Anita K. Jones

Who is Anita K. Jones?

Professor Jones is a University Professor in the University of Virginia and a Professor of Computer Science in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, previously having served as chair of the Department of Computer Science.

The Honorable Anita K. Jones was sworn in as the Director of Defense Research and Engineering for the U.S. Department of Defense in June 1993. In that position she was responsible for the management of the science and technology program. This included responsibility for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, oversight of the DoD laboratories, as well as being the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for defense-related scientific and technical matters.

Professor Jones is past vice-chair of the National Science Board, which advises the President on science, engineering, and education and oversees the National Science Foundation. She is also a member of the Defense Science Board, the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Corporation, and the MIT Corporation Executive Committee. She has co-chaired the Commonwealth of Virginia Research and Technology Advisory Commission and has served on other government advisory boards and scientific panels for NASA, the National Research Council, the Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Academy of Arts Sciences, and the American Academy for the Advancement of Science. She has received the Computing Research Association's Service Award, the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Department of Defense Award for Distinguished Public Service, and the IEEE Founders Award. The U.S. Navy named a seamount in the North Pacific Ocean for her.

She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Science Applications International Corporation and In-Q-Tel. Other private sector experience includes serving as a founder and Vice President of Tartan Laboratories, trustee of the MITRE Corporation, and as a member of various academic and industrial advisory boards, including the MIT Lincoln Laboratories Advisory Board. Both Duke University and Carnegie Mellon University awarded her Honorary Doctorate degrees. She has published more than 40 technical articles and two books in the area of computer software and systems and cyber-security.

Dr. Jones holds an A.B. from Rice University in mathematics, a Master of the Arts from the University of Texas, Austin, in literature, and a Ph.D. in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Jones is the 2007 recipient of the IEEE Founders Medal, which recognizes outstanding contributions in the leadership, planning, and administration of affairs of great value to the electrical and electronics engineering profession.