The University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) has been renamed The Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center in honor of the State University of New York at Albany president.
“Doctor Jones’ legacy runs deep through the University of Minnesota as an outstanding academic, visionary administrator and devoted champion of diversity across the state and in urban communities,” said UM President Eric Kaler. “The naming of UROC in his honor is an especially fitting tribute—as a leader in the development of the University’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center and many other urban initiatives, Dr. Jones has been crucial to community understanding of the University as to who we are, who we serve, and what we value.”
A former north Minneapolis resident, Jones was named president at Albany in 2013. Jones, a renowned professor of agronomy and plant genetics, spent more than 15 years in key administrative leadership positions at the University of Minnesota and is nationally recognized for his work to advance university-communication engagement.
Mayor Betsy Hodges designated Wednesday as Robert J. Jones Day in Minneapolis to honor Jones’ work in bringing transparency, accountability and trust to relations between the University and the Minneapolis community.
