Chancellor Jones plans to resign from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Retire and return to teaching and scholarship

Jones to step down in May 2023

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones announced Tuesday that he will step down from the position in May 2023.

Jones, who has served as chancellor since 2016, said he plans to retire and return to teaching and scholarship.

In a message to the campus community, Jones said, "It has been an honor to serve as chancellor of this great university. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the university will continue to thrive in the years to come."

Supported Jones' decision

Board of Trustees Chair Chuck Tucker said the board supports Jones' decision.

"Chancellor Jones has been an outstanding leader for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign," Tucker said. "He has led the university through a period of significant growth and progress, and he has been a tireless advocate for our students, faculty, and staff."

National and international recognition

Under Jones' leadership, the university has achieved national and international recognition for its academic excellence, research, and innovation.

The university has also made significant progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it has been recognized as a leader in sustainability.

Completed several major construction projects

Jones has also overseen the completion of several major construction projects, including the new $175 million Student Success Center and the $72 million Siebel Center for Design.

He has also led the university's efforts to raise more than $2 billion in private support.

Return to teaching and scholarship

After stepping down as chancellor, Jones plans to return to teaching and scholarship in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics.

He is a nationally recognized expert in agricultural and environmental economics, and he has published extensively in leading academic journals.

Jones is a fellow of the American Agricultural Economics Association and the Western Agricultural Economics Association.

Appreciation for support and dedication

In his message to the campus community, Jones expressed his appreciation for the support and dedication of the university's faculty, staff, and students.

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as your chancellor," Jones said. "I will always cherish the time I have spent at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign."