If you asked Dr. Leslie Jones how she ended up becoming a voice for academic leadership across Louisiana and beyond, she probably wouldn’t give you a rehearsed answer. More likely, she’d tell you it just happened—slowly, and over time. One classroom, one district, one hard-earned lesson at a time.
Back in 1992, she was just getting started—teaching math in St. James Parish Schools, juggling lesson plans and late nights like every other new teacher. But something about the work stuck with her. Not just the teaching part, but the systems, the structure, and the leadership behind the scenes. By 1997, she had stepped into the role of assistant principal in Lafourche Parish, and not long after, she was leading an entire school in Assumption Parish. It wasn’t about climbing a ladder. It was about solving real problems and making schools better—for teachers, for students, for everyone.
Fast forward more than 30 years, and Dr. Jones is now a Professor of Executive Leadership and Coordinator of Departmental Assessment at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. It sounds like a neat title, but the truth is, her work is anything but simple. She mentors doctoral candidates, develops leadership capacity in school systems, and still finds time to research executive functioning in education. And all of it—every bit—stems from those early days in K–12, where she first saw just how complicated, and how vital, good leadership really is.
Let’s learn how Dr. Leslie Jones empowers educators and transforms academic programs with strategic vision!
A Grounded Start
The early chapters of Dr. Jones’ career are firmly rooted in the public schools of Louisiana, where she first found her calling. Starting in 1992, she was a math teacher in St. James Parish, spending those initial years not just teaching numbers and formulas, but learning about the daily life of classrooms, the challenges students face, and what truly helps them grow. Those years, from ’92 to ’97, weren’t just about lessons on paper—they were about understanding the real-life stories behind every student’s struggle and success.
But Dr. Jones didn’t stop at the classroom door. By 1997, she stepped into a new role as Assistant Principal with the Lafourche Parish School Board, shifting her focus from individual students to the broader school community. It was a leap, and just a year later, she took on even greater responsibility as Principal in Assumption Parish Schools. Between ’97 and 2000, she learned what it meant to lead not just with policies, but with heart—balancing school operations, supporting teachers, and championing the potential of every child walking through the doors.
Looking back, those years shaped her core philosophy. Ensuring academic programs are built on best practices and meet the needs of today’s learners became her driving focus. That early experience planted a seed that would grow and guide her through a career dedicated to improving education from the ground up. It is important to note that Jones’ passion for teaching and learning drove her to teach in adjunct roles in the University while in leadership roles in K-12 schools.
Stepping into Higher Education
In 2000, Dr. Leslie Jones took a significant step into the world of higher education by joining Nicholls State University as an Assistant Professor. This move marked a new chapter—one driven by a clear intention to create systemic change by preparing future educators and leaders to meet the complex demands of modern schooling. Over the course of twelve years, she steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming an Associate Professor and later stepping into the role of Associate Dean.
Her time in higher education is characterized by a strong emphasis on connecting theory to practice. She develops courses centered on leadership principles, educational policy, and strategies for teacher effectiveness—aimed at bridging academic research with the realities educators face in the field. Beyond the classroom, she took on the vital role of mentoring pre-service teachers, helping them navigate not just their studies but also the intricate process of shaping their professional identities.
At the same time, Dr. Jones immersed herself in scholarly work, contributing widely to research on instructional leadership, the integration of educational technology, and the intersection of policy and practice. Her research wasn’t simply academic—it was grounded in a desire to offer practical tools and insights that educators could apply directly to improve student outcomes and school environments. Through these efforts, she shaped a teaching philosophy that viewed leadership not as a title but as an ongoing commitment to vision, influence, and courageous action for the benefit of students and communities.
From Vision to Strategy
In 2010, Dr. Leslie Jones stepped into a pivotal role as Associate Dean then Dean of the College of Education at Nicholls State University in 2012, marking a new and influential chapter in her career. Over the next eight years, her leadership expanded beyond the classroom and research to shape the very structure and direction of the college. With a clear strategic focus on moving programs “from good to great,” she spearheaded comprehensive reforms that touched every aspect of the college—from curriculum updates and faculty development to rigorous accreditation processes.
Her approach to leadership was marked by inclusivity and forward-thinking collaboration. She worked closely with local K–12 school systems to ensure that teacher preparation remained aligned with the shifting realities of modern classrooms. Through these partnerships, she helped build bridges that kept academic programs relevant and responsive. During her tenure, the college successfully navigated accreditation reviews, strengthened performance assessments, and broadened opportunities for research among faculty and students alike.
Dr. Jones made it a priority to root her work in best practices tailored to the needs of today’s learners. She focused intensely on using data and evidence to guide decisions, whether it was evaluating the effectiveness of academic programs or revising courses to better serve students. This emphasis on data-driven leadership helped the college maintain a student-centered focus while fostering academic excellence.
Her time as associate dean and dean left a lasting mark on teacher education in Louisiana, as she united educators, administrators, and policymakers around shared goals of equity, quality, and innovation. The legacy of her leadership at Nicholls continues to be recognized as a model of integrity, vision, and dedicated stewardship.
Embracing a New Chapter
In 2018, Dr. Leslie Jones took on the role of Professor of Executive Leadership at the University of Holy Cross, shifting her focus to nurturing leadership skills among doctoral candidates and education professionals throughout Louisiana and beyond. Her work centers on mentoring students through their dissertations and helping them apply research-driven leadership strategies to practical challenges in schools, districts, and other work environments.
At the University, she has expanded her research into executive functioning within educational settings, examining how high-level decisions influence school culture and student outcomes. Beyond teaching, she plays an active role in shaping educational leadership thought by designing courses that emphasize leadership effectiveness, systems thinking, and ethical decision-making.
Her approach combines rigorous research with a deeply human perspective, reflecting her belief that leadership requires not only knowledge but also purpose and integrity. Through these efforts, she continues to guide emerging leaders who are equipped to make meaningful, positive impacts in their communities.
The Scholar’s Voice
Over the years, Dr. Leslie Jones has built a strong reputation in educational research. Her 2010 book, Relevance of Instructional Leadership, is frequently used in graduate programs, offering key insights into how school principals can directly impact student success—a perspective grounded in her own extensive experience. A third edition of the Relevance of the Leadership Standards is scheduled to be released in the Fall of 2025.
In 2023, she published Effective Technology Tools for School Leadership: Understanding Digital and Data-driven Strategies, which focuses on how school leaders can harness technology to improve operations and student outcomes. This work has been praised for its practical advice and forward-thinking view on digital leadership.
Beyond books, Dr. Leslie Jones has authored peer-reviewed articles for respected platforms, including SCIRP, where she serves on the editorial board. One significant article (ID 31385) delves into leadership models and educational frameworks, proposing approaches for institutional reform. Her work is also preserved in Louisiana State University’s Digital Commons, cementing her dual role as both an influential scholar and hands-on practitioner.
Recognition and Service Beyond the Campus
Dr. Jones’ work has earned significant recognition over the years. In 2012, she was named among notable women deans by the Women in Academia Report, highlighting her as a pioneer for female leadership in higher education. Her influence reaches beyond her immediate roles, as she is regularly invited to speak at national educational leadership conferences and symposia.
She plays an active role on the editorial board of the SCIRP Journal of Education, where she contributes to shaping scholarly conversations and supports emerging researchers. Her involvement goes beyond mere presence—it reflects her dedication to advancing high-quality, relevant educational research.
Outside academia, Dr. Leslie Jones is deeply engaged with her community. She has helped foster partnerships between universities and local school districts, championing initiatives that promote both efficiency and equity. Her commitment to social justice is woven throughout her public scholarship and policy advocacy, reflecting a consistent focus on creating fair and inclusive educational systems.
At the core of Dr. Jones’ life and work is a deep-rooted faith in God, which guides her leadership, service, and dedication to both education and community.
Educational Philosophy
At the heart of Dr. Jones’ work lies a deeply rooted educational philosophy anchored in empowerment and transformation. She champions the idea that schools must be spaces of lifelong learning—not only for students but for educators, administrators, and policymakers.
“I have a passion for ensuring that academic programs are grounded in best practices and aligned with the needs of the 21st-century learner,” she often reiterates, underscoring the dynamic nature of educational needs. Her leadership approach is inclusive, focusing on integrity, collaboration, and long-term impact.
Her instructional style blends reflective inquiry with active problem-solving. She encourages her students and colleagues to question assumptions, embrace innovation, and prioritize student outcomes over institutional inertia. Her classrooms are not static lecture halls—they are incubators of ideas, challenges, and growth.
She believes data should drive decisions, but never at the expense of empathy or justice. Her insistence on cultivating ethical, culturally competent leaders sets her apart in an era where performance metrics often overshadow human development.
A Living Legacy
The story of Dr. Leslie Jones is more than a chronological account of positions held or books published—it is a story of lasting influence. From the mathematics classrooms of Louisiana to the doctoral seminar rooms of New Orleans, she has consistently acted as a catalyst for educational renewal.
She has mentored hundreds of aspiring educators, many of whom now lead schools, districts, and academic departments. Her legacy is embedded in their achievements, in the school reforms they initiate, and in the generations of students they serve. “Leadership is not about position; it’s about influence, vision, and the courage to act for the betterment of students and communities”—these words, often quoted, remain a guiding principle for those she inspires.
Her policy advocacy, institutional reforms, and scholarly contributions continue to shape the field of education. In an era demanding accountability and innovation, Dr. Leslie Jones offers a model of leadership that is both timeless and timely—rooted in experience, guided by ethics, and propelled by vision.
The Voice That Leads
Dr. Leslie Jones stands as a leading voice in education not by chance, but by choice. Every chapter of her career reflects intentionality—a deliberate effort to elevate learning environments, empower educators, and reform systems from within. Her journey illustrates the enduring value of vision-driven leadership, one that integrates academic rigor with human-centered mentorship.
In her, the field of education finds a scholar who understands the intricacies of both policy and practice. In her students and colleagues, she has sparked a lasting impact of excellence that transcends classrooms and campuses.
She continues to be, in every sense of the word, a builder of futures. And through her work at the University of Holy Cross and beyond, she reminds us that education—when led with integrity, insight, and heart—can indeed transform lives and uplift entire communities.
