Board honors Chancellor Robert J. Jones with resolution, trustees praise his tenure

The Board of Trustees approved a resolution thanking Chancellor Robert J. Jones for his service leading the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and for contributions to the University of Illinois system.

"Chancellor Jones has maintained the incredibly high standards for education, research, and discovery that have made this university a continuing magnet for talent," President Killeen told the board before the vote, praising the chancellor's role in enrollment growth and research expansion.

Chair Ruiz read a proposed resolution honoring Robert J. Jones for directing the university through the sesquicentennial celebration, pandemic response and other achievements. Trustees then discussed the resolution and offered personal remarks. Trustees from across the system praised Jones's leadership style and impact on students, faculty and the community.

Trustees spoke about Jones's record of expanding enrollment, increasing research expenditures, advancing the Illinois Commitment financial-aid program and launching the Illinois-based engineering medical college. Several trustees emphasized his personal leadership qualities: "You lead with integrity, you lead with grace," Trustee Blackwell said.

The resolution was included on the voice-vote agenda. The board approved the regular voice-vote package by voice vote; the meeting record states "the ayes have it" and lists the items as approved.

No substantive policy change or budgetary item was attached to the resolution; it is a formal expression of appreciation and recognition from the board. Trustees noted Jones will depart for a position at the University of Washington and wished him well.