Robert J. Jones Named University of Washington President

The University of Washington Board of Regents has appointed Robert J. Jones as the university's 34th president, set to begin his five-year term on August 1, 2025. Jones, currently the Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and former President of the University at Albany, will be the first African American to hold this position at UW. His previous leadership roles have focused on enhancing accessibility and affordability in higher education, notably through initiatives like the Illinois Commitment program, which guarantees four years of free tuition for qualifying families. Jones expressed enthusiasm for advancing the university’s mission and collaborating with faculty and staff to foster student success and community engagement. The selection follows a rigorous search process that involved feedback from various university stakeholders. His appointment builds on the legacy of outgoing President Ana Mari Cauce, who announced her departure after a decade of service.