Leading the University of Illinois System Forward
The Search for Our Next President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees is conducting a search for the next president of the University of Illinois System. The board is committed to a process that is deliberate, inclusive, and grounded in the highest standards of integrity.
The system is one of the most consequential public university enterprises in the nation: three best-in-class universities, an academic health enterprise, and statewide reach through its many programs and services, with an annual economic impact of $24.9 billion touching every corner of Illinois.
This is a pivotal moment. The next president will inherit a foundation of extraordinary excellence and strength and a mission that shapes lives, drives discovery, and fuels the future of our state.
Leadership Profile
Shaped by the voices of faculty, staff, students, and community members across all three universities, the leadership profile captures both the promise of this moment and the leadership it demands. It defines the vision, experience, and qualities the Board of Trustees is seeking, and will guide the Board, the Search Committee, and AGB Search as they identify the System's next great president.
Required Experience
- Senior executive in higher education
- Demonstrated research leadership
- Track record of fundraising
Desired Qualities
- Commitment to access and equity
- Public engagement and advocacy
- Vision for public higher ed
Executive Search Partner
Based in Washington, D.C, AGB Search will lead the search, supporting the Board and search committee through all facets of the process.
Search Committee
Committee members represent trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters across all three universities.
Ramón Cepeda
member of the Board of Trustees; alumnus, Chicago.
co-chair of the search committee
Ann Yeung
College of Fine and Applied Arts, School of Music; professor and
strings area chair; served on the Promotion and Tenure Committees,
Budget and Oversight Committee, and Task Force on Evaluating
Teaching Effectiveness; served as School of Music string quartet
search committee chair; serves on the Office of the Vice Chancellor
for Research and Innovation Campus Research Board, and on the
American Harp Society’s Executive Director search committee;
co-chair of the search committee
Liz Aquino
College of Nursing, clinical associate professor of biobehavioral
nursing science and associate dean for academic affairs; served on
search committees for Title IX and EEO investigator in the Office
for Access and Equity; appointed to the federal Health Resources and
Services Administration National Advisory Council on Nurse Education
and Practice; former chair of the American Nurses Association
nominations and Elections Committee; former president of the
American Nurses Association of Illinois
Robert Barish
vice chancellor for health affairs, Chicago
Gabi DalSanto
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, junior
in natural resources and environmental sciences; served as
president, Illinois Student Council; serves as vice president and
action co-coordinator, Students for Environmental Concerns
Sandra De Groote
University Library, professor and head of scholarly communications;
served on search committees for vice chancellor for research, vice
chancellor for administrative services, vice chancellor for academic
affairs/provost, and chancellor/vice president; served on Campus
Promotions and Tenure Committee and Library Executive Committee;
currently serves in the University of Illinois Chicago Senate,
Senate Executive Committee, and chair of the University Senates
Conference
William D. Forsyth
('86 BUS), finance; co-founder and partner, Frontier One LLC;
served as chair, University of Illinois Alumni Association; serves
as governing director and advisory member, Investment Policy
Committee, University of Illinois Foundation
Janet Gooch
chancellor, University of Illinois Springfield, and vice president,
University of Illinois System
Joseph Gutman
member of the Board of Trustees; alumnus, Urbana
Tenea Harris
University of Illinois System Office of Procurement Services,
supplier diversity manager; works with small and diverse businesses
as part of the Business Enterprise Program; served on multiple
search committees and qualifications-based selection panels;
previous roles in government relations and student affairs
Ashley Huang
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; senior in neuroscience, with
minors in nutrition and finance, pre-med track in the Graduate
Professional Program Admissions BS/MD Program; served on the
Undergraduate Student Government (USG), representative to the Campus
Life Committee and Mental Health Commission, public affairs
director, and chief of staff
Devin Hunter
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; associate professor and
chair, Department of History; served on the UIS 50th Anniversary
Planning Committee, Sangamon Experience Campus Advisory Committee,
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Executive Committee,
CLASS Personnel Committee (co-chair), and Senate Committee on
Diversity, Equal Rights, Opportunity, and Access (co-chair); served
on 10 search committees at UIS, including associate vice
chancellor/vice provost for enrollment and retention, and dean of
the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences as search committee
chair; serves on the University of Illinois Springfield Senate
Graduate Council
Joseph Irudayaraj
The Grainger College of Engineering, Founder Professor of
Bioengineering and associate director of shared resources for the
Cancer Center of Illinois; served on the Graduate College Committee,
Dean's Advisory Committee, and Faculty Affairs Committee;
currently serves on the Named Professorship Committee
Stephen Maren
director of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and
Technology; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, professor of
psychology; affiliate of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic
Biology; alumnus, Urbana
Mary Maryland
('94 PhD nursing); primary care provider, WellBe Senior Medical;
serves as president-elect, UIC Alumni Board and founding member,
Alumni Loyalty and Benefits Committee, and Alumni Advocacy
Committee; served on College of Nursing Alumni Board, Campus Alumni
Advisory Board, Alumni Engagement Advisors, Alumni Alliance Board,
and Black Alumni Advisory Board
Suzet M. McKinney
member of the Board of Trustees; alumna, Chicago
Kouros Mohammadian
College of Engineering, Distinguished Professor of Transportation
Engineering and head, Department of Civil, Materials, and
Environmental Engineering; served on the University of Illinois
Chicago Senate, Senate Executive Committee (vice chair), and
University Senates Conference; served on search committees for the
director of government relations, vice chancellor for academic
affairs/provost, and chancellor/vice president; serves on the board
of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Mitch Olenick
College of Business and Management, graduate student, master of
business administration; varsity athlete in men's soccer; served
on Student Athlete Advisory Committee; involved with search for
men's soccer head coach; serves as graduate assistant in Office
of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Office of
Marketing; alumnus, Springfield
Donovan Pepper
('94 political studies,'96 MA political studies); principal
and director of National Strategic Partnerships, Cozen O'Connor
Public Strategies; served as chair of the Chicagoland Chamber of
Commerce Political Action Committee; chair of the Civic Federation,
chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Business Council, chair of
the Oak Park Citizens' Police Oversight Commission
Matt Spindler
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences,
Illinois Extension, evaluation specialist, served on search
committees for dean, associate dean, and faculty at previous
institutions
Megan Styles
College of Health, Science, and Technology (CHST), associate
professor, chair and program lead of environmental studies in the
School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health;
served on CHST Personnel Committee, UIS Strategic Compass Steering
Committee, and University of Illinois System Strategic Planning
Committee; served on nine search committees, including vice
chancellor for student affairs, director of the UIS Student Union,
and as search committee chair for graduate program coordinator;
serves as the UIS faculty lead for Brasillinois, and member of the
University of Illinois System delegation to Brazil
Cedric D. Thurman
('87 BUS), finance; executive vice president for the Federal
Home Loan Bank of Chicago; serves as chair of the Board of Directors
of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, and member of the
Gies College of Business Dean’s Council and Board of Directors
of Leadership Greater Chicago
Joshua H. Whitman
Director, Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, Urbana
Search Staff
Committee members represent trustees, faculty, staff, and students across all three universities.
Jami Painter
Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Scott E. Rice
University Counsel
Dr. Jeffrey A. Stein
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Official Search Documents
Search Timeline
February 11, 2026
Search announced; search firm selected by Board of Trustees
April 29, 2026
Search committee announced; co-chairs designated
May – June 2026
Listening sessions and stakeholder engagement; leadership profile
and prospectus development
July – August 2026
Prospectus finalized and active search launches
December 2026
Board of Trustees considers finalist for selection and announcement
October – November 2026
Candidate Interviews
December – January 2027
Finalize Hire
Public Notices
Find official meeting notices and agendas for the Presidential Search Committee here.
Recent News & Announcements
FAQs
What are the Board's guiding principles for this search?
The Board is committed to a search process grounded in integrity, inclusivity and broad engagement, process-transparency through proactive communication, and thoughtful deliberation and planning. While the process itself will be transparent so stakeholders feel informed, included, and confident in the direction of the search, the search will appropriately maintain confidentiality to protect candidates and support a strong and competitive pool.
Will the search be national or international in scope?
Yes. This will be a comprehensive national and international search to attract the strongest and most competitive pool of candidates. The Board and search firm will recruit broadly to identify leaders whose experience, vision, and values align with the University of Illinois System's mission and long-term priorities.
What is the expected timeline?
- Feb - March 2026: Search announced; search firm selected by Board of Trustees
- April 2026: Search committee announced; co-chairs designated
- May – June 2026: Listening sessions and stakeholder engagement; leadership profile and prospectus development
- July – August 2026: Prospectus finalized and active search launches
- December 2026: Board of Trustees selects and announces the next president
This timeline offers predictability while allowing flexibility to ensure the search is completed thoroughly.
What qualities is the Board seeking in the next president?
The search committee and the search process will yield a leadership profile that reflects what is best for the University of Illinois System, its mission, and its priorities. The Board will thoughtfully consider the future of higher education and what it will take to strengthen our excellence and expand our impact in a rapidly changing academic and economic landscape.
How will the Board manage transparency while protecting confidentiality?
The Board will communicate clearly about the process, milestones, and timeline, but will maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding candidate identities, interviews, and internal deliberations. Stakeholders will receive updates at key milestones, and this website will be updated regularly as the process advances. Balancing transparency and confidentiality is critical to attracting the strongest pool of candidates.
How will the Board ensure the search is inclusive and managed with a high level of integrity?
Inclusivity and integrity will be built into the process through:
- A search committee made up of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners
- Engagement of an experienced executive search firm to guide the process in alignment with national best practices
- Search criteria that reflect the values, priorities, and needs of the entire U of I System
- A process that balances transparency with appropriate confidentiality to protect candidates and support attracting a strong pool
How were search committee members selected?
The Board sought to assemble a committee that reflects the breadth of the University of Illinois System. Members were identified through consultation with shared governance bodies, campus leadership, and system stakeholders to ensure meaningful representation of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community perspectives.
What is the search committee's role?
The search committee will:
- Provide broad insight into the System's needs and aspirations
- Help shape the position profile and desired leadership attributes
- Assist with screening and identifying potential candidates
- Advise the Board, which retains full authority and responsibility for selecting the next president
Who is the executive search firm, and what is their role?
AGB has been engaged to support the Board and search committee throughout the process. The firm will assist with candidate identification and recruitment, preliminary screening, logistics, and ensuring the search reflects national best practices for presidential-level higher education searches.
What is the leadership profile?
The leadership profile describes the role of the System president, the qualifications and attributes the Board of Trustees is seeking, and the opportunity the presidency represents. It serves as the guide for the Board, the Search Committee, and the search firm as they evaluate candidates.
How was the profile developed?
The profile was shaped by input from faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered through town halls at all three universities, feedback submitted through the search portal and by email, and the recommendations of the Search Committee.
Why is the search confidential?
Confidentiality is standard practice in executive searches at this level and is essential to attracting the strongest field. Many highly qualified candidates hold significant leadership roles elsewhere and can participate only if their candidacy remains confidential. All applicant and candidate names will remain confidential, and the selected candidate will be announced publicly at the conclusion of the search.
How can I nominate someone or apply?
Nominations, expressions of interest, and applications are handled by AGB Search. Details, contact information, and the application portal link are included in the leadership profile on this site. Confidential nominations may also be submitted anonymously through the online nomination form.
Will the university community have input on the finalists?
The community's input shaped the leadership profile that guides the entire evaluation, and the Search Committee — which includes faculty, staff, and student representatives from all three universities — participates throughout the process. Because the search is confidential, candidate names will not be shared publicly before a selection is made.
How was the salary range determined?
The budgeted salary range is published in the leadership profile. The final salary will be determined through assessment of market data for comparable public university system leadership roles, internal salary equity, the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and budget considerations.
Will artificial intelligence be used in the search?
As disclosed in the profile, AI tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process. All employment decisions will be made by people.
What happens between the selection and President Killeen's departure?
President Killeen continues to lead the System through June 30, 2027. Announcing the next president in advance allows for a smooth and orderly transition.
How will updates be shared?
Updates will be posted on this site at key milestones throughout the search.
The search committee hosted a series of town halls across the three universities this spring. The questions below reflect what was asked during that phase of the search and are preserved here for reference.
What was the purpose of the town halls?
The town halls were listening sessions designed to gather input from students, faculty, staff, and community members to inform the search for the University of Illinois System's next president. The Board of Trustees had been very clear about its commitment to and the importance of this search process being inclusive, thoughtful, and reflective of the system's breadth and excellence. These town halls were an important part of this commitment — the focus was on hearing directly from the community.
What was the format?
The sessions were conducted in an open mic format. Attendees were invited to share comments. The sessions were designed as listening forums; however, the committee and/or the search firm attempted to reply to questions that arose about the presidential search process and asked clarifying questions to better understand the attendees' perspectives.
Who was able to attend?
The town halls were open to members of the University of Illinois System community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community stakeholders. Participation from across the entire university community was encouraged to facilitate hearing a broad range of perspectives.
Were students able to attend?
Yes. Participation from all members of the university community — including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members — was strongly encouraged.
Could attendees join a town hall on a campus other than their own?
Yes. Individuals could attend any of the three campus sessions, regardless of their primary affiliation.
Were there separate sessions for different audiences (students vs. faculty/staff)?
No. The town halls were designed as inclusive mixed-audience sessions to bring together a wide range of perspectives.
Were search committee members present?
Yes. Members of the Presidential Search Committee attended each session and were there to listen and engage.
Was there a virtual option?
No, the town halls were in-person only. This format fostered a respectful environment that encouraged candid feedback where the committee could also ask clarifying questions, as necessary, to better understand feedback. Those who couldn't attend were able to submit comments through the presidential search website. Online submissions were reviewed and considered equally with in-person input.
Was RSVP or registration required?
No. Advance registration was not required. Attendees were able to arrive during the scheduled session time.
Were the venues accessible, and how were accommodations handled (ASL, CART, mobility, etc.)?
All venues were ADA accessible. Individuals who required accommodations were asked to contact erhr@uillinois.edu in advance so appropriate arrangements could be made.
Was parking and transit guidance provided for each venue?
Each venue offered campus-area parking and/or access to public transportation. Attendees were encouraged to consult campus-specific resources for directions and parking options in advance.
Were there opportunities for stakeholder input?
Yes. Planned engagement included listening sessions with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors, as well as updates shared across campuses and system offices and search committee engagement with key constituencies. Stakeholder input was meaningfully incorporated through the development of the position profile and throughout the search process. Because this search was conducted on a confidential basis to attract the strongest possible candidates, there were not public forums with finalists.
What kind of input was the committee looking for?
The town halls were open sessions for people to share constructive thoughts that were helpful to the crafting of the profile for the position. Comments centered on:
- Opportunities and challenges facing higher education that the next president needed to lead the enterprise in managing and navigating;
- Strategic priorities for the system and its future;
- Leadership qualities and characteristics that were most important — and why;
- Campus or community-specific concerns that a new president needed to address.
What happens to the information captured at the town halls?
The committee synthesized all of the input and used it to help develop a presidential leadership profile that guided the national search.
Contact Us
We value your participation. If you have questions about the search, please feel free to contact us.
Submit a Nomination
Know someone who would be a great fit? We welcome nominations from the entire university community.
Executive Search Partner
Based in Washington, D.C, AGB Search will lead the search, supporting the Board and search committee through all facets of the process.
Learn MoreContact Us
We value your participation. If you have questions about the search, please feel free to contact us.
Contact UsPast Events
The Presidential Search Committee invited members of the U of I System community to participate in a series of town halls — one on each university campus. These sessions were an opportunity to share your perspective and help inform the search for the next president of the U of I System.
Chicago
Tuesday, June 16 | 2-4 p.m.
Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum
Rooms DEF, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Springfield
Wednesday, June 17 | 10 a.m. to noon
UIS Brookens Library
Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 2200 Ernest Hemingway
Drive, Springfield
Urbana-Champaign
Thursday, June 18 | 10 a.m. to noon
I Hotel & Conference Center
Heritage Hall, 1900 S. First St., Champaign
If you can’t make it to one of the campuses for the in-person town halls, please submit your input here.
Submit Town Hall Input via EmailSubmit the Anonymous Search Input Survey
About the search
A pivotal moment for the University of Illinois System
0K+
Students across 3 campuses
$0B
Annual economic impact
Top 0
Public research university
Executive Search Partner
Based in Washington, D.C, AGB Search will lead the search, supporting the Board and search committee through all facets of the process.
Learn More AboutLeading the University of Illinois System Forward
FAQs
What are the Board's guiding principles for this search?
The Board is committed to a search process grounded in integrity, inclusivity and broad engagement, process-transparency through proactive communication, and thoughtful deliberation and planning. While the process itself will be transparent so stakeholders feel informed, included, and confident in the direction of the search, the search will appropriately maintain confidentiality to protect candidates and support a strong and competitive pool.
How were search committee members selected?
The Board sought to assemble a committee that reflects the breadth of the University of Illinois System. Members were identified through consultation with shared governance bodies, campus leadership, and system stakeholders to ensure meaningful representation of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community perspectives.
What is the search committee's role?
The search committee will:
- Provide broad insight into the System's needs and aspirations
- Help shape the position profile and desired leadership attributes
- Assist with screening and identifying potential candidates
- Advise the Board, which retains full authority and responsibility for selecting the next president
How will the Board ensure the search is inclusive and managed with a high level of integrity?
Inclusivity and integrity will be built into the process through:
- A search committee made up of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners
- Engagement of an experienced executive search firm to guide the process in alignment with national best practices
- Search criteria that reflect the values, priorities, and needs of the entire U of I System
- A process that balances transparency with appropriate confidentiality to protect candidates and support attracting a strong pool
Who is the executive search firm, and what is their role?
AGB has been engaged to support the Board and search committee throughout the process. The firm will assist with candidate identification and recruitment, preliminary screening, logistics, and ensuring the search reflects national best practices for presidential-level higher education searches.
What is the purpose of the town halls?
The town halls are listening sessions designed to gather input from students, faculty, staff, and community members to inform the search for the University of Illinois System’s next president. The Board of Trustees has been very clear about its commitment to and the importance of this search process being inclusive, thoughtful, and reflective of the system’s breadth and excellence. These town halls are an important part of this commitment — our focus is on hearing directly from our community.
What kind of input is the committee looking for?
The town halls are open sessions for people to share constructive thoughts that will be helpful to our crafting of the profile for the position. We expect to hear about:
- Opportunities and challenges facing higher education that the next president will need to lead the enterprise in managing and navigating;
- Strategic priorities for the system and its future;
- Leadership qualities and characteristics that are most important — and why;
- Campus or community-specific concerns that a new president will need to address.
What will the format be?
The sessions will be conducted in an open mic format. Attendees will be invited to share comments. The sessions are designed as listening forums; however, the committee and/or the search firm will attempt to reply to questions that arise about the presidential search process and may ask clarifying questions to better understand the attendees’ perspectives.
Will there be a virtual option?
No, the town halls are in-person only. This format fosters a respectful environment that encourages candid feedback where the committee can also ask clarifying questions, as necessary, to better understand feedback. Those who can’t attend can submit comments through the presidential search website. Online submissions will be reviewed and considered equally with in-person input.
What happens to the information captured after the town halls?
The committee will synthesize all of the input and use it to help develop a presidential leadership profile that will guide the national search.
Who can attend the town halls?
The town halls are open to members of the University of Illinois System community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community stakeholders. Participation from across the entire university community is encouraged to facilitate hearing a broad range of perspectives.
Do I need to RSVP or register?
No. Advance registration is not required. Attendees may arrive during the scheduled session time.
Will the search be national or international in scope?
Yes. This will be a comprehensive national and international search to attract the strongest and most competitive pool of candidates. The Board and search firm will recruit broadly to identify leaders whose experience, vision, and values align with the University of Illinois System's mission and long-term priorities.
What is the expected timeline?
- Feb - March 2026: Search announced; search firm selected by Board of Trustees
- April 2026: Search committee announced; co-chairs designated
- May – June 2026: Listening sessions and stakeholder engagement; leadership profile and prospectus development
- July – August 2026: Prospectus finalized and active search launches
How will the Board manage transparency while protecting confidentiality?
The Board will communicate clearly about the process, milestones, and timeline, but will maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding candidate identities, interviews, and internal deliberations. Stakeholders will receive updates at key milestones, and this website will be updated regularly as the process advances. Balancing transparency and confidentiality is critical to attracting the strongest pool of candidates.
Will there be opportunities for stakeholder input?
Yes. Planned engagement may include listening sessions with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors, as well as updates shared across campuses and system offices and search committee engagement with key constituencies. Stakeholder input will be meaningfully incorporated through the development of the position profile and throughout the search process. Because this search will be conducted on a confidential basis to attract the strongest possible candidates, there will not be public forums with finalists.
What qualities is the Board seeking in the next president?
The search committee and the search process will yield a leadership profile that reflects what is best for the University of Illinois System, its mission, and its priorities. The Board will thoughtfully consider the future of higher education and what it will take to strengthen our excellence and expand our impact in a rapidly changing academic and economic landscape.
Can I attend a town hall on a campus other than my own?
Yes. Individuals may attend any of the three campus sessions, regardless of their primary affiliation.
Are students able to attend?
Yes. Participation from all members of the university community — including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members — is strongly encouraged.
Will there be separate sessions for different audiences (students vs. faculty/staff)?
No. The town halls are designed as inclusive mixed-audience sessions to bring together a wide range of perspectives.
Will search committee members be present?
Yes. Members of the Presidential Search Committee will attend each session and are there to listen and engage.
Can I submit a question or provide input in advance?
Yes. Feedback can be submitted at any time through the presidential search website and any input will be considered equally alongside in-person input.
Are the venues accessible? How do I request accommodations (ASL, CART, mobility, etc.)?
All venues are ADA accessible. Individuals who require accommodations should contact erhr@uillinois.edu in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Is there parking / transit guidance for each venue?
Each venue offers campus-area parking and/or access to public transportation. Attendees are encouraged to consult campus-specific resources for directions and parking options in advance.
Submit a Nomination
Know someone who would be a great fit? We welcome nominations from the entire university community.