University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Chancellor Robert J. Jones to Step Down
Longtime Leader to Depart After 11 Years
Chancellor Robert J. Jones has announced that he will step down from his position at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) effective June 30, 2023.
Jones, who has served as chancellor since 2012, made the announcement in a letter to the campus community on Thursday, January 12th. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests as his reasons for stepping down.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as chancellor of this great university," Jones said in his letter. "I am proud of the progress we have made together, and I am confident that UIUC will continue to thrive in the years to come."
During his tenure, Jones has overseen a number of significant accomplishments at UIUC, including:
- The launch of the Discovery Partners Institute, a partnership with the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory that is focused on cutting-edge research and innovation.
- The opening of the Siebel Center for Design, a state-of-the-art facility that houses the College of Engineering and the School of Art + Design.
- The creation of the Office of Inclusion and Equity, which is responsible for promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
Jones has also been a strong advocate for academic freedom and shared governance. He has served as chair of the American Council on Education's Commission on Higher Education and Civic Responsibility, and he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Jones's departure will mark the end of an era at UIUC. He is the longest-serving chancellor in the university's history, and he has been widely praised for his leadership and vision.
The university has launched a national search for Jones's successor. A search committee has been appointed, and the committee is expected to begin its work immediately.
Jones will continue to serve as chancellor until June 30, 2023. He has pledged to work closely with the search committee and the university community to ensure a smooth transition.
"I am confident that UIUC will find a worthy successor who will continue to build on the strong foundation that we have established together," Jones said.
