The Mississippi Humanities Council is grateful for the hard work and dedication of recent board retiree Betty Lou Jones of Meridian. Jones, the longest-serving board member in the Council’s history, was first appointed by Governor Haley Barbour in February 2005. She served for over two decades after being reappointed by Governors Phil Bryant and Tate Reeves.
With her lifelong commitment to public service, historic preservation, education, and community development, Jones strengthened the Council’s relationships with Mississippi organizations and communities throughout the state, especially in her hometown of Meridian. Her many years on the Mississippi Parole Board provided valuable insight into the Council’s efforts to create educational programs within Mississippi correctional institutions. Over the years, she consistently offered thoughtful leadership and creative vision in helping the Council imagine and develop new opportunities for public humanities programs across Mississippi.
Earlier this summer, MHC Executive Director Stuart Rockoff oversaw the Council’s resolution honoring Jones for her twenty-one years of extraordinary service. “Throughout her many years on the MHC board, Betty Lou has exemplified the spirit of the humanities,” said Rockoff. “We are grateful for her decades of dedication to public dialogue, community engagement, and the preservation of Mississippi’s stories and culture.”
The MHC board includes 22 members, five of whom are appointed by the governor. With Jones stepping down, Governor Tate Reeves has appointed Bethany Smith of Jackson to the MHC board for a four-year term. Governor’s appointees play a vital role in Council leadership, ensuring the MHC, an independent nonprofit organization, has strong connections with state government, and serves the people of Mississippi.
