Get to Know HFC: Jones teaches creativity through art history
After 16 years teaching part-time at HFC, art history instructor Russell Jones is thrilled to become a full-time faculty member.
“I’ve been cobbling together multiple adjunct teaching jobs, sometimes teaching 8-9 classes in a single semester," said Jones. "Achieving a tenure-track position has been life-changing.”
In the Fall 2025 semester, Jones is teaching the following classes:
- Art History Survey I
- History of Modern Art
- African and Afro American Art
“We have good unions at HFC,” he said. “We are valued for our contributions and are able to influence how the College functions.”
He reports to Associate Dean of the HFC School of Liberal Arts (SOLA) Pam Stewart.
“Russell brings a wealth of experience to HFC students,” said Stewart. “His classes are popular for good reason, as his extensive teaching experience at institutions including HFC, the College for Creative Studies, and Bowling Green State University, coupled with instructional design expertise offer rigorous content to students in a well-structured and accessible setting.”
20 years as a college instructor
Born in Pittsburgh, Jones is the middle of three children. He lives in Hazel Park and has a daughter, 23, as well as two cats.
Jones graduated from North Hills High School in Pittsburgh. He earned his bachelor's degree in art history from the University of Toledo. He later earned his master’s degree in art history with a specialization in contemporary art from BGSU in Ohio.
Jones has been in higher education since 2005. He taught at CCS, BGSU, Owens Community College in Ohio, Mercy College of Ohio, and Eastern Michigan University. He has also been a professional DJ for more than 20 years and has played drums in local bands.
“I had teachers who did the best job of inspiring students, including me,” said Jones. “I wanted to be that type of teacher for my students.”
Liberal arts education is essential
Jones pointed out in higher education that he and his colleagues have the power to follow the best pedagogical and scholarly practices in educating students – a power rarely granted to K-12 teachers.
“I believe in the old community college adage, ‘Take the students where they are and help them get to where they want to go,’” said Jones. “I also believe in the adage that a liberal arts education is essential for a functioning democratic society.”
He continued: “I enjoy seeing students be inspired when they learn that art is one of the best ways to understand the unique, endless creativity of human beings,” he said. “Art history is also a great way to understand the world, because students develop skills in using critical models that can be applied widely beyond any discipline.”
Jones looks forward to working with his colleagues too.
“There is no better place for me to teach than at HFC. I’m looking forward to working more closely with the dedicated educators I have met at the College,” he said. “HFC is a student-centered school where faculty are valued. The teachers I have met at HFC are uniquely dedicated to education and community.”