Dr. Jonelle Knox Named Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, Student Success, and Retention
JERSEY CITY, N.J. | Jonelle Knox, Ed.D, an academic and student affairs leader with more than 20 years of higher education, corporate, and governmental experience, has been appointed Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, Student Success, and Retention at New Jersey City University (NJCU) following a national search. Dr. Knox joined NJCU on June 12, 2023.
Donna Adair Breault, Ph.D., Interim Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, said: “as our university focuses on the future of our institution, we are making a renewed commitment to student success and retention. We must always find solutions and remove barriers to student learning. Jonelle brings a great deal of practical experience in both higher education and in corporate America, and I look forward to his valuable leadership in this critical area.”
Prior to joining NJCU, Dr. Knox served in various academic and student affairs leadership and faculty roles at the College of Staten Island (CSI), Westchester Community College, Medgar Evers College, Moraine Valley Community College, Kennedy-King College, and Bronx Community College.
“The university’s rich history, astonishing faculty and students, strategic direction, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are just some of the reasons that I am thrilled to be joining New Jersey City University,” said Dr. Knox. “NJCU is an amazing institution that displays a commitment to its mission and the local community."
Prior to working full-time in higher education, Dr. Knox was employed for more than 15 years at various governmental agencies and financial institutions including the Internal Revenue Service, RBC Bank, The State of Maryland, and NovaStar Home Mortgage. His final role in the corporate sector was as Assistant Vice President of Risk Management at LawCash.
He has published scholarly works on higher education and diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion matters including successful underrepresented student populations at post-secondary institutions, incorporating student support services into community college classrooms, social and racial justice, and barriers faced by Black male professionals in higher education.
Dr. Knox was a member of the 2018 Thomas Lakin Institute cohort which prepares professionals for senior leadership positions in community colleges. He is a peer evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and his research interests include educational programs for incarcerated and re-entering citizens, as well as minority male success in higher education. Additionally, Jonelle currently serves as a board member on The National Council for Student Development (NCSD).
In 2022, Dr. Knox was a TEDxElmPark speaker in Staten Island. In June 2023, shortly after beginning his tenure at NJCU, his op-ed entitled “The Missed Opportunity: Student Affairs and Human Resources Collaboration to [Re]engage College Communities” was published in Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
Dr. Knox earned an Associates of General Studies from Harold Washington College, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University, a Master of Arts in English – specializing in Writing and Rhetoric from Lehman College (CUNY), and a Doctorate in Education from Morgan State University.
About NJCU:
New Jersey City University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to the development of our students, our city, our communities, and our state. We are a game-changing force for our students and have been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation improving their upward economic mobility. Whether enrolled in one of our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at our three locations, NJCU students have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.
Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications (interim) | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301