The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois System today approved a new major at the University of Illinois Springfield that will help meet employers’ growing need for skilled engineering technologists who can apply a multidisciplinary approach to solve complex problems and drive industrial innovation.
Illinois faces a persistent and growing shortage of engineering technologists and applied engineers, particularly in central and southern regions. These shortages constrain growth in advanced manufacturing, automation, infrastructure modernization and clean energy — sectors identified as strategic priorities for the state’s economic future.
Making its debut in fall 2027, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology will help bridge this gap. The degree program will make the connection between foundational engineering theory and hands-on technical application through combining classroom instruction, laboratory experiences and industry-integrated projects to cultivate adaptable professionals capable of operating within diverse engineering environments.
UIS’ new program is a transfer-friendly bachelor’s degree pathway that seamlessly builds upon community college models and complements the U of I System’s research-intensive engineering programs. With its hands-on approach focused on central and southern Illinois, it will be a distinctive offering.
President search firm
The board also approved a contract with AGB Search LLC to identify and recruit candidates for U of I System president and assist in the hiring process to replace system President Tim Killeen, who earlier this year announced that he will step down at the conclusion of his contract on June 30, 2027.
AGB Search will recruit a pool of qualified applicants; provide additional background information for many of these applicants; assist the search committee with assessment of applicants and coordination of interviews with prospective candidates; and make reports to the committee and to the board during the search process.
The total contract amount will vary depending on the final cost of candidate travel expenses.
Student health insurance rates
Trustees also approved student health insurance rates for the 2026-27 academic year. Students may choose to not participate in the student health insurance program by providing evidence of comparable insurance coverage from other sources.
Costs for those who participate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will increase by $30 per semester — 3.5% — for undergraduate students and $37 per semester — 3.4% — for graduate/professional students.
The University of Illinois Chicago’s CampusCare student health insurance program for all students will increase by $56 per semester, or 8%. CampusCare is a self-supporting program and rates are aligned with the anticipated cost of providing coverage.
Costs at Springfield will decrease by $14 per semester for all students, or 1.3%.
Board-approved campus senior staff appointments:
William “Bill” Bole, vice chancellor for advancement, Chicago, and senior vice president, University of Illinois Foundation, effective April 16. Bole most recently was chief advancement officer at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and previously held senior advancement leadership roles at Lehigh University and University of Pennsylvania Medicine.
Dale Wright, vice chancellor for advancement, Urbana, and senior vice president, UIF, effective March 20. Wright currently is interim vice chancellor for advancement, Urbana, and interim senior vice president, UIF.
Gregg B. Johnson, dean of the College of Public Affairs and Education, Springfield, effective July 1. Johnson previously served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Valparaiso University.
