UW's new president to bring 'transformative learning experiences'

SEATTLE - A new, historic era is on the horizon for the University of Washington. On Thursday, FOX 13 Seattle met with Robert J. Jones, UW’s next president, and the school’s first African American selected for the role.

"I am deeply humbled and gratified to have this amazing opportunity to lead," said Jones.

UW’s Board of Regents said Jones’ skill of providing "transformative learning experiences for students" will help take UW into its next chapter of educational excellence.

What they're saying:

"It aligns with everything that I am passionate about. And I just saw it as an amazing opportunity for me to come in and build on the amazing legacy," said Jones.

Jones will be the university's 34th president. He plans to carry UW’s legacy through the help of his extensive background in academic leadership. He previously served as president at the University of Albany. He is currently finishing a nine-year tenure as chancellor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Referring to his upcoming departure from Illinois, Jones said, "We are leaving the university much better than where we found it. We’ve launched these radical collaborations to really help put the place on a different trajectory."

Impressed with UW’s "world-renowned" record in teaching, research, and innovation, Jones said he looks forward to spending his first 90 to 100 days listening and learning how to expand more areas at the school.

Big picture view:

"How do we make sure we don’t lose that comparative advantage? But also look at those places that if we were to invest a little bit more time and energy and think strategically that those areas of this university also could be elevated," said Jones.

Jones, however, is entering this top role during a critical time at UW. In 2023 and 2024, the school was at the center of student-workers sit-in protests, demonstrations taking a stand against anti-Muslim rhetoric, and weeks of encampments and heated protests on the war between Israel and Hamas.

Jones said he plans to approach those tense moments with students top of mind.

"In this time of conflict and difference of opinion, it’s been my experience that you open up the door for deep dialogue and conversation. If you’ve invested the time for students to know that you may have this fancy title, but you are student-focused, they can trust you, they can share their opinion, they can be their true and authentic self with you," said Jones.

As current president Ana Mari Cauci steps down from her 10 years at UW, Jones said his past will lead the school into its future, and make history while doing it.

"Just gratified for all those that came before me to sacrifice to allow me to be sitting in this chair," said Jones.

Cauci will finish her term at the end of the academic year in June. Jones will start his five-year contract on August 1.

Jones said, "I can’t think of a place that I would enjoy more, spending this last stage of my leadership career, than at a world-class university like the University of Washington."

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