- Urbana, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – University of Illinois System (U of I System) President, Tim Killeen said in a press release that he will be stepping down at the end of his current contract, which concludes on June 30, 2027. The University of Illinois Springfield is part of the U of I System.
Killeen spoke with the Board of Trustees recently and announced this plan.
Killeen said that while his work as president continues for now, this is the right moment to begin preparing for the next era of U of I System leadership. During his time as President at the U of I system, they have emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic and resilient public university systems. Showing strong, and stable force during a period of profound change in higher education.
Board Chair Jesse Ruiz praised Killeen for his leadership which was full of 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.”
According to the U of I, during Killeen’s time at U of I System, he has grown U of I enrollment 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. The U of I System now graduates more than 28,000 students a year, about 75% of whom choose to remain in Illinois.
Killeen also 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, inspire 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”
Board Chair Jesse Ruiz said the search for the 21st president of the U of I System will begin in the coming weeks.
