University of Dayton Chaplain the Rev. Bob Jones, S.M., will become the assistant provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States, effective July 1. He has served as UD’s chaplain in campus ministry for the past four years.

This appointment by Marianist leadership in Rome recognizes Jones’ energy, dedication, pastoral skills and commitment to serving the Society of Mary and his Marianist brothers.

The Rev. Jim Fitz, UD’s vice president for mission and rector, who served as assistant provincial for the Marianist Province from 2002-10, reflected on Jones’ work and new appointment: “Fr. Bob has been a compassionate and vibrant campus minister and his presence as university chaplain has been a real gift, embodying our Marianist vision and charism. I know I will miss the close collaboration with him in supporting the prayer and spiritual life of our community. But these gifts are the very reason he has been chosen to be part of the leadership team for the Marianist Province of the United States.”

Jones, a 1998 UD graduate, will help guide the Society of Mary in the U.S. as it discerns where to be most effective and will help Marianist-sponsored institutions, like the University of Dayton, keep the Marianist spirit strong as the number of vowed religious declines.

Jones admits he did not think about a future in religious life when he was an undergrad working toward his mathematics degree with intentions of teaching. Things changed when he was living on his own after college.

“It’s going to sound cliche, but it was a calling from God to do something different in life dedicated to faith and spirituality,” Jones explained. “I chose the Marianists because it felt like home and what I experienced at UD. Also, the Marianists are still committed to education and, as an educator, that is what I wanted to continue doing.”

Jones, who is originally from Indiana, also holds a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Boston College. He attended the Marianist International Seminary in Rome, and was ordained in 2015. He also taught at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton.

Jones will remain in his role as chaplain through the current academic year. During the spring semester, he will be involved in onboarding, meetings with leadership in Rome, and professional conferences to prepare for his new responsibilities, which will focus on charting the future direction of the Society of Mary in the U.S.

“One of the most difficult parts of this journey is leaving Dayton and the relationships I’ve formed here,” Jones said. “I thank this community and the people I interact with on a regular basis for everything they have given me, particularly the students. I’ve enjoyed interacting and walking with them over these past four years. I also say thank you for the support and encouragement in this new role, and ask for your prayers.”