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University of Illinois System News
Read the latest University of Illinois System news from the Office of External Relations and Communications.
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  • Spring 2019 UIC graduates

    U of I System expects degrees will top 22,000 for second straight year

    May 16, 2019 12:00 pm

    The University of Illinois System expects to award more than 22,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees for the second straight year, and continued enrollment growth could push degrees over 25,000 by 2026, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • campuses of UIUC, UIC, and UIS

    U of I System universities rank high in U.S. News & World Report

    Sep 14, 2020 2:00 pm

    All three universities in the U of I System were ranked highly among public institutions again this year in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, with Top 10 ratings in a number of categories.

  • RIsing to the Challenge, a podcast, with university iconic images

    New podcast: Rising to the Challenge

    Sep 15, 2020 10:30 am

    The U of I System is introducing “Rising to the Challenge,” a new podcast dedicated to telling stories from across the system and our universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield.

  • campuses of UIUC, UIC, and UIS

    U of I System's three universities among nation's best in online programs

    Jan 26, 2022 2:15 pm

    Online programs at all three universities in the University of Illinois System are among the nation's best, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

  • 94,800 students strong

    Sustained growth sees U of I System reach record 94,800 students

    Sep 7, 2022 11:00 am

    Enrollment across the University of Illinois System reached a record high this fall of more than 94,800 students, driven by managed growth after five years of robust expansion, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • State Capitol building

    Legislature approves budget with nearly 5% increase for U of I System

    Jun 1, 2019 12:30 pm

    The following message was sent to University of Illinois System students, faculty and staff regarding the budget for fiscal year 2020 approved by the Illinois General Assembly.

  • three artistic sculptures, one from each campus

    Arts & humanities initiative offers new support for 10 projects

    Jun 22, 2021 2:30 pm

    The University of Illinois System continues to demonstrate its commitment to the arts and humanities, funding a second generation of vital projects through the Presidential Initiative: Expanding the Impact of the Arts and the Humanities, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • Federal government rescinds new rule regarding international students

    Jul 14, 2020 5:45 pm

    In a massmail this evening, U of I System leadership shared the news that the federal government rescinded the recent directive from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enformcent (ICE) that placed new restrictions on visas for international students.

  • An aerial picture of Downtown Chicago on a sunny day with the SRI 2025 logo in the corner

    U of I System, Chicago to host 2025 Sustainability Research & Innovation Congress

    Oct 31, 2023 9:45 am

    The world’s largest annual gathering focused on action-forward, knowledge-based, and inclusive approaches to sustainability, the Sustainability Research & Innovation (SRI) Congress will occur in the United States for the first time ever in June 2025.

  • UI Ride bus

    UI Ride kickoff events

    Sep 23, 2019 2:15 pm

    Help us celebrate the upcoming launch of UI Ride, a new University of Illinois System shuttle service, on October 3 in Urbana and October 4 in Chicago. Beginning at 9 a.m. at each location, we will have the honor of unveiling one of the new 18-seat buses that offers features such as onboard Wi-Fi and workstations while providing a convenient option for those who travel between the universities.

  • U of I seal

    Trustees approve $6.74 billion budget for fiscal year 2021

    Nov 12, 2020 12:15 pm

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a $6.74 billion budget for fiscal year 2021, continuing to focus on key priorities such as academic excellence, financial aid for students and economic development while addressing new challenges brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Illini Angels | Illinois Ventures

    Illini Angels notches six investments in first year

    Mar 18, 2024 9:30 am

    Illini Angels is a powerful network of alumni investors – a team that brings decades experience in investing, innovating, building market leading companies, establishing connections, and encouraging the highest-impact relationships. The angel investing network has backed six companies since March 2023 and has grown to 70 members.

  • Four young women practice CPR on female and Black and brown mannequins

    Real Impact: Heart-focused agency advances neighbor helping neighbor

    Feb 17, 2023 8:00 am

    Illinois Heart Rescue teaches bystander CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) use and other emergency essentials in large part because of state funding. This spring, the University of Illinois System again is advocating for the program’s annual funding as part of its annual state budget request. 

  • From left, Angie Lewis displays a piece of Pyrus, Gabe Tavas displays a Pyrus plank, and Brian Cheng displays a ukelele with parts made from Pyrus

    Real Impact: Nature-loving maker converts kombucha waste into wood proxy

    Dec 13, 2022 1:00 pm

    If Pyrus replaced wood in a host of applications, more trees would remain in Earth’s rainforests. That’s an essential step for getting climate change in check, something the U of I System pushes for progress on every day.

  • Red, white and blue official Juneteenth flag

    Juneteenth Holiday

    Jun 18, 2021 8:00 am

    In a massmail to students, faculty and staff, President Tim Killeen announced that Juneteenth would be added to the University of Illinois System holiday schedule for June 2022.

  • The U of I System generates $19 billion a year for the state's economy

    U of I System impact: $19 billion annually on Illinois economy

    May 19, 2022 12:15 pm

    The University of Illinois System generates $19 billion a year for the state’s economy and supports more than 164,000 jobs, one of every 46 jobs in the state, according to the preliminary findings of a new study revealed Thursday by U of I System President Tim Killeen.

  • U of I seal

    Reflections on George Floyd tragedy

    May 31, 2020 2:00 pm

    President Tim Killeen and Executive Vice President Barb Wilson sent a massmail today to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends reflecting on the George Floyd tragedy.

  • vaccines and labels spread out on table

    Vaccine requirements for faculty and staff

    Jul 21, 2021 11:30 am

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen sent a message to all faculty and staff today outlining vaccine guidelines for the coming fall semester.

  • Headshot compilation of 10 new faculty

    U of I System Adds 10 New World-Class Faculty

    Nov 12, 2020 2:15 pm

    The University of Illinois System is adding 10 world-class faculty to its universities, President Tim Killeen announced Thursday, the latest hires made through an initiative launched in 2018 to aggressively recruit more distinguished scholars and further enhance the system’s global standing as a leader in education and innovation.

  • University of Illinois Springfield students with an instructor in a hospital setting

    Real Impact: Robust program turns out nurses willing to answer the call

    Dec 19, 2023 8:00 am

    The University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing trains healthcare experts at all three University of Illinois System universities. The program in Springfield is the newest with students gaining in-depth, hands-on experience at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

  • Harumi Barron in University of Illinois Chicago gear spreads her arms in triumph with a cityscape behind her

    Real Impact: Hope Chicago delivers wide welcome to students, families

    May 31, 2023 3:00 pm

    For now, the program is available to about 4,000 students at five Chicago high schools – many from historically underrepresented groups – plus one parent or guardian each. Student support covers tuition and fees, room and board, books and a laptop, plus a yearly stipend. 

  • U of I System logo with "Leadership State Tour 2021" and map in background

    U of I System President Killeen begins statewide tour

    Sep 30, 2021 1:30 pm

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen on Monday will begin a multiday tour of Illinois to meet with lawmakers, business and higher education leaders, alumni and others to learn more about the ways the system can contribute to economic growth and societal wellbeing, discuss the system’s commitment to the public, and strengthen connections and foster collaboration across the state.

  • female researcher walking through lab with test samples

    Rivian donates $500,000 to support SHIELD Illinois testing

    Mar 25, 2021 10:15 am

    The University of Illinois System received a $500,000 donation from Rivian to support the recently opened SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 testing lab at Illinois State University (ISU), which is located within five miles of the electric automaker’s factory in Normal.

  • Hancock County farmer Bryan Stevens in a cowboy hat in front of a barn

    Real Impact: Partnering to bridge the digital divide reaps rural benefits

    Aug 29, 2023 10:15 am

    “When farmers succeed, their communities prosper,” said Jay Walsh, who oversees the University of Illinois System-led Illinois Innovation Network, which is helping unite key partners in the broadband mission.

  • Students on the UIUC Quad at dusk, with Foellinger Auditorium prominently featured on the left

    Two UIUC-related research hubs get official designation from U.S. Economic Development Association

    Oct 26, 2023 1:00 pm

    The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) and The Bloch Tech Hub, two research hubs associated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), have received official designations as Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs from President Biden and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

  • Illinois Broadband Lab logo

    State of Illinois, U of I System launch broadband, digital equity initiative

    Feb 16, 2023 11:00 am

    The Connect Illinois Broadband and Digital Equity Planning Initiative will enable the state to receive historic federal Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program funds in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

  • U of I System President Timothy L. Killeen

    U of I System President Tim Killeen’s contract to be extended

    Feb 16, 2024 10:00 am

    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. Killeen’s tenure has been marked by significant sustained progress in student enrollment, affordability, diversity, financial aid, research and statewide economic development. 

  • Tim Killeen & the U of I System logo

    U of I board, president agree to four-year extension

    Jan 16, 2020 12:45 pm

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees voted unanimously Thursday to extend President Tim Killeen’s contract by four years, through June 30, 2024.

  • Lura Buckley, University of Chicago and One Million Degrees graduate

    Real Impact: Giving back tops driven alum’s list of successes

    Aug 11, 2022 1:00 am

    University of Illinois System alumni contribute to the economy and to society by working as well as volunteering, mentoring and supporting others. Their public university education instilled in them the desire to give back.

  • Two professionally dressed women visit at an event

    Real Impact: Robust collaborations activate diverse vendors' successes

    Jul 6, 2023 9:00 am

    The Diverse Supplier Development Program welcomes minority-, woman-, persons with disabilities-, and veteran-owned businesses at no cost to participants. The diversity procurement program lives out the system’s commitment to creating a more inclusive Illinois economy.

  • the Illinois state capitol building

    U of I System leadership applauds state budget’s higher education support

    May 30, 2023 2:15 pm

    The system’s $697.8 million operating budget in the 2024 fiscal year that begins July 1 includes a 7.0% increase for general operations. “I would like to thank Gov. Pritzker and the General Assembly for their support of public higher education and for their vision for the future needs of Illinois residents,” system President Tim Killeen said.

  • Aijah Welch sits on porch steps wearing her gray Digital Scholars t-shirt

    Real Impact: Once-reluctant Chicago area teen raises her hand for tech

    Oct 4, 2022 9:30 am

    Digital Scholars helps high school and college students build confidence and skills while connecting them with Chicago’s dynamic tech community. The program represents one facet of the future-focused work happening at Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), part of the University of Illinois System.

  • U of I seal bronze

    Statement on riot at U.S. Capitol

    Jan 7, 2021 11:15 am

    University of Illinois System leaders issued a statement following Wednesday's riot at the U.S. Capitol.

  • Seidel named president of University of Wyoming

    Mar 4, 2020 9:30 am

    Edward Seidel, the University of Illinois System’s vice president for economic development and innovation, on Wednesday was named the 28th president of the University of Wyoming.

  • a group of University of Illinois System students outside

    U of I System welcomes record classes of first-year students, undergraduates

    Sep 11, 2023 11:00 am

    Enrollment of first-year freshmen at University of Illinois System universities reached a record level of 13,231 this fall, as did total system enrollment of 60,013 undergraduate students. Enrollment of in-state undergraduate students increased by 1.5% across the system, with Illinois residents making up about 79.2% of undergraduate enrollees.

  • Susan Koch in front of UIS colonnade

    Susan J. Koch named chancellor emerita at UIS

    May 21, 2020 11:00 am

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday appointed outgoing University of Illinois at Springfield Chancellor Susan J. Koch as chancellor and vice president emerita. The appointment, effective July 1, confers upon her these honorary titles, which reflect her longstanding service to the university and University of Illinois System.

  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined the September 2023 U of I System Board of Trustees meeting.

    Governor Pritzker joins U of I System board in roundtable discussion

    Sep 22, 2023 9:15 am

    Gov. J.B. Pritzker met with the University of Illinois System Board of Trustees on Thursday at its regular bimonthly meeting, taking part in a roundtable discussion on topics including enrollment trends, initiatives to address college affordability and the role of the system in contributing to economic development.

  • Illinois State Capitol building

    State budget update

    May 26, 2020 3:00 pm

    In a massmail sent today, University of Illinois System leaders shared that state appropriations for the U of I System would remain at current levels for the coming year under a budget approved over the holiday weekend by the Illinois Legislature that will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is expected to sign it into law.

  • DPI names inaugural director of academic affairs

    May 3, 2019 10:00 am

    Phyllis Baker, whose nearly 30-year career in higher education includes experience in classrooms, research and high-level administration, has been named to lead academic activities for the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), a pioneering new research institute led by the University of Illinois System.

  • We Hear You CEO and COO

    Real Impact: Start-up shows what happens with the right support

    Aug 11, 2022 2:00 pm

    Through collaboration-centered innovation, start-up and spin-off companies related to the University of Illinois System generated $838 million in added income for the state economy in fiscal year 2021.

  • Alma Mater, Chicago Skyline, Lincoln bust - university logos

    Trustees approve request for funds to improve access and affordability

    Nov 18, 2021 12:00 pm

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a request for increased state funding for the next fiscal year that would be used to continue improving access and affordability at its three universities, enhance student mental-health services and strengthen efforts to attract and retain world-class faculty.

  • woman with doll in baby carrier talking to another woman

    U of I System launches Diverse Supplier Development Program

    Sep 2, 2022 11:00 am

    The University of Illinois System on Friday launched its new Diverse Supplier Development Program, welcoming the inaugural cohort of 25 firms from across the state. The program was created to help business owners from diverse backgrounds grow their companies and increase options for serving as public-sector vendors.

  • Cohen & Killeen hold agreement

    The Hebrew University of Jerusalem joins U of I-led research center

    Jan 23, 2019 4:00 pm

    The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a globally recognized leader in education and innovation, signed an agreement Wednesday to partner in a new research institute led by the University of Illinois System that will foster broad-based collaboration to solve the world’s greatest challenges.

  • Young 4-Hers show the fresh green vegetables at their community stand

    Real Impact: Innovation, compassion feed Dixon Springs neighbors

    Mar 22, 2023 5:00 pm

    State funding helps make Dixon Springs Agricultural Center a magnet for research, information, and interaction. Funding also supports innovative and environment-friendly tactics like high tunnels that benefit the region. 

  • rendering of DPI

    Discovery Partners Institute and Illinois Innovation Network

    Dec 7, 2018 12:00 pm

    The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), the pillars of a new statewide innovation enterprise led by the University of Illinois System, will magnify the time-tested formula for job creation and economic growth to a massive, unprecedented scale. 

  • Don Edwards

    Edwards elected chairman of U of I Board of Trustees

    Jan 31, 2019 1:45 pm

    Donald Edwards, an alumnus who now heads a Chicago-based private equity investment firm that he founded, was elected chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees during its annual organizational meeting Thursday at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

  • Students at luncheon

    U of I System honors hundreds of top high school seniors

    Sep 28, 2018 2:00 pm

    The University of Illinois System honored hundreds of high-achieving high school seniors today during an annual event that promotes opportunities for Illinois students from traditionally underrepresented minority groups and geographic regions across the state.

  • Illinois Innovation Network awards seed grants to 4 new projects

    Jan 21, 2022 1:00 pm

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) last week awarded $120,000 in seed grants to four research teams in its fourth round of funding. Selected projects include a new approach to improving community resilience against floods, growing the computational thinking and coding workforce in southeast Illinois, investigating the viability of geopolymer concrete as a sustainable construction material, and examining how Illinois can develop a sustainable and inclusive supply chain for the electric vehicle industry.

  • future home of DPI

    DPI launches new education and workforce research center

    May 12, 2020 9:45 am

    The Discovery Partners Institute has launched a new education and workforce research center, IWERC, with $3.9 million from some of the city’s most influential philanthropists and foundations.

  • U of I seal

    Trustees approve U of I System spending plan for 2021-22

    Sep 23, 2021 12:00 pm

    The University of Illinois System Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a $7.18 billion budget for the academic year as well as the design of a new Library Learning and Student Success Center at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and the purchase of a clinic that will expand health care access in two underserved Chicago neighborhoods.