CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The University of Washington (UW) Board of Regents announced on Monday that Robert J. Jones, currently serving as Chancellor at the University of Illinois, has been selected as the institution’s 34th president. His five-year contract will begin on August 1. Jones’ appointment marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first African American to lead the University of Washington.
Jones, who has spent the last nine years as Chancellor of UIUC, is no stranger to leadership roles at large public research universities. Before his tenure at Illinois, he served as President of the University at Albany from 2013 to 2016. His distinguished career in higher education spans several decades and includes leadership positions that helped drive significant growth, research innovation, and community engagement.
His selection follows a thorough and inclusive search process led by the Board of Regents and assisted by SP&A Executive Search. The search included extensive consultations with faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and culminated in the Board’s approval of Jones after an in-depth evaluation of finalists. Jones emerged as the Board’s top choice for his visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and ability to foster innovative research while ensuring inclusivity and access to higher education.
Robert J. Jones brings to UW a wealth of experience and a strong academic background. A native of Georgia, Jones is a distinguished scholar in crop physiology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Fort Valley State College, a master’s degree in crop physiology from the University of Georgia, and a Ph.D. in crop physiology from the University of Missouri. His research interests and leadership in the agricultural sciences have earned him numerous accolades, and he has served in prominent roles within national academic organizations and the Big Ten Conference.
At UIUC, Jones has been a transformative leader, prioritizing affordable and accessible education. One of his hallmark initiatives was the Illinois Commitment program, which guarantees four years of free tuition to Illinois residents from families earning less than $75,000 per year. This initiative reflects his long-standing commitment to increasing access to higher education for all students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Additionally, under Jones’ leadership, UIUC saw an enrollment surge, hitting a historic high of over 59,000 students in Fall 2024. He also launched groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and spearheaded strategic partnerships like the Chicago Quantum Exchange, positioning Illinois as a leader in quantum science research.
Jones has also played a pivotal role in expanding UIUC’s research capacity, notably launching a $2.25 billion philanthropic campaign that surpassed its goal, raising $2.7 billion in support of university priorities.