Lynn Jones

Lynn Jones (BS '71, MS '57) attended The University of Tulsa to be like her favorite fictional sleuth Nancy Drew, which turned into a successful career as a Tulsa Police Lieutenant. In 1972, she started with the Tulsa Police Department as one of four women on the force and retired in 2002 as the highest-ranking woman on the force.

"My drive for social justice was created at TU," Jones said. She helped create the Kendall Whittier Businessman's Club, which was the catalyst for positive changes in the TU neighborhood. Jones worked to eradicate drug deals and brought Habitat for Humanity to Tulsa. "The fact that Habitat and the Kendall Whittier Association grew out of those endeavors and serves TU is a source of pride for me," she said.

Jones remains friends with her Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters and is an active TU alumna. She fondly recalls two professors Sharon and John Bohnam. "They were the 'it' couple," she said. "We went to their house for end of semester parties, and they organized a ski trip which was the highlight of a winter break."

Jones is a tireless community volunteer, especially with organizations focused on women, children, animals and educational causes. She has been recognized as a TU Distinguished Alumna, inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame, named Tulsa's Volunteer of the Year and received the Paragon Award from Leadership Tulsa.

But, Jones always keeps The University of Tulsa as a top priority by generously making more than 80 gifts to support a wide array of programs from The Hurricane Club to The Lynn L. Jones Scholarship Endowment Fund. Her youngest daughter is a junior at TU. "I love that someday we will enjoy TU's alumni experience together," she said.