Much has been said in the past week about the incoming University of Illinois president's extensive scientific background. But Timothy Killeen is also a classical guitarist and art aficionado, and he once played cricket, soccer and rugby in his native Wales.

According to reports, the rocket scientist with a lengthy resume in higher education talked Friday about some of his other interests.

He spends "quite a bit of time" playing classical guitar, though he considers himself more a "wanna-be" than a proper musician.

Killeen says he's also a sports fan, and admits to having been a Michigan football supporter going back to his days as a professor there. With an apology, he adds, "I'm going to be true orange from now on."