University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen informed the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois today that he will step down at the conclusion of his current contract on June 30, 2027.
Board Chair Jesse Ruiz praised Killeen for leading with vision and integrity.
“Tim has consistently proved to be an exceptional president, leading the University of Illinois System with integrity and intentionality for more than a decade,” Ruiz said. “The achievements of the University of Illinois System reflect his labor on behalf of our world-class institution of higher learning and its land-grant mission. Tim’s impact has been felt here in Illinois and around the world, through every initiative he has set in motion, every strategy he has guided and every cause he has championed.”
Killeen said that while his work as president continues, this is the right moment to begin preparing for the next era of U of I System leadership.
“Serving as president of the University of Illinois System is the greatest honor of my professional life. This community — our students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners — inspires me every day. Together, we have strengthened our universities, expanded our reach and deepened our impact for every citizen of Illinois and the world beyond,” Killeen said. “Our momentum is stronger than ever and alongside our continuing this work, I believe this is the right moment to begin preparing for the next generation of leadership.”
During Killeen’s tenure, the U of I System has emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic and resilient public university systems — a stabilizing force during a period of profound change in higher education. Under his leadership, the system continues to advance a bold vision rooted in access, innovation and service to the public good, while honoring its long history of excellence and its mission to serve all of Illinois.
U of I System enrollment has grown to record levels, reaching 101,081 students across three universities in fall 2025 — a 3.4% increase year over year and part of a decadelong upward trajectory that reflects the system’s status as a destination for talented students from Illinois and beyond. Applications for first time freshmen seats for fall 2025 also reached an all time high, topping 120,000.
The U of I System now graduates more than 28,000 students a year, about 75% of whom choose to remain in Illinois.
The system has also strengthened its financial position, maintained strong credit ratings and expanded its capacity to invest in innovation, research and student success. Fundraising reached a record $656 million in FY ’25, reflecting deep and growing support from alumni and other donors.
Killeen also champions the U of I System’s role as a global research leader. The combined system research portfolio regularly tops $1 billion a year.
The president’s vision for statewide impact through partnership has led to the creation and continued growth of the Discovery Partners Institute and Illinois Innovation Network, and the launch with the state of Illinois of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.
According to a recent study, the U of I System contributed $24.9 billion to the state’s economy in FY ’23 and supported 225,171 jobs — one out of every 37 jobs in Illinois.
“The Board of Trustees is grateful to Tim for the service he has given to the University of Illinois System for over a decade and looks forward to celebrating his successes and achievements in the near future,” Ruiz said. “In the meantime, our work together continues. An effective leader builds upon past accomplishments and paves the way for future success. For the University of Illinois System, Tim Killeen is that leader, and the board is deeply committed to working with him throughout his remaining time as president.”
A nationally respected scientist and higher education leader, Killeen has guided the U of I System through periods of fiscal uncertainty, a global pandemic and a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. His leadership during the COVID-19 global pandemic helped ensure continuity of operations, protected research activity and strengthened the system’s role as a trusted partner to state and federal agencies.
Killeen has also prioritized access and student success. During his tenure, the U of I System achieved record enrollment of underrepresented minority students — 28,763 in fall 2025, a 55% increase since 2016 — and maintained retention and graduation rates that exceed national averages. Systemwide retention for first-time freshmen reached 91% in 2025 and the six year graduation rate rose to 77%.
Ruiz said the search for the 21st president of the U of I System will begin in the coming weeks.
“The selection of a president is perhaps the most important responsibility of the Board of Trustees,” Ruiz said. “In the coming weeks, the board will take its first steps to initiate the search process, fully committed to identifying a president who is capable of following in Tim’s footsteps of excellence and will propel our university system to new heights.”
