The president of the University of Illinois System, a system of public universities in Illinois, is the chief executive officer and a member of the faculty of each of its colleges, schools, institutes, and divisions.

[3] The president is elected by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees and is responsible to them for the operation of the system.

On recommendation of each university and by authority of the trustees, the president issues diplomas conferring degrees.

[5] The original charter designated the chief executive officer of the university as "Regent" but this title was changed to "President" in 1894 following the end of Thomas Jonathan Burrill's term.

In June 1966, at the recommendation of president David D. Henry, the board switched to a chancellorship system of administration.