Terry L. Jones was appointed provost of Tidewater Community College's Portsmouth Campus in July 2005 after serving as acting provost for 18 months. His career of more than 37 years at TCC includes serving as a history professor for 16 years and, later, as dean of the humanities and social sciences division. In 1996 Dr. Jones served as collegewide dean of instruction and student services before being named associate vice president for college transfer education in July 2000.

Dr. Jones received his bachelor of arts and master's degree in history from Samford University. He later completed his Ph.D. in religious history at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Jones has participated in several statewide activities, including the Virginia State Committee on Transfer. He chaired the Educational Programs Committee for the Academic and Student Affairs Council for the Virginia Community College System, and the Statewide Advisory Committee of Deans and Provosts. In 2002, he was selected to receive the college's Damiani Award for his continued work and support of international education. Dr. Jones is a member of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee for Portsmouth and a board member of the Portsmouth Partnership.

The provost serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the campus and reports directly to the College President.