University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones to step down
URBANA, Ill. (CBS) -- The chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is stepping down at the end of the year.
Robert Jones has been at the helm for nine years. He is the first African American chancellor for the university.
During Jones' tenure, Urbana-Champaign enrollment has grown by 26%, the university said. This fall, a record 59,238 students were admitted.
The university has also enhanced is image as a premier research university and a magnet for students, faculty, staff, and researchers from around Illinois and the world.
Jones was at the helm as UIUC launched Illinois commitment—which offers free tuition for students with a family income of less than $75,000. He also oversaw the launch of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world's first engineering-based medical school, the university said.
Jones was also at the helm during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when UIUC won accolades by developing a saliva-based rapid test for the university community.
UIUC also partnered with the University of Chicago to develop the $200 million Chicago Quantum Exchange, and with the University of Chicago and Northwestern University to develop the $275 million Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, under Jones' watch.
Joes was also selected by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as co-chair for the Innovate Illinois partnership to coordinate state efforts to secure federal research investments for the industries of the future.
"I truly believe this is the greatest university in the world, which makes this the most difficult decision that has confronted me in my 47 years in higher education. My time at Illinois has been the most profound experience of my professional life, and I thank every single campus community member for that," Jones said in a news release. "We are at the high point in our 157-year history in terms of our educational and research impact. Next is a period of transition with our institutional strategy and collaborations. This is an appropriate time to look toward the next leader who will build on that momentum and promote the bold ideas for which Illinois is known."
University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen has asked that Jones remain employed within the U of I system so he can use his experience on strategic initiatives for expanding the system, Urbana-Champaign's role in Chicago. International partnership opportunities, and a search for a new chancellor.