In June, Governor JB Pritzker appointed Darren Tillis ’94 to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for Illinois State University.
Tillis owns the Darren Tillis Insurance Agency, an independent contract agency with State Farm Insurance Company in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. He brings more than 29 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry. Tillis has served in various leadership roles within the company and community including the chair of Neighborhood Housing Services North Lawndale Advisory Board, co-chair of Lawndale Community Action Council, co-chair of Hughes Elementary Local School Council, and a member of the Chicago Youth Centers North Lawndale Advisory Board.
Here, Tillis talks with the Black Colleagues Association (BCA) about what prepared him for his role as trustee and his time on the campus he now helps to lead.
BCA: People hear the word “trustee” and, while they know it’s an important position, many don’t know much about the position. What does a trustee do?
Tillis: Wow, That’s a mouthful.
The trustee’s role is multifaceted. The trustee serves as an agent for the University who has a fiduciary responsibility along with the other trustees to work with the president of the University to approve major policies, help develop strategic plans, and review spending plans while overseeing the budget. In addition, the trustees’ other responsibility includes protecting and preserving the University’s reputation both academically and socially.
BCA: In what ways did your time as a student at ISU prepare you for your career and now your position as trustee?
Tillis: As a student at Illinois State University, I was a member of many student organizations that involved getting input from the students and conveying their needs to the University officials. My time at ISU definitely prepared me for the trustee position because I’ve had an opportunity to understand the culture at ISU and the culture of the Bloomington-Normal community. As a trustee, you have to advocate for students while making very tough decisions that will ultimately move the University forward.
BCA: What is your fondest memory as a student at ISU?
Tillis: My time at Illinois State proved to be both monumental and the fundamental reason for my growth as a young student. As a first-generation college student, I had a chance to meet students from various parts of the world who embraced me, and we have become lifelong friends.
Student life at ISU was the most enjoyable. The University provided us with a clean, safe, and fun environment to learn, grow, and develop.
BCA: What is one piece of advice that you would give a current student at ISU?
Tillis: Your time at ISU will go by fast. I would advise students to enjoy all the aspects of college which include academics, socializing and the Bloomington-Normal community. It is important to get involved with various community organizations because the people that you meet here will be the future leaders of tomorrow. Finally, use your time wisely to learn, grow, and develop for the next phase of your life.
BCA: What is one wish that you have for the future of ISU?
Tillis: I’m excited about my position as a trustee and the work that’s ahead of us. I look forward to working with ISU’s president and the other board members on making ISU the primary destination for higher education through new programming, new facilities, and a world-class student population.
