Willis A. Jones is an associate professor of higher education at the University of Miami.  His primary area of research examines the finances of intercollegiate athletics. In particular, he is interested in how the presence, successes, and/or failures of college athletics influence external actors and resource providers. Dr. Jones also explores and publishes on a wide range of higher education issues, including college costs, educational innovations, shared governance, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Jones previously held positions at the University of Kentucky and the University of South Florida. He earned his B.A. from the University of North Texas, his M.Ed from the University of Arkansas, and his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University.