Killeen 2015-present

Timothy L. Killeen was named as the 20th president of the University of Illinois in November 2014 after a national search. He assumed office on May 18, 2015, following the retirement of Robert Easter.

"The University of Illinois will continue to broaden opportunity; educate, enrich, and empower our students; discover, create, and disseminate the new knowledge needed for our common future; and drive economic development through innovation – all with a commitment to scholarship and excellence and in service to the public good,” he said at the time of his selection.

During his first week in office, Killeen and the three campus chancellors visited all three campuses of the U of I as well as the regional campuses in Peoria and Rockford. In addition to meeting with groups of students and faculty, they hosted town hall meetings at each location to gather input and hear concerns.

Before he took office, Killeen was charged by the Board of Trustees to develop a university-wide strategic plan.