University of Washington has named Robert J. Jones as its next president. Jones will be the first Black president in the university’s 164-year history.

SEATTLE — Robert J. Jones will be the 34th president of the University of Washington, the Board of Regents announced Monday. Jones will replace current President Ana Mari Cauce. Cauce announced in June that she would step down from her post at the end of her five-year term in 2025.

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.

With University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce leaving her position this year, the university has now selected her replacement. Robert J. Jones will become UW's 34th president, starting Aug. 1.