Rod Jonas, PhD, has served as Dean of the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Mary since 2010. In addition to his administrative duties at the University of Mary, Dr. Jonas teaches graduate courses that focus on organizational behavior and school leadership in the EdD and MEd programs.
Originally from Goodhue, Minnesota, Jonas attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, where he studied physical education and mathematics, graduating with a BA in 1977. While at Augsburg, Jonas helped the basketball team to secure three Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship victories and advance to the NAIA national tournament in 1997. Jonas completed his career at Augsburg 33rd on their all-time scoring list and was inducted into their athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
Jonas coached basketball and taught at the Seoul Foreign School in South Korea from 1977 to 1979, securing an undefeated record in his final year with the program. Jonas has served as an assistant coach at North Dakota State University and Augsburg College, as well as head coach at Fargo South High School and the University of Mary.
Jonas earned an MS in education from North Dakota State University in 1981 and a PhD in physical education and educational administration from the University of Minnesota in 1993.
He and his wife, Shirley, have two children, Melissa and Jason.
