Keith Jones, Construction Project Coordinator at Central Washington University, will retire on Oct. 1 after more than four decades of service, according to a May 18 announcement. Jones has been a significant figure at the university since arriving as a student in January 1982 and later becoming a full-time employee.
Jones’ work has touched nearly every major technological advancement at the university since the early 1980s. He contributed to projects ranging from computer services and infrastructure upgrades to expanding off-campus learning centers across Washington state. “I wasn’t officially in the program yet,” he said about his early days helping with engineering labs, “but I just kept showing up and helping where I could.”
During his career, Jones played an essential role in transitioning CWU from analog systems to digital technology, supporting the introduction of personal computers on campus, and working on key initiatives such as Y2K system readiness and major infrastructure projects under the Campus Legacy Infrastructure Project initiative. He also helped implement PeopleSoft for student and administrative data management.
Colleagues have praised Jones for his calm presence and dedication to serving others. One longtime co-worker said: “Keith never made anyone feel like their issue was too small. He listens, he asks questions, and he sticks around to make sure you’re really okay.” Over the years, Jones has mentored many student employees who have gone on to careers in IT, engineering, education or continued working at CWU.
Reflecting on his time at CWU, Jones credits his upbringing for shaping his work ethic: “You take care of people,” he says. “That’s the job.” As he looks ahead to retirement plans that include home remodeling and traveling with his dog next spring, Jones remains grateful for what CWU has meant to him over four decades: “For someone like me who’s been around for so long, it’s more like a family than a place to work… That’s something I will always remember.”
