Mary Jones to retire after 26 years of service in the College of Business Administration

For 26 years, executive secretary Mary Jones has been a steady presence in the College of Business Administration — keeping the management department running smoothly, helping students navigate challenges, and building relationships that have lasted well beyond graduation.

“My favorite part is the student workers,” Jones said. “You get to hear about their classes, their roommates, what’s working for them and what’s not.”

One of her most memorable connections began with a graduate assistant from India, Gopal Mishra, who became her calculus tutor while she was earning her bachelor’s degree in human resources.

“He comes in and he goes, ‘How’d you do on your test, Mary?’ And I said, ‘Not great,’ she laughed. “So he tutored me probably four or five times a week, and I passed that class.”

The connection lasted far beyond campus. In 2006, Jones traveled to India and attended his wedding — an experience she describes as life-changing.

Her support for international students continued in many other ways. Jones often hosted holiday dinners at her home, preparing traditional meals like ham and potatoes for Easter and adding extra vegetables so her vegetarian guests could share in the celebration.

Colleagues also noted how Jones went out of her way to help international students adjust to life at the university. She offered guidance on American customs, counseled students on everything from clothing choices to classroom expectations, and most importantly, made them feel like they belonged. Many recall how she opened her home, provided meals and rides, and treated students as if they were part of her own family.

Jones is also proud of the times she’s been able to help students facing personal challenges and is quick to credit the department’s faculty for their role in that support. “All I really have to do is tell one of my faculty that a student needs help, and they’ll get them whatever they need to get through,” she said.

Learning to adapt

Over the years, Jones has worked for 12 department chairs, each with a different style. Her advice to her successor is to stay flexible and adapt to the people and changes within the department. “It’s not an emergency room, so don’t get too excited about things — pretty much anything can be fixed,” she said. “Everybody’s different. Some prefer email, some like you to stop by. Learn their personalities and adapt to them.”

“For 26 years, Mary has been the heart of our department. She was always reliable, kind, and ready to help. Her dedication has kept everything running smoothly, and we are so grateful for all she has done,” said management department chair Edward Chou.

A retirement in motion

When she retires, Jones doesn’t plan to slow down completely. She’s an avid pickleball player and loves that the game brings together people of all ages.

“The court’s small, it’s easy to pick up, and you just show up and play with whoever’s there,” she said. She uses an app to check if enough players have signed up for games — sometimes finding four or five courts going at once.

She also enjoys yoga, gardening, and plans to travel, but she’s in no rush to schedule every detail.

“One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten is that everyone does retirement their own way,” she said. “You’ll figure out your way.”

After more than two decades of connection and adaptability, Jones is ready for the next chapter — one that will keep her active, engaged, and still meeting new people, just like she always has.