The University of Illinois Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to extend the contract of University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen for three years. The board had announced in February its intent to formalize the extension.
Killeen’s tenure has been marked by significant sustained progress in student enrollment, affordability, diversity, financial aid, research and statewide economic development.
“I thank the trustees for this vote of confidence in the work we’re all doing across the University of Illinois System,” Killeen said. “I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made on behalf of our students, our faculty and the people of Illinois since 2015.
“There have been challenges, to be sure,” he added. “But the success of everyone across the system – our trustees included – in building record enrollment, growing access, holding down student costs, driving innovative research and working with state leaders to propel our universities forward is deeply inspiring. We really are firing on all cylinders.”
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.
Global engagement
Killeen also touched upon the beneficial impacts of the system’s global partnerships with universities and other institutions in Mexico, Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Brazil.
“Working across borders – meeting the world head on – fosters entrepreneurship, enhances the quality and relevance of education and research, attracts top talent and increases funding opportunities,” Killeen said. “We must serve our state and community by being a global leader, driving appropriate, essential and generous intellectual globalization to serve all of humanity – as well as our country and ourselves.”
Fortified financial position
Paul Ellinger, the system’s vice president, chief financial officer and comptroller, told the board that effective fiscal management and comprehensive strategic planning have resulted in the system and its universities being in good financial health.
“This fortified financial position empowers us to undertake essential and transformative investments across various domains,” Ellinger said. “This includes enhancing student accessibility and success, expanding faculty, investing in staff, addressing building maintenance and renewal needs, and upgrading technology systems to meet evolving demands.”
