Chancellor Robert Jones to Step Down from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Chancellor Plans to Leave at the End of the Academic Year

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones, the school’s first Black chancellor, announced that he will step down at the end of the current academic year, leaving behind a legacy of progress and achievements.

A Lasting Impact

During his nearly nine-year tenure, enrollment at the university has grown by 26%. Significant milestones include the launch of the Illinois Commitment program, which provides free tuition to students from low-income families, and the pioneering of a saliva-based COVID-19 test.

Citizenship and Legacy

Citizenship has played a significant role in Jones’ tenure, evident from the university’s comprehensive commitment to growing its world-class faculty and research, focused on addressing the challenges faced by society. “With him at the helm, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has done just that – through its expanded enrollment, through its commitment to growing its world-class faculty, and through research that helps meet the challenges of our time,” said University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen.

A Leader among Leaders

Jones’ influence extends beyond the campus at Urbana-Champaign to the broader university system and the higher education sector globally. He has been engaged in various leadership roles and has served as the president of University at Albany.

A Legacy in Achievement

• Fewer than two days ago, Jones officially expressed his gratitude to every University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign community member – students, faculty, employees, and alumni. On the occasion of announcing his departure, he underscored the significance of this undertaking, stating that, upon reflection, it remains uncertain whether he has chosen appropriately.

Foreshadowing Successes

• Visionary initiatives he founded have led to tremendous financial growth, and numerous campaigns have been carried out from the time he arrived there. The biggest fund to date has been Illinois university’s history, led.

A Decision Borne of Pride and Conviction

Jones also left a lasting impact, mentioning that he was committed without any doubt. From having been in the public light for 47 years.

a Message of Appreciation for the University Community

“What I truly believe, despite the fact that we see this as a turning period, is that, following my departure, things were already in place before them. I’m quite in awe of what happened next. I want my journey to be one I love. I appreciate them being a part of what that journey has been in one way or another and everything I have seen.

With 5 years of higher education already under his belt when at the University of Georgia Agronomy, Robert’s incredible journey began.