President

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees – the governing board of the state’s largest higher education system consisting of three universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield – invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of University of Illinois System President. Reporting to the Board of Trustees and working closely with leadership at each university and within the System Offices, the President will lead the System into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and collaborative operational excellence.

The Board of Trustees is seeking a thought leader with the foresight, creativity, and collaborative spirit to position the University of Illinois System as a preeminent leader among public institutions of higher education. With its breadth, momentum, and statewide reach, the system offers its next President a powerful platform to build on extraordinary success, shape the future of higher education, and advance opportunity and prosperity for Illinois and all Illinoisans.

The University of Illinois System is one of the nation's most consequential public higher education systems, bringing together three distinct and exceptional universities within a system-level enterprise that connects, amplifies, and extends their impact. United by a shared public mission, the system educates more than 101,000 students, sustains an annual research portfolio exceeding $1 billion, and is strengthened by a global alumni community of nearly 890,000.

A complete Leadership Profile with additional information is forthcoming.

Additional information about the University of Illinois System can be found at https://www.uillinois.edu

Nominations and Applications

The Presidential Search Committee will begin the review of applications immediately and continue work until an appointment is made. Only completed applications received by Friday, August 28, 2026, are assured full consideration. 
Applicants should submit materials electronically and include: 

• A letter of interest based on the Leadership Profile, addressing specifically elements in sections labeled – President’s Areas of Operational Responsibility and Leadership Profile of the Next President – and describing the candidate’s relevant experience in light of the University of Illinois System’s expectations for the President; 
• A current curriculum vitae, and
• The names, email addresses and telephone number(s) of five references. (Please specify your professional relationship with each.) References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate and only during the latter stages of the search. 

The University of Illinois System is being assisted by AGB Search. 

All application materials should be submitted in PDF format through the AGB Search portal using this link: University of Illinois University System - President

This is a 100% full-time administrative professional position. The budgeted salary range for this position is $950,000 to $1,500,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition benefits for employees and dependents.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Nominations and expressions of interest will be treated in confidence. Please direct any questions, as well as nominations or expressions of interest to Jeanne Melloni at UofIllinoisSystemPresident@agbsearch.com. All applicants and candidates’ names will remain confidential. The selected candidate will be announced publicly at the conclusion of the search process.

Those who wish to make a nomination confidentially may submit such nominations anonymously using this online form.

Sally Mason, Ph.D.
Senior Executive Search Consultant
AGB Search, LLC
sally.mason@agbsearch.com
(765) 414-0299

Garry W. Owens, Ph.D.
Senior Executive Search Consultant
AGB Search, LLC
garry.owens@agbsearch.com
(806) 239-3049

Roderick J. McDavis, Ph.D.
Managing Principal and CEO
AGB Search, LLC
rod.mcdavis@agbsearch.com
(804) 514-1982

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting System Human Resource Services at 217-333-2600 or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.