photo of dr sanford jones sitting in a lab next to a microscope

The Eastern Legacy

Dr. Sanford L. Jones, ’50

Through generations of students and colleagues, Dr. Sanford L. Jones, ’50, represents the best of what EKU strives to be—a community that lasts a lifetime.

A Perry County native and WWII veteran, he returned home after completing 35 combat missions as a B-24 nose turret gunner. He finished his high school education and in 1946, along with other returning veterans, enrolled at Eastern on the GI Bill. Now 100 years old, he continues to inspire those around him.

Dr. Jones spent more than three decades mentoring students and championing scientific learning in EKU’s Department of Biological Sciences, serving as chair from 1979 to 1992.

In 2020, the College of Science honored Dr. Jones as an Iconic Professor. The award goes to faculty who have positively impacted the lives of generations of students. An educator at heart, he credits EKU’s faculty for inspiring his journey and reminds the EKU community to look at how one’s life choices can lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life.


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