TheEra tipped off in front of a packed house on Monday afternoon at the Edmunds Center as Stetson University Director of Athleticsformally introduced the 22head coach in program history."Today I'm introducing you to one of the most positive coaching leaders I've ever come across," Altier said. "He empowers others and gets results by encouraging the staff and student-athletes under his direction with positive leadership. The more time I spent with Donnie and the more I listened, I got to know that his values aligned with our core values and our mission of creating champions inside and outside of competition."Stetson President Dr. Wendy Libby also gave remarks, saying Jones had an opportunity to do great things both for the basketball program and the University."Havingjoin us is an opportunity to impact a generation of students, but more so, a generation of alumni who love this institution dearly, our community here in DeLand and in central Florida," she said. "We know from what we have seen from Donnie's work in the past, that he is the exact right person to do it. So I am here to welcome him and welcome his family, who is here with us today, welcome him back to central Florida, and give him my best regards for what we know will be an impact not just on our university, but on our students, our alumni, and our community for years to come."With members of the Stetson basketball team in attendance, Jones spoke of what lies ahead for the Hatters."It is a great time to be a part of Stetson," Jones said. "That is what excites me. It is our turn to join in and be a part of what is going to happen next, and we are looking forward to that as well."No stranger to the Sunshine State after having served as both an assistant at Florida (1997-2007) and the head coach at UCF (2011-16), Jones and his family are excited to be back, and he can't wait to get started with his new team."It's time," he said. "Today's the day that a new era begins. We are excited to be a part of that. My family's excited to be a part of that. I look forward to getting to work and to start adding some value to this team. I look forward to meeting everybody. We have an opportunity to share the vision of this great school."Jones was joined at the press conference by his wife, Michelle, son Isaac, and daughter Sophie, as well as his in-laws.Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.