Tim Killeen, PhD

Dr Timothy L Killeen is the 20^th president of the University of Illinois System, which includes universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield.

Since taking office in 2015, Dr Killeen has helped lead a surge of growth across the state’s flagship university system. Enrollment is at record highs, including increases among in-state and underrepresented students.

A leading researcher in geophysics and space sciences, Dr Killeen champions efforts to expand research discovery that drives progress and job creation. That includes helping lead the creation of the Discovery Partners Institute, a world-class research, technology talent development and business-building center in downtown Chicago, and Illinois Innovation Network, a system of satellite hubs that combine research, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship and workforce training to spur inclusive economic development across the state.

Dr Killeen was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2007 and is a member and past president of the American Geophysical Union.

A native of Wales and a US citizen, Dr Killeen received his bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy at University College London, where he also earned his doctoral degree in atomic and molecular physics.