BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY

Akiko Jones (right) and Dr. Timothy Pogacar celebrate her award.

Akiko Jones named top foreign language professor

Akiko Jones, German, Russian and East Asian languages, has been named Ohio's outstanding college language instructor. BGSU’s longtime Japanese teacher was recognized April 5 at the Ohio Foreign Language Association's annual awards luncheon during the organization's conference in Cincinnati.

Jones, who has taught at BGSU since 1983, has gained a reputation as one of the state's best college teachers of an Asian language, according to Dr. Timothy Pogacar, chair of the GREAL department.

In addition to teaching, Jones is co-director of the Asian Studies Program in the College of Arts & Sciences, advisor to the Japanese Club and director of the University's summer program in Japan. She also organizes many cultural events on campus each year, including the Ohanami (Cherry Blossom) Festival.