April 02, 2025

Media advisory: SIU officials to visit local schools as part of Saluki Takeover Tour

by Kim Rendfeld

CARBONDALE, Ill. – This month’s Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois will include officials visiting many high schools in the region, where seniors will celebrate their commitment to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale this fall.

Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to cover any or all visits, where incoming freshmen will receive SIU-branded caps and learn about next steps such as registering for classes and signing up for orientation. SIU Chancellor Austin Lane or Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management, will be available for interviews.

“We know the talent we have in Southern Illinois, and we want to keep students in this region,” Williams said. “We want to let students know they have access to a first-class university in their own backyard – one that was recently classified as Research 1, the same level as flagship and elite private schools. We are also using the visits as a way to thank our local superintendents, principals and guidance counselors for their continued support.”

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois will be April 3-22. Here is a partial schedule of school visits:

  • Thursday, April 3: 1 p.m., Marion High School
  • Friday, April 4: 11 a.m. Nashville Community High School; 12:45 p.m. Pinckneyville Community High School
  • Monday, April 7: 11 a.m., Mount Vernon Township High School
  • Tuesday, April 8: 10:30 a.m., Johnston City High School; 11:30 p.m., Carterville High School
  • Wednesday, April 9: 10 a.m., Massac County High School; 1 p.m., Harrisburg High School
  • Thursday, April 10: 9:45 a.m., Benton Consolidated High School
  • Monday, April 14: 9:45 a.m., Meridian High School; 1 p.m., Cobden High School
  • Tuesday, April 15: 10:30 a.m., Sparta High School; 2 p.m., Chester High School
  • Wednesday, April 16: 9:15 a.m., Christopher High School
  • Tuesday, April 22: 1 p.m., Murphysboro High School
  • Wednesday, April 23: 10:45 a.m., Vienna High School; 2 p.m., Anna-Jonesboro Community High School

Please check in at the school’s administrative offices. Note that plans are subject to change, based on the weather and road conditions. For assistance with interviews and the full schedule of visits, text or call Jeff Harmon, SIU’s chief communications and marketing officer, at 573-352-0035.