LOGAN, Utah – Utah State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Diana Sabau announced Thursday the hiring of Isaiah Jones as the first Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Programming and Community Engagement. 
 
"I'm truly honored to join USU Athletics and excited to contribute to the Aggie legacy that's been a part of my life since I was a kid," said Jones. "I walked on to the football team in 2009, inspired by my father, Paul, who also competed at USU, and my mother, Sylvia. My connection to Utah State University and Aggie Athletics runs deep. Together with my wife, Josselyn White-Jones, who is also a USU alum and former volleyball star, we are raising our four children – Tatum, Sophie, Micah and Baker – to continue the Aggie legacy. I'm incredibly excited to serve Aggie Nation and all members of the USU and Cache Valley community. I look forward to building meaningful relationships and helping to grow the presence and impact of USU Athletics both locally and beyond."
 
In his role with athletics, Jones will work to increase student-athlete programming with former Aggies and alumni and oversee community service initiatives. He will also work to build strong partnerships with local communities and stakeholders to position the university as a collaborative leader in addressing regional and societal challenges.
 
"With the addition of Isaiah Jones as our new leader in this space, we are striving toward an enhanced level of support for our student-athletes," said Sabau. "His familiarity with Aggie Athletics and the challenges facing today's student-athletes are outstanding assets, and his enthusiasm and knowledge make him the perfect person to begin implementing these initiatives."
 
Jones, who was a member of the Utah State football team from 2009-12, including the 2012 team which went 11-2 and won a conference title, joins the Athletics Department after spending nearly two years as USU's Senior Director for Inclusive Excellence. Prior to that, Jones served as the USU Parent & Family Coordinator for Orientation for four years.
 
Jones' ties to Aggie athletics also extend to his father Paul (Football, Track & Field,1981-1984), and his mother, Sylvia, with the pair being recognized as USU Alumni of the Year in 2012. Isaiah's sister, Daphne, was also a member of the USU track & field team from 2010-13, while his wife, Josselyn White-Jones, was a four-year letterwinner for USU volleyball (2009-12) and still ranks in the top 10 all-time for total blocks.
 
In his previous role with the University, Jones worked to establish, promote, and maintain collaborative partnerships and relationships with university academic and administrative units, community institutions, organizations, and the Inclusive Excellence Division statewide.
 
Jones graduated from Utah State with a bachelor's degree in human physiology in 2012 and a master's degree in history. He also holds a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and is currently working on his MBA.
 
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