Dan Jones honored for his teaching

Dan Jones was recently honored by the Utah Commission on Civic and Character Education.

Jones, known for his polling and political work through his firm Dan Jones & Associates, is the first person to receive the Civic, Character and Service Learning Award.

"We honored him for his more than four decades as a teacher of political science, journalism and generally teaching in the area of political engagement," said Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Christine M. Durham.

The Hinckley Institute of Politics nominated Jones, who is an adjunct professor in the University of Utah Political Science Department.

Jones, who does polling for the Deseret Morning News, "has inspired so many students," said Sen. Karen Hale, D-Salt Lake.

The seven-member commission was formed last year by the Utah State Legislature and consists of people from all three branches of government as well as citizens.

The mission of the commission is to provide leadership for the state's commitment to civic and character education in the public schools, institutions of higher education, and the larger community; to make recommendations to school boards and administrators; and to promote coalitions and collaborative efforts that foster informed and civic public discourse and responsible citizenship.

"This is the first of what we hope will be an annual recognition," Durham said.