HONORING DR. KEVIN B. JONES

Tributes

In honor of Kevin’s contributions to VLGS and the energy community, we have collected tribute messages.

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Lauryn Sherman:
“Dr. Jones was an incredible teacher. He taught his superpower, the legal infrastructure for energy transition, to lots of people before he passed away. More than that, he was a professor so gentle, kind, and skilled at guiding people that I sometimes added a separate column to my notes just to try to learn more of his sayings and particular finesse in that regard. He opened the door wide for lots of fresh and upcoming people to enter and change his world of regulated utilities. He saw a path to transforming his industry, to materially making the lives of many people better, and taught that path with so much grace that I’m sure it is a better space to work because of it. He was one of the good ones. He will be dearly missed.”

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Joyce Brenda Kisingiri:
“What a wonderful mentor, friend, and coach Kevin Jones must have been. I miss not having had the chance to meet and be mentored by him. The tributes posted so far demonstrate the immense impact he had on those he taught and interacted with. As one tribute rightly said, he has left behind mentees who will continue to carry on his dreams and passion by never giving up on positively impacting their communities through the implementation of environmental law and policy reforms.”

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Joseph Zoghaib:
“I am a 1L OHJD student and I never met him, but all the love the VLGS community showed to him and the respect that was offered made me wish I had. I will certainly always wonder if I had him as my teacher what difference he would have made in my legal career. All you fellow VLGS community members are lucky to have known him. May he rest in peace, and I leave you with a Lebanese condolence sentence that says, ‘he who has a child shall never die,’ and all of his students are like his children so you can imagine how many Kevin Jones are running around among us, even after his passing.”

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Annika Kolasa:
“Kevin made me believe in regulated capitalism! I always appreciated his depth of knowledge and willingness to talk about complex issues. I came to see the environmentalists at VLS as more idealists but the Energizers as understanding the importance of compromising and being realistic. Kevin was always talking about the flywheels he helped set up in New York – that the solutions aren’t always shiny but if you keep looking you can find something that works. I’ll always be grateful he helped me with the long paper I had to write to graduate, which I later got published and am still very proud of.”

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Kit Kennedy:
“I am so saddened and shocked by the news of Kevin’s passing. As an NRDC advocate and attorney, I worked with him when he was at LIPA and later taught a VLS summer session week-long clean energy policy course for several years with his support and encouragement. His passion for clean energy and for his students always shone through. I want to extend my own condolences and those of NRDC colleagues to his family and to the VLS community. I know that his memory and legacy will live on at VLS and for all the students and colleagues whose lives he touched and helped to shape.”

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Nicole Lepre:
“Kevin was so dedicated to supporting his students’ career goals. For example, when I told him I was interested in electric vehicles, he asked me if I wanted to help the school add more electric vehicle chargers to the parking lot. I’ve been back to VLGS a few times since graduating and I always think of him while I use those chargers (thank you for the free electricity, Kevin!). He was so supportive of me and everyone in the energy program long after we graduated. His confidence in us was inspiring.”

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Chris Heine:
“I was shocked and saddened to get the news that Kevin passed so suddenly. Kevin warmly welcomed me to the IEE and into the MERL program with enthusiasm (and on very short notice) in the fall of 2019 where he expanded my understanding of not only the subject of energy law, but the world beyond. With his recommendation, I have found myself in a career where I had the pleasure of working with him further and with that work, the opportunity to continue to pay forward what he shared with me to those who would likely never have had the pleasure to learn from him directly. Thank you Kevin, you are and will be missed.”

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Anonymous:
“Kevin’s passion and dedication to energy justice, community energy, and intelligent energy policy will remain an inspiration across Vermont and beyond. Kevin, we are so grateful for your warmth, humor, generosity, and commitment to make a difference in the world.”

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Michael Gergen:
“Words fail me in expressing my sense of loss over Kevin. We were friends for almost 40 years, having first met working as economic planners and forecasters for a Vermont electric utility and helping to run Bernie Sanders first two House races in 1988 and 1990. Kevin was one of my touchstones on smart energy policy as we continued to consult on a wide range of topics in the development of the bulk power markets and their need for accelerated decarbonization and our mutual love of teaching and working with aspiring energy lawyers and policymakers. Kevin will be missed by me so much on a personal level that it overshadows the greater loss to the world of his passion, energy, wisdom, and contributions to the ongoing clean energy transition.”

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John Dumville:
“I’m a community member and not a student or graduate of VLGS, but I can see all around me the good things that Kevin Jones has accomplished. He will truly be missed but the students he has guided will carry out his vision.”

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Laura Schieb:
“I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Kevin Jones. It is difficult to imagine the IEE without him at the helm, he is irreplaceable, and it is hard to comprehend anyone who will be able to even come close to personifying the dedication, enthusiasm, values, and expertise that Kevin offered as Director of the IEE. I served as Global Energy Fellow with the Energy Clinic from 2015 to 2017. I remember how without fail, whenever the door to the IEE opened and it was a new face, and if Kevin was anywhere nearby in the building, he would make sure that the guest was welcomed and he would spend time greeting the person and giving them his undivided attention for whatever time he had at the moment. He was tireless in his initiation of new ideas and projects, his excitement about the work that his students were involved in, and his advocacy and support in guiding anyone who was interested in learning more about the state of clean energy and how to promote and improve it, at all levels of society and government, no matter how small or large a group. Kevin had his finger on the pulse as to the nuts and bolts of truly making the clean energy transition that is sorely needed. VLGS will not be the same without him and he will always be missed by so many people who so appreciated him and his ways, his amazing expertise, and his invaluable work which will prosper and grow through others because of all of his generous efforts. I send my deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones and wish them peace and comfort during this difficult time of sadness and loss.”

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Charles Spence:
“I was very saddened and shocked to hear about the passing of a major mentor of mine, and so many others, Kevin Jones, PhD.

Kevin guided me through graduate school (before, during, and after), motivated purely out of love of teaching and helping his students succeed. Kevin was kind, patient, and thoughtful, but firm and resolute in his beliefs. He taught me just as much about being a passionate professional as he did about energy and the law.

The first time I spoke to Kevin, I was an aimless, curious prospective student. Kevin took my phone call from Vietnam at a weird hour of the day for him. He listened to my rambling, disjointed goals and beliefs. He helped organize my thoughts and set me on a path that was for me to create, never once pushing me down a path of his own design. During school, he listened to my stresses and shared many laughs, as well as a moderate number of beers. After graduating, the “global situation” interrupted my job searching. It wasn’t looking good, but Kevin called me out of the blue, enthusiastic as always, about a potential role in the work I was looking to do. He connected me with a fellow VLS graduate and I got a job! I’m still in the same company ecosystem today.

Kevin was truly one of a kind and was incredibly formative for me. I know he meant a lot to so many people. If anybody who shared some experiences with Kevin wants to catch up, reminisce, and/or vent, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll do my best to follow through with the things he taught me. I know he’s out there right now, smiling at us with that sly grin, pushing us along our paths.”

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A. Hamilton:
“Dr. Kevin Jones, the only PhD on a campus oversaturated with attorneys. Shocked to hear of his sudden passing. I would not be living the career of my dreams had he not picked me over my competitors. If the needle had moved in a different direction – my life would not be the same. For that I am grateful. Condolences to his dear wife and future MERL students.”

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Michael Crouse:
“Kevin, you will be sorely missed. I remember the day I toured Vermont Law School, and you convinced this once aspiring law student that I had a bright future in energy law even though I had no background in the field. I now proudly serve as a staff attorney at the New Hampshire Office of the Consumer Advocate. I am but one example of how you have improved the lives of those around you with your infectious enthusiasm, enduring patience, and commitment to your students. While my heart breaks with your passing, I find solace in learning of all the lives you have changed for the better. Thank you for making a difference in my life.”

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Katie Thomas Carol:
“I am terribly sorry and sad for this loss. My life was forever changed for the better when Kevin became my mentor. He helped me navigate law school, the Energy Institute, and grow into a better writer and advocate. He helped me secure my first job. And then my second. He was always someone I could go to for advice and he would give me the truth. I cannot yet fully understand what it will mean to carry on without him in my personal or professional life. But I vow to always fight for the underdogs, work to save the planet and Cuba, pet the dogs, ski often, and slow down to enjoy the finer things in life in his honor. Please trust that his life was well-lived and that he made a positive impact on hundreds of people during his time at VLGS. I will ensure his legacy is carried on at the IEE. I will miss him. I’m sending my love and prayers from afar, Katie Thomas Carol (JD & Energy Certificate/ MELP 2013)”

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Anonymous:
“Professor Jones changed the way I think about environmental law. He offered a different way to view the field, which I really needed as a 3L. My independent study with him was one of my favorite, and most memorable, experiences at VLGS. He was also friendly, kind, and thoughtful.”

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Ben Gerhardt:
“Kevin was the first faculty member I worked with when I started at VLGS in October 2021. We developed Sustainable Energy Project and Finance together. We spent hours talking on Teams because we found out we had something in common: we both had been to Cuba. Kevin and I chatted for hours about our experiences in Cuba, and had hoped one day to be able to travel together down there with VLGS students. Rest easy my friend. VLGS is going to miss you so much. I’ll see you at Varadero Beach in Cuba when the time comes.”

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Mary Franco:
“I am incredibly grateful to have known Kevin and was lucky to have him as a mentor. He was consistently in my corner for every academic and career opportunity. Through his mentorship, he created a network of students and alumni eager to help one another after his model. I am devastated by his passing but take solace in knowing his influence will still be felt in the world through his students carrying out his legacy. I will miss Kevin dearly.”

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Sonja Rzepski:
“Dear Professor Kevin Jones,
I like to think you are here with us every day at the clinic, making sure we don’t stop thinking about tomorrow and the work we need to do for future generations. We can only hope to each do our part to create the world you want to see. Rest in Peace.”

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Heather Payne:
“Such sad news! I thoroughly enjoyed our very much in the weeds energy law conversations and will miss them. It was also obvious to anyone who spoke with Kevin for long that lifting students up and helping them realize their full potential were at the very heart of what he focused on each and every day. My sympathy to his colleagues, students, family and friends.”

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Megan Murray::
“It was a true pleasure to get to work with Kevin briefly—he understood the need for a global perspective on energy issues, and wanted VLGS students to have that. May he rest in Peace.”

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Lindsay Bourgoine:
“I feel fortunate that I was able to take an introductory course on energy economics from Professor Jones during my time at VLGS. As I progressed my own career in the environmental field, I’ve started working solely in clean energy policy, and I’ve always debated going back or auditing more courses to continue to learn from Professor Jones given his immense expertise and passion for teaching. I’ve long been inspired by his literal energy and love of engaging students and preparing them for careers in the energy sector, and I’ve really enjoyed following along such commentary and success stories on LinkedIn. Thank you for your dedication and service in pursuit of our clean energy transition; your contributions have absolutely made a difference in the betterment of our planet—and its people.”

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David Yaffe:
“I was tremendously saddened to learn of Kevin’s death this morning. We had worked together for a number of years as consultants to the Long Island Power Authority. Kevin had a keen intellect, a sense of humor, and the ability to call B.S., B.S.! I was looking forward to working with him to connect VLGS to an outstanding overseas program. He will be missed.”

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John Bartlett:
“We grew up about 3 mi. from each other – Kevin (Proctor, VT) and I – West Rutland. We ran in different circles and I did not meet him until we attended the University of Vermont. Although, our political views differed, I always learned from him and considered him a great Vermont friend. His passion for our state and the environment was always something to be admired. My guess is wherever he is now, he is making sure the energy is sustainable and everything is recyclable. May God Rest His Soul. Will miss you Jonesy.”

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Jeff Dennis:
“I only had the fortune to meet Kevin a few times, but I relied on his work more than he ever knew in my time in federal service at FERC and in my work advocating for the advanced energy industry. The tributes here are, quite simply, inspirational. His clear love of students and passion for teaching and sharing knowledge shine through. We should all leave such a legacy. My condolences to all of his friends and family and the VLGS community on this loss.”

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Michelle Isenhouer Hanlin:
“Kevin was my faculty advisor, mentor, and friend. He was a huge part of my decision to go to VLGS and was there for me through my time as a MERL student. I enjoyed our conversations as energy professionals on the ever-changing state of policy, law, and technology and the interface between all three. His passion for our program, the coursework and development, and his vision was inspiring. His is a true loss for our school and he will be missed.”

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Mike Murphy:
“Kevin,
You were, and always will be, an inspiration to me. Your passion for energy, justice, and helping guide people was a beautiful thing to behold. I will remember you warmly. Here’s to you and all the amazing work you did.
Mike”

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Victor Flatt:
“This news was a shock. Kevin was a great contributor to the electric transformation and a great person to be around. As a summer professor, I always enjoyed our conversations. He seemed like an excellent mentor and advisor to the students. He will be missed.”

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Andy Snyder:
“I am so saddened at the news of Kevin’s passing. Our friendship covered decades and always shared politics and policy. He was a gift to all of us who knew him. My deepest condolences to Rachel and extended family.”

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Ben Jervey:
“Kevin’s commitment to his students, clinicians, and research associates was unparalleled. I first got to know Kevin as he created for me an incredible research and learning opportunity—something he did for so many lucky energy students over the years. He constantly was organizing for students to travel and network, to gain experience presenting at conferences and events, for opportunities to publish books and articles, and to serve real world clean energy clients. Kevin would always put students’ and alumni’s needs first, and supported countless IEE alums as they entered the energy field. He is and will be sorely missed by so many VLGS alumni in energy.”

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Anonymous:
“Kevin was the type of professor that makes VLGS the institution it is. It was a privilege to get to know him in his energy course and in the institute. I remember laughing and chatting with him and how he helped me develop a passion for energy law. I wish his family the best during this difficult time and would like them know that his zeal for life and energy will be remembered by all the students lucky enough to learn from him.”

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Tade Oyewunmi:
“Sad to hear about Kevin’s passing. He was a very kind, inspirational, and supportive colleague, teacher, and leader. May his soul rest in peace and condolences to his family and the IEE and VLGS community! Thank you, Kevin!”

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Anna Marhold:
“I met Kevin for the first time during an energy law workshop in Oxford in 2016. Kevin kindly invited me to teach a comparative EU US energy law class at VLS and introduced me to the wonderful community at the school. I got to know him as a professor with a mission in clean energy law, who was inspiring and especially kind towards his students. It is surreal to realize now that the summer of 2023 would be the last time I would meet him. Kevin has left us, but his legacy lives on. Earth would be a better place if there were more people like Kevin. He will be missed.”

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Uma Outka:
“What a loss to Vermont and the entire energy law community. Kevin was such a great thinker and problem solver within the field, and so generous and creative with his approach to teaching, leading, and sharing ideas. Please accept my sincere condolences to all family, colleagues, students, and friends in this sad time.”

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Joy Stanton:
“As a hybrid JD student, our interactions with the campus and professors are far fewer and result in our connections to those we interact with being more meaningful. It was a pleasure to meet Professor Jones during our on-site. His passion about Energy Law and the role he could have in helping each of us to succeed on our unique path was undeniable. Although I have not been scheduled in any of his classes yet, we have interacted several times to discuss my energy path and through those meetings, I recognize what a tremendous loss his passing is for all students. My sincerest condolences to his family.”

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Joel Harrington:
“Kevin was a terrific leader and academic for VLGS and cared deeply about alumni. I have fond memories of sitting in Kevin’s office talking about baseball for hours at a time (we were supposed to review funding opportunities for the Energy Institute). As an executive in the energy industry, I watched from afar Kevin’s impact on emerging leaders in the industry. Having participated in a number of VLGS events in Washington, D.C., over the years, I was impressed with his desire to bring together alumni in the energy field. He will be remembered for his academic contributions and enthusiasm for developing new leaders in energy law and policy.”

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Dave Coppock:
“Starting in the 90’s, I joined Kevin in fighting the VICON trash incinerator in Rutland, also in the first successful application for a dedicated bike path in Rutland, and in his campaigns for Rutland City Alderman and Mayor. Kevin was both a friend and a fellow warrior in the quest for a better planet. You are gone but not forgotten, my friend.”

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Howard Spinner:
“My friendship with Kevin goes back to our days at CVPS and Rutland City politics. He was always ready to debate his principles in a friendly and constructive manner that always moved issues forward. I will miss him a great deal.”

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Vishrut Shelat:
“Kevin was the first VLS professor, who was both my professor and supervisor (in the Energy Clinic and Institute for Energy and the Environment), mainly because of my Energy Law specialty. After working with him for so many hours, I quickly grew to admire his leadership qualities and sense of compassion and fairness when it came to treating others. Whenever any of us students needed advice, Kevin always made time for us, regardless of how many other obligations he had as a director and leader at the school. More importantly, he always put others before himself and took pleasure in the achievements of others. Kevin’s departure from this world is a loss, not only for Vermont Law and Graduate School but for the legal profession in general. I send my prayers to him and his family. To my law professor, mentor, and friend: Kevin B. Jones, may he rest in peace.”

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Shi-Ling Hsu:
“More people like Kevin Jones, please! I am not spiritual, but find myself hoping that Kevin is someplace good.”

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Clémence Hoerner:
“As an international student at Vermont Law School, Professor Kevin Jones was very welcoming to me and made my time at VLS a special moment in my life. His course on Environmental Economics and Markets was fascinating and very inspiring. I am very saddened by his recent death and will remember him for a long time.”

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Melissa Powers:
“I am so sad to hear about Kevin’s passing. He was such a kind and thoughtful person and a wonderful colleague. My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students.”

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Eduardo Bakai:
“Professor Kevin Jones fell in love with Cuba. It was not difficult to discover the intensity of his passion for the Caribbean island. Every time he spoke about Cuba, his eyes glowed. As a Cuban citizen, I am grateful to Professor Kevin for facilitating VLGS academic trips to Cuba and allowing U.S. students to learn about my homeland performance in renewable energies and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, his goodwill and support also paved the way for Cuban law professors and practitioners to visit VLGS for academic exchanges and studies. Professor Kevin will always be in the hearts of all Cubans that had the privilege to know him.”

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Arturo Brandt:
“Dear Kevin, I am sure that your legacy will be kept by your friends, students, and all the people who had the privilege to meet you. You were a great teacher and friend who gave us the tools to build a better world. Your passion for renewable energy inspired many people and built confidence that it is possible to live in a more sustainable way. I will never forget your friendship and kindness. Thanks for everything!”

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Joel Eisen:
“I am so very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. For many years, he was a diligent, thoughtful voice for change in the electric grid, and I came to rely on his many insights in my own work. When I was at VLGS in the summer of 2019, I felt like I was back at school myself, learning so much from him in a mere two weeks. He was a friend and valued colleague and I will miss him.”

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Donald Kreis:
“Though still in shock, I can say: I first met Kevin Jones in 2010 when he showed up for his job interview at the Institute for Energy and the Environment at VLGS and was proud to call him a friend from that moment forward. We worked alongside each other until I left the IEE in 2012 and after that I relied on Kevin for advice, inspiration, and a steady stream of great VLGS alums I could hire at the Office of the Consumer Advocate here in New Hampshire. We commiserated as teachers of energy law and policy; where I like students Kevin always LOVED them, and it showed. Kevin also was the happy warrior of energy policy at the state, regional, and federal levels — a stalwart supporter of sustainability and progress, and a foe of hypocrisy and stupidity, but always with courtesy and generosity of spirit. His death is a grievous loss to VLGS, to his state, to the nation, and to the cause of keeping the planet inhabitable over the long haul.”

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Erin Macchione:
“To a professor who deserves the longest tribute. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Jones for his unwavering commitment to every student at VLGS. I will be forever grateful for the level of effort he made in making sure, not only myself, but everyone of his students were going to be set up for success and able to fulfill their passions in life. His level of devotion and mentorship is beyond admirable and will never be forgotten.”

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Anonymous:
“I did not know Professor Jones personally, but I will remember the kindness he showed me before going into my Civil Procedure final in the fall. He did not know me, but could see I was nervous and simply stopped to tell me: ‘You are going to do so well. Take a breath and everything will be fine.’ I know it seems trivial, but it meant the world to me.”

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Matthew Rutherford:
“He taught me, inspired me, encouraged me, disagreed with me, and then finally helped me push my boat out into the world. He didn’t provide the coordinates for where my boat would end up but he did influence the course I chose. I know that he did at least as much if not more for countless students throughout his career. It’s a testament to a person’s character that they helped mold numerous prepared, determined, hopeful, eager, young people on a mission to ask questions and leave their own marks on the world. I feel that’s about as good a legacy as one could hope for.”

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Taylor Smith:
“When I was a research associate at the IEE, Kevin was such a bright light there. Always so helpful. And after graduation, he would stay in touch and put me in contact with current students. I always appreciated how he never forgot about me. He will be truly missed, and I send my deepest condolences and sympathy to his loved ones and family.”

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Cale Jaffe:
“I am so, so sad to hear of Kevin’s passing. I’ve known him as a colleague in the world of energy and environmental law, and have been greatly impressed by his work and scholarship. But more importantly, I’ve been the beneficiary of his kindness and generosity. During my two-week residency at VLGS last summer, Kevin was one of the most reliable voices reaching out to invite me to meet with his students or simply grab a cup of coffee. He went out of his way to make me feel included and supported.”

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Anonymous:
“Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Kevin will continue to be an inspiration for all of us.”