 Senior Vice President Robert Jones exemplifies dedication to higher education, to research and scientific inquiry, and to the University and the people of Minnesota. After earning his Ph.D. in 1978 in crop physiology from the University of Missouri, he joined the University of Minnesota faculty as a professor of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. He is an internationally recognized authority on plant physiology, and has published more than 100 scientific papers, manuscripts, and abstracts. He conducts research on stabilizing grain yields of maize against environmental stresses. He has been a visiting professor and featured speaker in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and served as an academic and scientific consultant for Archbishop Tutu’s South African Education Program.
In addition to his contributions to agriculture worldwide, Dr. Jones has also held administrative positions at the University for the past 18 years, including his current position as the senior vice president responsible for all academic administration and outreach throughout the University system and the state. His University leadership responsibilities include, but are not limited to, public engagement and outreach, diversity and multicultural affairs, PreK-12 and other youth and family programs, and urban initiatives.
He is a strong leader for diversity initiatives locally, nationally, and internationally. He spearheaded efforts to provide better access for international students, developed support systems to help retain students of color, and initiated programs to recruit and retain faculty of color.
Dr. Jones is committed to helping the University better serve communities like North Minneapolis that face significant challenges related to poverty and lack of opportunity. Himself a resident of the Northside for twenty years, Dr. Jones recognizes the importance of working with community organizations to meet needs identified by residents. With his leadership the University Northside Partnership will accomplish its goal of joining university knowledge and resources with those of the public, civic, and private sectors to address critical societal issues and solve public problems.
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