University of Washington regents select Robert Jones as next president

The University of Washington Board of Regents voted to select Robert Jones, chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as the university’s next president and delegated Chair Blaine Tamaki to execute a final employment contract. The board voted in open session after multiple executive-session interviews and follow-up discussions; the faculty and student regents abstained as a matter of law, and the motion carried.

The contract terms outlined by Chair Blaine Tamaki call for a five-year initial term beginning Aug. 1, 2025; an annual base salary of $985,000; a $1,250 monthly automobile allowance in lieu of reimbursement; deferred compensation that escalates from $200,000 to $300,000 over the contract and is to be transferred within 30 days of the completion of the five-year term; one year of administrative leave after the initial term; residency at Hillcrest; a faculty appointment in a department to be identified subject to a faculty vote; and standard provisions governing resignation and termination for and without cause. Tamaki moved to recommend Jones and asked the board to approve the contract delegation.

Regents and university leaders who spoke during the open session praised Jones’s experience and character. Regent Walker said, "Doctor Jones is an excellent choice for the University of Washington," citing his regard for research and commitment to student success. President Ana Mari Cauce said she had known Jones through national university organizations and called him "a very welcoming, friendly, charismatic individual" who has led at the highest levels of research universities. Provost Serio said Jones’s "values and approach to leadership are well aligned with the University of Washington." Regent Zeke, who chaired the presidential search advisory committee, described reference checks and peer leadership roles that "commended him to the UW." Several regents thanked the search committee and outside search firm participants named by the chair.

Chair Tamaki announced that the board had interviewed finalists in executive session on multiple occasions before modifying his negotiation delegation to allow discussions with either finalist; he reported that, following those discussions, he had come to terms with Jones. After the motion and a second, Tamaki called for comment and then for the question. When he called the vote, those present responded in the affirmative; the faculty regent and the student regent abstained, and Dr. Ruston was recorded absent. Tamaki said the motion’s passage constituted "final action to select the next president of the University of Washington and to delegate me as chair to execute the contract." The board adjourned after brief closing remarks and thanks to search participants.

The selection follows a seven-month search that included a presidential search advisory committee and outreach by the outside search firm SPNA Executive Search. The chair thanked committee members and staff who supported the process. The board did not provide a detailed timeline for onboarding or a public commencement date for Jones beyond the contract start date in the terms presented.