James Jones, professor of psychology, was presented the American Psychological Association's Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Psychology for his "unparalleled career as a scientist, academic, author, administrator, thinker, innovator, and social justice advocate."
A leading scholar in the study of prejudice and racism, Jones has championed inclusion and diversity throughout his professional and personal life. The APA's Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), which Jones directed for 30 years, is regarded as one of the most successful training programs for ethnic and racial minority researchers and service providers in the history of federally funded programs. The MFP Advisory Committee has recognized his enduring legacy with the naming of the "Minority Fellowship Program James Jones Lifetime Achievement Award."
Jones played a key role in transforming the APA's Office of Social and Ethical Responsibility for Psychology into the Public Interest Directorate, and served as the directorate's first executive director, as well as APA's Affirmative Action officer. He also served with distinction as president of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), and the Society of Experimental Social Psychology.