Grady College and SPIA graduate leaves transformational $1.5 million estate gift

The University of Georgia is honored to announce a generous gift of $1.5 million from the estate of the late Joshua W. Jones, a proud alumnus and distinguished professional in the field of political communications. This endowment will benefit two UGA schools: the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Joshua Wayne Jones (AB ’08, ABJ ’08, MBA ’16), a native of Forsyth County and a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on July 1, 2023. As the principal of Halifax Strategies, Inc., Jones provided strategic counsel to a diverse array of clients across political and commercial sectors. Jones’ interest in politics began during the summer of his freshman year at UGA when he ran his first political campaign. His summer role inspired him to pursue degrees from both SPIA and Grady College to marry his interests in politics and communications.

Jones was a dedicated member of the SPIA Board of Visitors since 2016. He was an advocate for SPIA among his networks and believed deeply in the School’s work and potential. Jones’ support was key to many initiatives that, today, are among SPIA’s greatest strengths, including the interdisciplinary Public Affairs Professional Certificate, a joint venture with Grady.

“Josh Jones had a knack for spotting opportunities for students and bringing resources to the table to make those ideas come true,” commented Matt Auer, dean of the School of Public and International Affairs. “Josh was a key part of the SPIA brain trust. I miss his original thinking and his can-do spirit. And I am deeply grateful for his enduring investment in SPIA.”

The majority of Jones’ bequest ($1M) will benefit the School of Public and International Affairs.  The bequest will create four new funds named in his honor: the Joshua W. Jones Graduate Fellowship Fund, Joshua W. Jones Professorship in Public and International Affairs, Jones Family Professorship in Public and International Affairs, and the Joshua W. Jones Applied Politics Fund. This generous contribution will significantly enhance SPIA’s mission to provide exceptional education and training in political science, international affairs, and public administration and policy.  

The remaining $500,000 will be directed to Grady College. His contribution will establish two new funds in his honor: the Joshua W. Jones Public Affairs Communications Excellence Fund and the Joshua W. Jones Public Affairs Communications Ex-PRIZE Award. Jones expressed a strong commitment to advancing the programmatic offering of the Public Affairs Certificate Program, emphasizing the importance of expanding opportunities and providing crucial support for students navigating public affairs career paths. His passion for enhancing the experience for students interested in careers in public affairs communications was evident as he actively engaged with key faculty across the college, including Dean Charles Davis and Professor Joseph Watson, Jr.

“The best way to honor Josh Jones is to support our fabulous students in the Public Affairs Communications program,” said Charles N. Davis, dean of Grady College. “It reflects the partnership between SPIA and Grady that Josh exemplifies. We’re proud to know that his name will carry on, helping students begin exciting careers in the fields he so loved.”

Jones was a proud Bulldog, earning multiple degrees from UGA in SPIA, Grady, and the Terry College of Business. Josh was ranked in UGA’s Bulldog 100 in both 2014 and 2016, achieving a top-ten position in 2016. He was named to UGA’s 40 Under 40 list in 2017, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the State YMCA of Georgia in 2019, and was included in Marquis Who’s Who in 2023. As a dedicated life-long learner, Jones was pursuing a doctoral degree in social psychology at the time of his passing. 

Author: Caroline Paczkowski, cparis@uga.edu