CHICAGO — University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen told the Board of Trustees on July 25 that the system is following strong enrollment and degree‑production trends even as it prepares for possible federal funding cuts.

“We again have record enrollment,” Killeen said, citing systemwide enrollment near 98,000 students and more than 27,000 degrees awarded annually. Killeen highlighted research and public‑health contributions from across the system, including the Shield test‑and‑trace program developed during the pandemic and shared with other institutions, and he noted the system’s economic impact on Illinois: $24.9 billion a year.

Killeen also described the system’s investment in student aid and affordability. He said the system now directs about $283,000,000 in institutional financial aid annually and pointed to relatively modest tuition increases over the past decade. He acknowledged headwinds ahead: “Changes in federal policies and priorities continue to come at us rapidly, and there is no doubt that they will mean deep cuts in federal funding for research and education,” he said, urging trustees to work with system leadership on resilience and partnerships.

Killeen framed the university’s role as both an educator and an economic engine; he highlighted partnerships with government, industry and internal units such as the Discovery Partners Institute and the Illinois Innovation Network. He also welcomed newly designated and incoming chancellors and installed student trustees during the meeting.

Why it matters: The president’s comments set the system’s near‑term priorities — maintaining access and affordability while protecting research funding. Trustees use these assessments when considering budgets, capital projects and strategic partnerships.

What trustees recorded: The board accepted Killeen’s remarks and proceeded to committee reports and public comment; no formal system‑level budget changes were voted at this meeting beyond routine agenda approvals.