alumnus and devoted benefactor of the institution who passed away on Aug. 7. He was a native of Marshall County, Kentucky and graduated from Murray State in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics, achieving this milestone as a nontraditional student—raising a family, working a night shift, and attending classes by day.
Throughout his life, Jones held his alma mater close to his heart. He became one of the University’s most generous supporters—his philanthropy leaving an enduring mark on campus. Notably, the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (JCSET) stands as a testament to his vision and generosity; the Jones Chemistry Building on the Dr. Gene W. Ray Science Campus also bears his name, and the Jesse L. Jones Family Clock Tower, named in honor of his father—has become a symbol woven into the heart of the University’s landscape.
Jones was the single most generous individual donor in the University’s history whose philanthropy touched programs and students across campus over a span of decades. He supported the annual Math Day and named the Ross Mathematical Studies and Career Center for his grandmother, Hattie Mayme Ross, funded the Racer Oral Communications Center in Waterfield Library, supported equipment purchases to be included in the new Jackson Hall nursing building for which he is to be recognized through the naming of the Dr. Jesse D. Jones Faculty Lounge. He funded the renovations in Heritage Hall, establishing the Hall of Benefactors and Distinguished Alumni. In addition to these significant gifts, Jones established scholarship and professorship funds for both student and faculty support through the Jesse D. Jones Scholars and Jesse D. Jones Endowed Professorships. The Hattie Mayme Ross Science Library is named for his grandmother as well as the Jones-Ross Research Laboratory. Jones made a gift in honor of his friend, and named the Dr. Gary W. Boggess Science Resource Center. He also funded the connection between the Engineering and Physics Building and Jones Hall and named it after his son — the Timothy D. Jones Gateway.
Jones’ life exemplified perseverance, unwavering dedication to education, and a heartfelt desire to give back to the next generation. Jones was honored with a Murray State University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award as well as their Golden Horseshoe Award for service. He was also granted an Honorary Doctorate in 2010 in recognition of his incredible career in chemistry, mostly with Albemarle Corporation where he worked to develop and secure more than 30 patents. His legacy lives on through the institutions that bear his name, the students who benefit from his generosity, and the community that he shaped.
“Murray State University mourns the loss of Dr. Jesse D. Jones and extends our deepest condolences to the Jones family. Dr. Jones left an indelible mark and enduring legacy that will forever be part of Murray State University for generations to come,” Murray State President Dr. Ron Patterson said. “Countless individuals have and will continue to be impacted through University programs, facility enhancements, valuable teaching and learning opportunities — all having been made possible through Dr. Jones and his incredible generosity. Our institution will forever be grateful for Dr. Jones’ unwavering support and commitment to the mission of Murray State University.”
“We lost a loyal alumnus, major benefactor and friend. Dr. Jesse D. Jones was among our most dedicated and generous alumni and left an indelible mark on Murray State University. From gifts to construct the Jesse L. Jones Family Clock Tower named after his father, to initiatives in the Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, providing needed funding for chemistry equipment, scholarships and endowed professorships, among countless other items, he left a lasting legacy at the University. He will be greatly missed and we will keep the Jones family in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead,” former Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said.
“Dr. Jones ensured our ability to provide Murray State science and engineering students with an outstanding education,” Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology Dean Dr. Claire Fuller said. “He provided everything from scholarships and endowed professorships to equipment and infrastructure. It is hard to express how much he has done for the JCSET and how much we appreciate it.”
“Dr. Jones’ passion was certainly in the sciences and engineering, but his academic passion spread throughout Murray State University. The leadership of Dr. Jones and his family is exemplary, and he will be dearly missed,” Murray State Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Tim Todd said.