GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (December 12, 2025) — Knox College has announced that Scott Jones will join the Knox community as chief financial officer and vice president for finance on February 3, 2026. Jones, an experienced higher education financial officer, comes to Knox from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he has worked as vice president for administration and finance, serving as chief financial officer and chief operation officer, since 2021.
Jones has spent more than 25 years in senior financial-management positions in higher education, the majority of which have been spent at liberal-arts institutions. Before joining Union College, he served as assistant vice president for finance at Colby College and as manager for university analytics at the University of Virginia. Over the course of his career, Jones has overseen financial planning, including budget development and management; debt management; capital projects; and strategic and financial analysis, including facilities, information-technology services, campus safety, auxiliaries, environmental health and safety, and legal and real-estate management. At Knox, he will be responsible for all oversight and management of all financial matters of the College including budgeting, investment activities, financial modeling, planning, and analysis. In addition to the Business Office and Finance teams, Jones will oversee Human Resources.
“I am truly excited to welcome Scott to our senior leadership team at this moment in Knox’s history. His deep experience and financial acumen, especially at liberal arts colleges, will be invaluable as the College navigates this challenging moment and plans for its future,” said President C Andrew McGadney. “I’d like to offer my sincere gratitude to the Knox trustees, faculty, staff, and students who served on the search committee and committed their time and energy to help us identify our next chief financial officer.”
“Scott’s passion for Union’s mission and commitment to enhancing the student experience were evident in projects that were dear to his heart . . . [his] dedication and work ethic were legendary, and will be missed,” shared Union College President Elizabeth Kiss.
Jones received his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary. He is also deeply committed to serving his local community, dedicating his time to various community boards and committees, including board chair of the Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth and Community Center. He was also a committee member for the Waterville Tax Increment Financing Committee.
“I look forward to helping Knox College navigate its course in an increasingly difficult and competitive environment and am particularly excited to collaborate with my colleagues, the Knox Board, and other campus partners to help the College become a more financially sustainable institution,” Jones shared upon his appointment, adding, “Juli, and I were also drawn to Galesburg and the many opportunities it offers to engage with the community.”
Jones and his wife, Juli, have three children — twins Spencer (Chicago) and Olivia (Austin, Texas) and Carter (Austin, Texas).
