SIU Chancellor Austin Lane

Dr. Austin A. Lane's (download image) tenure at SIU Carbondale has overseen the launch and implementation of the university’s strategic plan, Imagine 2030, which rests on five equally critical strategic pillars: student success and engagement; diversity, equity and inclusion; branding and partnerships; research and innovation, and sustainability.

Leadership at SIU Carbondale

• SIU Carbondale achieved Research 1 (R1) designation in 2025, placing it among elite U.S. universities.
• SIU recognized as an Opportunity University by Carnegie Classifications in 2025. This is a significant institutional designation showing that SIU students have higher outcomes and earnings. 
• Imagine 2030 Annual Progress Report - This report highlights the progress of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan in relation to its five pillars.
• SIU Carbondale Economic Impact Report - Details the impact SIU Carbondale has on the economy of the state of Illinois. $2.7 billion impact from the university's operations, student expenditures, visitor spending, and alumni income, alongside 18,601 jobs in Illinois supported by the economic activity.
• Saluki Commitment - This is a pledge that all new and transfer students who meet certain criteria are guaranteed that tuition and mandatory fees will be fully covered at no cost to students or families.
• Say “Yes” Initiative—Under the Say Yes initiative, students who meet the admission criteria will automatically be pre-admitted to SIU Carbondale.

Enrollment Growth

• Fall 2024 marked the largest enrollment increase in 33 years.
  • The second consecutive year of overall enrollment growth
  • Freshman enrollment increased for the fifth straight year, with more students from the Southern Illinois region choosing to earn their bachelor’s degrees close to home.
• Spring 2025 enrollment rises, following a remarkable fall.
  • The second consecutive year of over 3% enrollment increase
  • Over 7,800 Illinois residents attend the university, representing a 5% increase from last year.
  • Enrollment from the southern Illinois region rose 18%
• Fall 2023 celebrates an enrollment increase.
  • For the first time since 2014, enrollment at SIU Carbondale has grown (2.3% increase)
  • The highest overall boost in the number of students in 21 years 
  • The highest percentage increase in over 30 years

Student Support and Initiatives

Programs initiated to support student enrollment and success include:

• Saluki Commitment - Closes the gap between financial aid and tuition and fees for qualified Illinois students from Illinois.
• Saluki Step Ahead - Over 40 community college partnerships that enable community college graduates in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas to earn a bachelor’s degree remotely from SIU Carbondale.
• Institute partnerships with Hope Chicago, Education is Freedom, various school districts, and youth organizations.
• Revived programs like the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program, which serves newly admitted students in the Exploratory Student Advisement program, and the Chancellor’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion.

Philanthropy and Fundraising

• Saluki Takeover Tours - Aim to engage alumni and donors nationwide.

SIU Carbondale designated Saluki Takeover Tours across the U.S. through the SIU Foundation to engage with alumni and friends with the heart of SIU.

• Saluki Ball - A major fundraiser for current SIU students.

The university hosts an annual Saluki Ball, a philanthropic campaign dedicated to raising funds to bridge students' financial gaps, which is core to the university's mission of accessibility. Keeping students enrolled is integral to continuing the momentum at SIU.

• Launched the Imagine SIU 2030 Campaign - Aimed to raise $500 million to support students, faculty, new programs, and research.
  
  • Record-breaking fundraising in FY24:
    • Nearly $47 million was raised (a 51% increase from FY23)
    • Over $5.4 million awarded in scholarships