CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Sammer Jones, director for Global Relations at Illinois International, was one of 16 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign employees to receive this year's Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award for exceptional performance.
Jones was recognized for her outstanding work in administration and public engagement. Awardees were announced in an April 2 press release from the News Bureau.
The Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award recognizes individuals who not only demonstrate excellence in overall work performance, but also those who put forth an effort to improve themselves as well as develop and recognize others; those who exhibit initiative and creativity resulting in improved operating efficiency of their departments and the university, and those who enhance the reputation of their departments and the university.
Jones accomplishes all this, and more, by regularly taking on responsibilities beyond her formal role, such as advocating for innovative initiatives like the university’s first Global Staff Exchange. This program reflects her vision of creating a truly global university — not just for faculty and students but for the entire campus community.
Overall, Jones oversees strategic global partnerships, manages complex international agreements and processes and fosters collaborations across the university’s academic, research and administrative sectors.
Her proactive leadership ensures that tasks are completed with precision and efficiency while aligning with the university’s strategic goals, and her commitment to inclusivity has strengthened international engagement at every level.
Jones also carries out extensive work across global networks by serving in many roles. For example, she is the director for the Trilateral Partnership with National Taiwan University and Kyushu University.
She also serves as the Campus Fulbright Scholar Liaison, actively promoting Fulbright opportunities and providing protocol guidance for senior university leaders on international travel and engagements. And she is the U21 Officer, responsible for promoting the value of the Universitas 21 (U21) network within the university and facilitating engagement across U21 student, staff, and research opportunities.
Jones earned her BS in Pre-Med/African American Studies from Simmons College, MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Boston University, and both her MBA and PhD in Educational Policy Studies from Illinois. Her research focuses on the nineteenth-century educational history of Liberia, West Africa.
In her current role, whether managing comprehensive travel itineraries for university leaders or overseeing the global relations budget, Jones ensures that every project meets the highest standards of excellence.
Her ability to inspire and mentor others underscores her exceptional contributions to international education and her steadfast commitment to institutional success.