“I like technology, but I like working with people,” Chris Jones, vice president and chief information officer, said. “The other hat is emergency management.”
Jones is responsible for the IT department at Taylor, among other responsibilities.
Jones was born in California, but early in his childhood, his family moved to a very different place.
“We then did a cross-country move to upstate Vermont, a little town called Jericho, and no, it's not a walled city…We attended the little church on the village green, just like you picture a quaint New England,” Jones said.
His love of computers and technology started before he even got to college. Jones’s father was a computer programmer, and computer science seems to run in the family..
He often worked and tinkered with hardware and software.
As it turns out, this hobby became useful for Jones’ dad, who eventually turned to his son for his tech help whenever he had a problem.
Having made an early decision to attend Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, Jones immediately began working in their IT department. His freshman year was the year that Gordon installed internet in the residence halls.
By his junior and senior year, Gordon hired Jones to be the guy who students called for help to set up their computer and make sure it was connected to the internet.
This was before the time of wireless.
Jones, a computer science major, completed his undergraduate at Gordon College. Upon graduation, he started working full-time right away. He continued at Gordon for 23 years.
Jones also led other operational departments at Gordon, such as campus police, the mailroom, purchasing department, human resources, facilities and dining services.
"For nine years, he directly led the university’s information technology department, and under his leadership, a number of critical technology initiatives were completed … Chris has a remarkable ability to solve problems creatively and to deploy technology to increase efficiencies, improve operations and connect colleagues,” President Lindsay said in a University press release.
During his time at Gordon College, Jones began to work closely with Lindsay, who served as president of Gordon College from 2011 to 2021.
Jones noticed the opening for chief information officer at Taylor and followed suit in 2022.
Working at Taylor has been a fulfilling experience for Jones. His role here joins three areas of his life in which he delights and excels.
His love for working with people is especially evident. Having excellent people skills may not be the first thing on your mind when thinking of jobs in technology, but Jones sees it as one of the things he loves most.
“I really do enjoy meeting with people,” Jones said. “One of the things I'm excited about just having moved down (into the Nussbaum basement) is we're going to have the whole IT department down together, where before, I was kind of upstairs and the team was sort of spread out and I just felt disconnected.”
Whether it is chatting with his co-workers or helping students with their IT questions, Jones loves interacting with people.
Taylor’s campus environment and energy complements this especially. Jones and his family have only felt more and more affirmed in their decision to move to Upland and serve the Taylor community.
“And I think at the end of the day, if I was able to make a difference and helping someone even if it was something simple, I think that's a good day: the opportunity to interact,” Jones said.
Jones’ love for helping people and keeping them informed regarding their technology is manifested in his passion for emergency services.
He enjoys helping those in emergencies, where security and understanding can be brought to calm feelings of helplessness.
Somewhat fittingly, Jones thrives in the adrenaline-high environment of an emergency response situation.
“I think it's just some of how I'm wired,” he said.
When he was in Massachusetts, Jones also was a student at the police academy. Once in Indiana, he underwent the process to become certified as an Indiana law enforcement officer.
In his office, Jones’ uniform hangs by the door and a walkie-talkie sits on his desk, ready for any emergency.
Ultimately, Jones sees his role at Taylor as part of a process with the rest of the staff to prepare the next generation of adults for the world.
“This is the opportunity to pour into students and really see graduation as a sort of launching … proclaiming the gospel all over the world,” he said.
Whether behind the scenes, amid siren screams or through computer screens, Jones intends to take advantage of that opportunity.
