Dear colleagues,
Tom Bearrows, the longest-serving university counsel in the University of Illinois System’s history, will retire at the end of December after more than two decades of exemplary service. I thank him for his sustained commitment to the U of I System and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement, but also know that his successor has big shoes to fill in matching Tom’s legacy of service.
Since beginning in that role in 1997, Tom has served alongside 49 trustees, 11 board chairs, six presidents and five board secretaries.
Although many of Tom’s efforts are of a behind-the-scenes nature, there’s no mistaking the scope and scale of his many contributions on a variety of litigation-and governance-related issues.
Tom manages the legal offices on the system’s three campuses and serves as legal counsel to the alumni association. His staff’s legal specializations include labor and employment, intellectual property, and health care law, as well as more general areas including contracts, litigation, and real estate.
Tom also counsels the board on legal protocol and provides briefings on individual cases. In every way, he consummately represents the system's interests. He provides extraordinary guidance and judgment through a myriad of legal considerations and demonstrates exquisite leadership and direction for a system-wide legal function.
In discussing his legacy, Tom credits the attorneys he’s worked with over the years for developing specialized skills and working tirelessly to advance the system’s interests. While the university counsel provides direction and weighs in on key decisions, the attorneys are the engine that powers the legal function.
The university counsel is a general officer of the board of trustees and serves as the legal advisor to the board, the president, and other administrative officers.
A national search is underway for his successor, and a search committee led by Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs Nick Jones will review candidates and make recommendations to the board and to me.
View the full position description and requirements here.
If you know individuals who possess the education, skills and experience to assume this position, the search committee would appreciate receiving nominations. Please send nominations to Jami Painter, senior associate vice president and chief human resources officer, at painterj@uillinois.edu or 217-244-8247 no later than October 25. Your nominations and recommendations are an invaluable resource as we seek to fill this important role. For full consideration, applications must be submitted by October 31.
Please join me in extending sincere gratitude to Tom for his incredible legacy of distinguished service and wishing him the very best in his future pursuits.
Tim Killeen
President