University of Illinois System President Timothy Killeen Speaks Candidly in Exclusive Interview with The UIUC Talkshow

Juan David Campolargo
3 min readSep 29, 2023

Champaign, 2023 — In an exclusive interview conducted by The UIUC Talkshow, President Timothy L. Killeen, the 20th president of the University of Illinois System, offers unprecedented insights into his daily life, leadership journey, and vision for higher education.

The UIUC Talkshow, hosted by undergraduate students Aaryaman Patel and Juan David Campolargo, has emerged as a groundbreaking platform for engaging in meaningful conversations within the University of Illinois community. The show’s mission is to break down barriers between students, faculty, staff, and alumni, fostering connections and sparking profound discussions.

Aaryaman and Juan David, both engineering students, founded the show with a desire to create more substantial dialogues on campus. They wanted to change the emphasis from grades, homework, and internships to thinking independently, creating an exciting future, and the importance of following one’s curiosity.

“The Talkshow is a testament to the fact that you can have deeper conversations in your life,” Patel explained. The show’s approach is to create an environment where guests can share personal and honest stories, rather than following traditional journalistic formats.

Patel and Campolargo conduct thorough research on their guests, ensuring that interviews feel like conversations between acquaintances. This approach has led to over 60 episodes on their YouTube channel, each providing a deeper understanding of the individuals behind their impressive resumes.

In their most recent interview with President Timothy Killeen, The UIUC Talkshow explores a wide range of topics:

  • President Killeen’s daily schedule and priorities.
  • His transition from a soccer player to the presidency.
  • Surprises and challenges faced during his leadership.
  • The critical issue of affordability and college debt.
  • Transparency in higher education, including discussions about President Killeen’s annual salary.
  • The vast potential of the University of Illinois in shaping the future of education.
  • President Killeen’s visionary perspective on the university as a catalyst for change.

Of particular note is the discussion surrounding President Killeen’s annual salary, which exceeds $800,000. This candid conversation adds depth to the ongoing discourse on transparency, accountability, and administrative decision-making in higher education.

The UIUC Talkshow’s commitment to authentic conversations highlights the rich diversity of experiences and ideas present within the University of Illinois community. By inviting a diverse range of guests, Patel and Campolargo hope to showcase the true beauty and stories hidden on their campus.

For a more in-depth look at President Killeen’s insights and the interview itself, the full interview can be viewed on YouTube: Link to the Interview.

For media inquiries, additional interviews, or further information about The UIUC Talkshow, please contact Juan David Campolargo.

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Juan David Campolargo

I do and share “stuff” that makes people more optimistic, ambitious, and curious. Learn more about me and read more (https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/)