Florence Jones, president of Methodist North Hospital, is one of four outstanding Murray State alumni to receive the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award presented last month during an awards dinner on the campus.

Jones, a 1975 nursing alumna, has served more than 25 years in the healthcare industry and has broken through countless barriers of gender and race throughout her years of experience. Jones has established a reputation for collaborative and inspirational leadership during her career. She also served the U.S. as a first lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps for the United States Army Reserve from 1977 to1980.

Established in 1962, the Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to alumni who have made meaningful contributions to their professions on a local, state and national level. It is the highest honor an alumnus can receive from the Murray State Alumni Association.

Prior to becoming president of Methodist North, Jones served as chief nursing officer and interim president for Methodist North and chief nursing officer for Methodist South.