Dr. Mautra Staley Jones is a nationally acclaimed, transformational leader in higher education and philanthropy. With a career defined by innovation, vision, and a commitment to excellence, in March 2022 Jones made history as the 11th President of Oklahoma City Community College—becoming the first woman and first person of color to lead the college. Her appointment also made Oklahoma history as she is the first African American female to lead any institution of higher education in the state that is not a Historically Black College and University.

Jones serves on the boards of BancFirst and BancFirst Corporation, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and Oklahoma Watch, among others, and is a trustee for the Oklahoma City Industrial & Cultural Facilities Trust. She is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and serves on the Higher Learning Commission’s Credential Lab Advisory Board.

Her recognitions include Oklahoma Citizen of the Year, Oklahoman of the Year, 100 Women to Know Across North America, and Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO. She has been honored as National Mother of the Year and was the 2024 recipient of the Spirit of Oklahoma Award. Forbes named her one of the Top 10 Black Higher Education CEOs to Watch and MSN named her one of the Top 10 Inspirational Female Icons.

A proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Jones also holds an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix at San Diego and an Ed.D. from Vanderbilt University.

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