University of Washington names new president, to begin summer 2025

With University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce leaving her position this year, the university has now selected her replacement.
Robert J. Jones will become UW's 34th president, starting Aug. 1. In a statement, Jones said he is "beyond excited" about the new job.
"I'll see you soon, and go Huskies," Jones said in a statement.
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"Education changes lives," he said. "I know this because it changed mine, and throughout my career I've worked to open doors for more students to have the same life-changing experience. I am so deeply committed to the UW's mission of partnering with communities so that more people can share in the benefits of university research and innovation."
The University of Washington Board of Regents announced its selection Monday, noting Jones will be the first Black president to lead the institution and has a "barrier-breaking personal journey."
Jones is currently chancellor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The UW position will be his third role leading a university.
Cauce announced in June 2024 that she would step down from her role at the end of the 2024-25 school year, which is in June. In a statement, she said she has worked with Jones before, and noted that he has worked within the Big Ten Conference.
“Having known and worked with Robert within AAU and the Big Ten Conference, I know he will bring a deep and demonstrated commitment to scholarship, innovation, research and especially, access to excellence for students regardless of their means or background," Cauce said.
Jones is chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors. He is also chair for the Association of American Universities board of directors.
Jones’ career is rooted in agriculture. He earned a degree in agronomy from Georgia’s Fort Valley State College, then a masters and a doctorate in crop physiology from the University of Georgia and the University of Missouri, respectively. His teaching career began in 1978 at the University of Minnesota. When he was appointed to his role at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2016, he became that institution’s 10th chancellor.