Yvette Jones honored with President’s Medal

Yvette Jones, a Tulane alumna and executive vice president for university relations and development, received the prestigious Tulane University President’s Medal Tuesday (April 12) during the eighth annual Beads on Broadway event in New York.

Before presenting the medal to Jones, Tulane President Mike Fitts posed several questions to the audience attending the Mardi Gras–themed gala for alumni, parents and friends. “What would Tulane be like without Yvette Jones? Would the football stadium be there? Would the culture be there?”

Fitts said that these items were heavily influenced by Jones’ dedication to the university.

“I’m always a Tulanian. It’s in my heart and in my family.”

Yvette Jones

“This award is given solely at the discretion of the president to individuals who have made such a dramatic difference in the institution,” said Fitts. “There is no better example of that than Yvette Jones.”

Jones’ career at Tulane spans 36 years and will conclude with her retirement in July. During those years she’s been a part of four different administrations and served Tulane in a variety of roles, including chief of staff to the university president, vice president for finance and operations, senior vice president for planning and administration, and chief operating officer of the university. She holds an undergraduate degree and an MBA from Tulane.

Among her many significant contributions to the university is her work alongside then-President Scott Cowen during the recovery of the university and city from Hurricane Katrina and her leadership in the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history, with more than $700 million raised through the “Promise and Distinction Campaign for Tulane.”

When receiving the award, Jones called Cowen to the stage to share in the moment.

“I’m not leaving,” Jones said. “I’m always a Tulanian. It’s in my heart and in my family. I’m honored and surprised.”