Advisory Board Bio – Garry Jones

As President of Full Sail University, Garry Jones is one of the prime catalysts of the university’s forward motion. By working with the executive management team and regularly interacting with faculty, staff, students, and alumni, he works to ensure that the school’s progress maintains the culture – or “heartbeat” – of the institution.

Jones served as a consultant during the creation of Full Sail, and in 1980, he joined the faculty as an educator in the school’s Recording Arts curriculum. From 1980 to 1999, he served in a variety of capacities, including those of Course Director, Director of Education, Director of Career Development, Vice President of Admissions, and Senior Vice President. Jones was promoted to the role of President in 1999.

During his time as President, Full Sail University has been recognized among the “Top 25 Graduate & Undergraduate Schools to Study Game Design” by The Princeton Review, the “Best Music Programs” by Rolling Stone magazine, the “Top 25 Music Schools” by The Hollywood Reporter, and the “Top 50 Film Schools” by The Wrap magazine. In addition, Full Sail was named the “School/College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, one of the “Best for Vets Colleges” by Military Times EDGE magazine, and received Apple’s “Innovators in Education” award. In 2009, ITFlorida named Jones “IT Leader of the Year” for his commitment to furthering the advancement of technology through education.

Currently, Jones serves as a trustee of The Nature Conservancy Florida Chapter, as well as serving on the President’s Advisory Council of Bluefield College. Previously, he has served as an executive member of the Local Organizing Committee for WrestleMania 33, on the board of the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association, and the Goals 2000 Committee - a public/private sector council organized under the auspices of the Industrial Development Commissions of Greater Orlando.

Originally from Christiansburg, Virginia, Jones attended Bluefield College for his associate’s degree, and Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He resides in Winter Park, Florida with his wife and best friend of over 30 years, Isis.