Flower Dance

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By Technology Review

01/01/2001

Jones to Head News Office

MIT's News Office regularly reports what's afoot on campus, whether it's an event, new research, or a new department or construction project. This August, the office had a story of its own: Arthur L. Jones was taking the helm as its director, replacing Kenneth D. Campbell, who retired in June after 17 years of service.

Jones "has the kind of manner that enables him to engage with people inside and outside the institution easily," says Kathryn Willmore, vice president and secretary of the MIT Corporation.

That quality comes from more than 30 years' experience in communications. Jones is an award-winning print and broadcast journalist who has served as director of communications for the city of Boston, assistant press secretary to Governor Michael Dukakis, and deputy White House press secretary. He taught journalism at Boston University and, most recently, worked as a political and media consultant. Willmore believes that Jones's expertise makes him a good fit for the office, which recently adopted a more strategic approach to communications. Jones will work not only to be responsive to calls, but to look ahead-ideally, weeks and months ahead-to identify ways to promote MIT nationally. Willmore expects that Jones will tap into his reservoir of national contacts.

Jones's plans for the immediate future include a revamped News Office Web site that should launch in late 2003. And his overall plan is simple: "I'm looking to raise the awareness of what this office can be to the MIT community as a communication tool," he says.