Norwich – When Three Rivers Community College President Grace Jones announced a month ago that she will retire June 30, she also promised to remain active in the community and region.

She made good on that pledge, applying for the newly vacant position on the Norwich Board of Public Utilities Commissioners/Sewer Authority. She received unanimous endorsement Monday from the City Council for the seat that expires Feb. 28, 2016.

“This is my way of giving back,” Jones said Monday.

She said she especially felt grateful to Norwich Public Utilities General Manager John Bilda for the utility’s assistance during construction of Three Rivers’ $88 million campus consolidation at the 574 New London Turnpike campus.

Jones attended last week’s commission meeting, when topics such as sewer system expansion and bonding for $12 million in water system upgrades was approved.

“I will be becoming a student first,” Jones said of the complex technical issues the board handles. “I will probably need a tutorial.”

- Claire Bessette