Rev. Dr. Keith Ivan Jones
The Reverend Dr. Keith Ivan Jones’ connection to Norfolk State University spans decades of leadership and service. As a student, he held key positions including Freshman Class President, Sophomore Class Senator, Chief Justice of the Student Judicial System, and 1975–76 Student Government President. His commitment continued long after graduation, through charitable donations, vigorous recruiting of future Spartans, and service as Secretary of the NSU Foundation Board of Directors and University Scholarship Chair. He established the Dr. Carla T. Jones Scholarship Endowment, in honor of his late wife, Carla, a fund that provides scores of scholarships for NSU students.
Dr. Jones also supported NSU athletics, serving for several years as the informal chaplain for the men’s and women’s basketball teams, offering game-day prayers, encouragement, and crisis support. His dedication earned him a place in the NSU Military Alumni Hall of Fame, reflecting his dual legacy as a Spartan and a U.S. Army chaplain.
Beyond NSU, Dr. Jones retired as pastor of Norfolk’s Shiloh Baptist Church, the university’s closest church neighbor, where he led programs that supported Spartan students and the community for more than 15 years—from clothing closets and food distribution to healthcare and vaccination drives.
A 1976 graduate, Dr. Jones earned advanced degrees in counseling, divinity, and ministry, and holds certifications in grief recovery, mental health first aid, crisis intervention, and more. His career includes service as Director of Counseling at Hampton University and 28 years as an Army chaplain, culminating with selection to the rank of Colonel.
Dr. Jones exemplifies Spartan pride, leadership, and lifelong commitment to education and service.