University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert J. Jones will serve as the next president of the University of Washington. The announcement made by the Board of Regents was delivered Monday afternoon.
Jones will officially begin his contract on Aug. 1 and become the University of Washington’s 34th president. As president, Jones will oversee the University of Washington’s three campuses: Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma.
“I am beyond excited to become the University of Washington’s next president, joining its amazing students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters this summer,” Jones said in a video uploaded to YouTube.
Jones announced in a November Massmail that he will step down as chancellor at the end of the academic year. “I really believe this is the right time to begin the transition to find the next chancellor of this great university,” Jones said.
Since September 2016, Jones has served as the 10th chancellor of the University. Jones successfully led it through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, Jones guided the launch of Carle Illinois College of Medicine and expanded financial aid for low-income families.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
The University of Washington started its search for a new president in June, following news that current President Ana Mari Cauce would be stepping down.
In January, the Board of Regents selected two finalists. Blaine Tamaki, the current chair of the Board, initiated contract negotiations with both candidates. After discussions, Tamaki finalized the terms with Jones.
“Chancellor Jones is an accomplished, visionary leader who has risen through the faculty at outstanding state universities and the Board of Regents is thrilled that this summer he will become the UW’s 34th president,” Tamaki said in a letter.
