Robert J. Jones

Robert J. Jones
Name	Robert J. Jones
Birth date	26 December 1950
Birth place	Dawson, Georgia
Alma mater	Fort Valley State University (BS), University of Georgia (MS, PhD)
Occupation	Academic administrator, Plant Physiologist
Title	17th President of the University of Minnesota
Term	2016–2023
Predecessor	Eric W. Kaler
Successor	Jeffrey Ettinger (interim)

Robert J. Jones. An American academic administrator and plant physiologist, he served as the 17th president of the University of Minnesota system from 2016 to 2023. His career has spanned leadership roles at major land-grant universities and significant contributions to agricultural research, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and urban food systems. He is recognized for advancing university–industry collaboration and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Early life and education

Born in Dawson, Georgia, he was raised in a family engaged in agriculture. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the historically black Fort Valley State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in agronomy. His academic journey continued at the University of Georgia, where he received both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in crop physiology, conducting research that laid the groundwork for his future work in plant stress physiology.

Academic career

He began his faculty career as an assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Florida. He later joined the University of Minnesota as a professor and researcher, where his work focused on photosynthesis and crop yield under environmental stress. His administrative path advanced at the University of Minnesota, where he served as vice president for University Extension and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Prior to his Minnesota presidency, he held the position of chancellor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, overseeing its College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and other units.

University of Minnesota presidency

Appointed in 2016, his presidency of the University of Minnesota system encompassed its five campuses, including the flagship University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Key initiatives during his tenure included the "Driven to Discover" campaign and the "MPact 2025" system-wide strategic plan. He emphasized strengthening the university's role in economic development, notably through partnerships with Mayo Clinic and industry leaders in medical technology. His administration also navigated significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and campus discussions around racial justice following the murder of George Floyd.

Research and publications

His scientific research has centered on the physiological mechanisms of crop plants, particularly their responses to abiotic stress like drought and soil salinity. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Crop Science and the Journal of Plant Physiology. His scholarly work has contributed to the understanding of plant nutrition and water-use efficiency, with implications for global food security. He has also published on the role of land-grant institutions in addressing societal challenges.

Awards and honors

His contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America. He received the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award. He has also been honored by the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges for leadership in public higher education.

Personal life

He is married to Lynda Jones, an accomplished professional in her own right. He maintains a strong connection to his roots in rural Georgia and is known as an advocate for historically black colleges and universities. His personal interests include community engagement and mentoring the next generation of scientists and leaders.

Category:1950 births Category:American academic administrators Category:University of Minnesota faculty Category:Presidents of the University of Minnesota Category:People from Terrell County, Georgia