Chancellor Robert Jones was recognized in a resolution for his tenure as chancellor by several members of the Board of Trustees at his last meeting Thursday.
Jones is departing as chancellor after nine years to take a new position as president of the University of Washington. His new position was announced in the University of Washington’s press release on Feb. 3.
At the meeting, Trustee Jesse Ruiz mentioned several of Jones’ achievements throughout his time as chancellor including his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and creating the Illinois Commitment before the remaining members spoke to Jones about how he impacted them.
“Chancellor Jones has directed the progress of the University’s land grant mission as an accessible leader,” Ruiz said. “With this resolution, the Board of Trustees wishes to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for Chancellor Jones’ dedicated service and unwavering commitment to we wish him well in his next endeavor.”
One of the members that highlighted his appreciation for Jones was UI System President, Tim Killeen, who noted his dedication to the University over the years.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
“Chancellor Jones has indeed led this great University through challenging times and triumphs over the past decade through his exceptional leadership and commitment to collaboration he’s directed for the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign for the treasure that it is,” said Killeen. “Robert has also been a trusted colleague, a partner alongside his fellow chancellors in the University of Illinois system, and a friend I will deeply miss.”
One obstacle that Jones faced during his time as chancellor was responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, where Jay Walsh, The vice president for economic development and innovation, acknowledged Jones’ initiation to get resources for COVID-19 tests.
Jones’ leadership wasn’t the only thing mentioned by his colleagues as University Counsel, Scott Rice, pointed out the care that Jones has for the University students and the people in his life.
“Robert, as a parent of students, I want to thank you for the grace you showed my kids and every student that went through here,” Rice said. “But as a friend, thank you for opening your lives to us as individuals. You are an extraordinary man to row the river with, and I’ll miss you dearly.”
Another person who referenced the impact Jones had on them was University of Illinois Chicago Student Trustee, Quinn Basta, who said that he and many around him look up to Jones.
“You are an absolutely inspirational leader for me, Chris, Ariana, for my peers, for the students that attend this University and all universities,” Basta said. “You are a role model for many of us, and I just want to express my greatest gratitude for your service to this institution and particularly the last year when I’ve had the pleasure of knowing you.”
The University of Illinois Chicago Chancellor, Marie Lynn Miranda, referenced how she and University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor, Janet Gooch, plan to visit Jones frequently in Washington after he moves.
Miranda also mentioned how she’s looked up to Jones as a person and his work in making higher education a better place for years.
Some of Jones’ recent moves in this area include collaborating with the Board on creating the new Siebel School of Computing & Data Science and establishing the Chicago Quantum Exchange to strengthen quantum sciences in Illinois.
“You’re a role model for all leaders in higher education to live the belief that higher education can be transformative and that everyone deserves access to higher education,” Miranda said. “You’ve done it just by living the life that you’ve lived through the many challenges and circumstances that you’ve said ‘That’s not going to stop me.’”
Jones will leave his position as chancellor on Jun. 30 and start his new position as the University of Washington’s president on Aug. 1. The next board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for July 16 in Chicago.
