Dr. Tillis is currently serving as Director Emeritus of the University Fine Arts Center, having been the Director for almost twenty years prior to his retirement in December, 1997. He is currently involved with development and arts projects in local and regional communities.

His recent busy schedule of activities includes: Artist-in-Residence at Akiyoshidai International Arts Festival in Japan; premieres of commissioned compositions for the Hartford Chorale and Symphony Orchestra and Suite for String Orchestra and Children's Chorus; a book of poetry entitled Seasons, Symbols, and Stones as well as drafts for Akiyoshidai Diary and South African Diary; and a new C.D. project featuring the music from Porgy and Bess.

Dr. Tillis has continued to be active with lectures/performances both nationally and internationally. Also included among his activities are performances and lectures in South Africa, India, Japan, and the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.