The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library has announced the appointment of Victor Jones, Jr. as its first Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Jones begins his new role on July 16, 2021.

“I’m thrilled to have Victor Jones joining the University Library as director of DEIA initiatives. His perspectives, experience, and energy were all key to his emerging as the top candidate in an exceptionally strong pool,” said John P. Wilkin, the Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian. “The Library is eager to advance Library and University efforts in support of BIPOC communities and with regard to accessibility. Victor’s leadership and, indeed, partnership will be especially important to our success.”

Jones has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in African American Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Science in College Student Affairs from Eastern Illinois University, and a Master of Divinity from Christ Ministries School of Divinity. Since 2014, he has worked for the School of Information Sciences (iSchool at Illinois), first as a recruitment specialist and then as the Assistant Director of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives. 

“Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice rank very high on my list of personal and professional goals. One of the primary reasons I chose a career in higher education was to serve as a catalyst for lasting change,” said Jones. “In an age where information is comparable to currency, being in a position to provide leadership and advocacy at one of the largest research libraries in the country is a tremendous opportunity.”