The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has proposed an extension of the contract of University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen for three years, pending formal vote and approval during its March meeting.
“The proposed extension reaffirms the board’s confidence in President Killeen’s continued leadership of the university system and its universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield,” Board Chairman Don Edwards said.
Killeen’s tenure has been marked by significant sustained progress in student enrollment, affordability, diversity, financial aid, research and statewide economic development.
Enrollment across the system reached a record high for the 10th consecutive year last fall, with representation from all 102 Illinois counties. Additionally, with a goal of keeping more Illinois students in the state, 79% of all undergraduates are from Illinois.
During Killeen’s tenure, the system has worked to maintain academic excellence and affordability, strengthening the faculty core and prioritizing access and opportunities for underrepresented students. Participation of underrepresented students has increased by over 8,000 during his term. Tuition for Illinois undergraduate students has been frozen across the system in six of the last nine years, while the availability of financial aid has increased significantly.
Research funding also has grown to over $1 billion under Killeen’s presidency, showcasing the system's commitment to pioneering advancements that have global impacts.
Additionally, under his leadership the system’s universities successfully conducted fundraising campaigns that raised $3.6 billion, surpassing the goal of $3.1 billion and marking a new chapter in the university system’s history of philanthropic success.
The U of I System has also fueled economic and workforce development across the state through the creation of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN). It also created a novel saliva test, and developed a testing network: SHIELD Illinois and Shield T3, that served as a model for the country while helping the state of Illinois navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that saved lives.
“The U of I System under Tim Killeen’s leadership has navigated a period of extraordinary challenge and emerged stronger and more committed to serving our students and the state of Illinois,” Edwards said. “His unwavering dedication to the system’s mission and core values is transforming the landscape of higher education within our community and state and has set a benchmark of excellence with inclusive growth for others to follow.”
Killeen said he looked forward to continued collaboration with the board to maintain student-centered academic excellence across the system while continuing to work on behalf of the people of the state.
“The board’s leadership and results-driven focus have been instrumental in bringing their vision for the future to fruition, and I am immensely grateful for their efforts,” Killeen said. “Our students deserve transformative experiences, and it is our responsibility to address the fundamental needs of our state. I am tremendously excited to build upon the momentum we have already established, with full confidence that we will seize opportunities to support and propel our great state forward, growing our impact here and around the world.”
The proposed extension will take effect July 1. Killeen’s current salary of $916,770 will remain the same. He will be eligible for any university merit-based salary program not to exceed what is available for all system administrators. The amount of deferred compensation will also remain unchanged.
