This week, distinguished Mizzou alum Dr. Michael Jones, BA ’86, MD ’97, will be recognized at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Night for a Cure with the prestigious Uniting to Care & Cure Award. This honor reflects his proven excellence in research and patient care. 

A native of Kansas City, Mo., Dr. Jones comes from a family dedicated to health care. His father was a urologist, and his mother was a nurse. He followed his parents’ example of service and care for patients. He met his wife, Lillian Mitchell-Jones, BA ’86, at Mizzou while both were undergraduates in biological sciences. Their three sons, Christian Jones, BA ’13; Andrew Jones, BS ’21; and Benjamin Jones, BS ’21, followed in their footsteps as Tigers, with Andrew and Benjamin continuing the family tradition as third-generation physicians. 

Now based in the Cincinnati area, Dr. Jones is the vice president and director of clinical research at Tri-State Gastroenterology Associates. As a distinguished clinician, he saves and improves lives and has served as principal investigator in over 55 clinical trials. Dr. Jones attributes his four years in the School of Medicine to gaining valuable insight and leadership skills through his involvement in pre-medicine clubs. 

His leadership extends beyond the U.S., through a profound commitment to service. He and Lillian sponsor four students in Kenya, covering their tuition, food and supplies. Several mission trips have allowed them to see their generosity in action, advancing the students’ educational opportunities and future success. 

Dr. Jones remains deeply connected to Mizzou. He’s served on the Jefferson Club Board of Trustees, as a cabinet member on the successful Our Time to Lead campaign and on the NextGen Precision Medicine Advisory Board. He and Lillian also support the next generation of physicians through the School of Medicine’s Pathways to Success Program, as well as the PBL-25 Scholarship Fund. 

We are proud to count Dr. Jones among our 376,000+ global alumni and to celebrate his contributions to the School of Medicine’s more than 150-year tradition of excellence. 

— Mun