The University of Washington announced today that Robert J. Jones will become its 34th president, succeeding Ana Mari Cauce.

Robert J. Jones, currently the chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been chosen to become the 34th president of the University of Washington.

Jones will be the 34th President of the University of Washington, and his five-year term begins Aug. 1, 2025. He will also be the first African American to serve in this role, the university said.