Lynn L. Jones (BS ’71, Police Science; MS ’75, Sociology) treasured her time at The University of Tulsa, where she pursued her lifelong ambition of becoming a police officer, a goal that developed after she was inspired by two of her childhood heroes – her mother (who had worked as a police dispatcher) and fictional sleuth Nancy Drew.
Jones launched a successful career in the Tulsa Police Department after graduating from The University of Tulsa, starting as one of only four women on the force in 1972, and retiring in 2002 as the highest-ranking woman on the force. Major Lynn Jones had become a trailblazer for future female officers in the department.
In addition, Jones shares a fulfilling home life with her husband, James Medill, and she is the proud mother of three adult children: Eddie, Jeanne, and Kailynn.
For decades, Lynn Jones has been an enthusiastic and dedicated community volunteer, working tirelessly to support organizations and programs, especially those that help women, children, animals, and educational causes, using her strong leadership skills to support and spearhead initiatives to help others in need. She has received multiple honors and awards for her devotion to good causes, including being inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, being named Tulsa Volunteer of the Year, receiving a Paragon Award from Leadership Tulsa, and receiving a leadership award from the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, along with many other tributes.
Among her causes, Lynn Jones has kept The University of Tulsa near the top of her list, generously making many gifts since 1993 to support a wide array of programs, including campus development, scholarships, the TU Annual Fund for the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences, the TU Alumni Association, the Golden Hurricane Club, the School of Music, and Gilcrease Museum.
In addition to sharing her financial resources, Lynn Jones has given generously of her time and expertise by serving on the National Board of Directors of the TU Alumni Association and as past president of the association, and on the Board of Directors of the Golden Hurricane Club.
In recognition of her outstanding career achievements, her dedication to community service, and her loyal partnership with her alma mater, Lynn Jones was named a TU Distinguished Alumna in 2011, and she and her husband have been named to the esteemed Chapman Legacy Society and the President’s Council.
In 2018, Lynn Jones wanted to extend her support of her alma mater, and she established a scholarship endowment fund through an estate gift. The Lynn L. Jones Scholarship Endowment Fund is designed to assist students who are at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints, and Jones hopes it will help keep future TU students on track for graduation.
The University of Tulsa is deeply grateful to this enthusiastic and generous alumna who has created important opportunities for the future TU students who will follow in her footsteps.
