List of presidents of the University of Washington

The president of the University of Washington is the chief administrator of the University of Washington.

ResidenceHill-Crest

AppointerBoard of Regents

FormationNovember 4, 1861 (1861-11-04)

First holderAsa Mercer

Quick facts President of the University of Washington, Residence ...

President of the University of Washington
Incumbent Robert J. Jones since August 1, 2025 (2025-08-01)
University of Washington
Residence	Hill-Crest
Appointer	Board of Regents
Formation	November 4, 1861 (1861-11-04)
First holder	Asa Mercer
Salary	$714,300[1]
Website	uw.edu/president/

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The University of Washington is a public university in Seattle, Washington. Established in 1861 and originally known as the Territorial University of Washington, UW is the oldest public university in the state of Washington. The university offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through its 140 departments, organized into various colleges and schools. With a total student enrollment of about 46,000, UW is one of the largest universities in the United States.

The longest-serving president of the university was the 27th president William P. Gerberding, who held the office for 16 years from 1979 to 1995.

The current president of the University of Washington is Robert J. Jones. Jones is the university's first African American president and assumed his position as the university's permanent president on August 1, 2025. Jones is the thirty-fourth president of the university. Twenty-six men and one woman have served as the university's permanent president, and six men and three women have served as its interim president pending the appointment of a permanent successor.