Kenneth R. Jones

Dr. Kenneth R. Jones is a full-time Professor in the Department of Community and Leadership Development at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky. He also serves as Assistant Provost in the University of Kentucky Office for Faculty Advancement and previously held a joint appointment with the state 4-H office as an Extension Specialist.

• Ph.D., Agricultural and Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University, 2004
• M.S., Agricultural and Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University, 1997
• B.S., Agricultural Education, North Carolina A & T State University

His research focuses on youth-adult relationships within community contexts, positive youth development, mentoring, and program development for community-based organizations. He has specific interests in Extension Education, job embeddedness/staff development, life skills development, urban extension programming, and youth civic engagement.

From 2010 to 2024, he directed statewide program development and staff training for the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, leading evaluations and stakeholder reports. He currently oversees Extension Faculty Development and Engaged Scholarship initiatives.