URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen informed the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois Thursday he will step down at the end of his current contract on June 30, 2027.
Board Chair Jesse Ruiz said, “Tim has consistently proved to be an exceptional president, leading the University of Illinois System with integrity and intentionality for more than a decade. 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, “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. 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, U of I System enrollment has grown to record levels, reaching 101,081 students across three universities in fall 2025.
The U of I System now graduates more than 28,000 students a year, about 75% of whom choose to stay 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.”
Ruiz said the search for the 21st president of the U of I System will start 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.”
Top Stories:
1 dead, 1 with life-threatening injuries in Decatur rollover crash
Illinois bans life insurance companies from discriminating against people with criminal records
Local family shares experience stuck in Puerto Rico after U.S entered Venezuela
Coroner identifies mother, 8-year-old daughter killed in I-55 crash
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
