CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones will leave his post at the end of the academic year, university officials have announced.
According to a press release announcing the news, enrollment at the university increased by 26% during Jones' nine-year tenure, reaching a record high of 59,238 in the fall 2024 semester. Additionally, Jones is credited with helping launch the school's Illinois Commitment, which provides free tuition to Illinois residents with a family income lower than $75,000.
“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 press release announcing his departure. “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 officials said the search for Jones' successor will begin immediately. Jones will remain with the U of I system in some capacity to help with the search. He will also assist in planning for the school's continued expansion.
