Natalia Farias Flores of Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy in Dallas celebrates with Wendell Williams, SIU Carbondale vice chancellor for enrollment management (left) and Chancellor Austin A. Lane (right) along with other SIU personnel, alumni and her classmates in receiving a 2026 Chancellor’s Scholarship. Flores and Samantha Ballard (below) of DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas, are two of five high school students in the state to receive Chancellor’s Scholarships. (Photos by Tania Wittgenfeld)
February 10, 2026
SIU Carbondale awards full-ride Chancellor’s Scholarships to high achieving Texas students
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Five high-achieving high school students in Texas earned Southern Illinois University Carbondale 2026 Chancellor’s Scholarships, which cover tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing and food for four years.
Chancellor Austin A. Lane and other university officials made surprise visits to their high schools in Texas on Monday, Feb. 9 and today (Feb. 10) to present the scholarships and congratulate the students in person.
“There is nothing more meaningful than visiting high schools and surprising students with a Chancellor’s Scholarship,” Lane said. “These students represent talent, drive, and potential in Texas. At SIU, we are committed to investing in and supporting students who are ready to lead, serve, and make a difference, right here and beyond.”
Lane presented scholarships to students in Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Houston and Little Elm.
A total of 43 scholarships is being announced this month.
There were 565 high school students who competed in the selection process. Winning students demonstrate high academic achievement, have a strong record of leadership in their communities and participate in numerous extracurricular activities.
The award is renewable for three years, contingent upon the students maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Students from Texas who received Chancellor’s Scholarships include:
- Dallas: Natalia Farias Flores, Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy.
- DeSoto: Samantha Ballard, DeSoto High School.
- DeSoto: Clareese Chan, Duncanville High School.
- Houston: Brayam Mendez, YES Prep North Central Secondary.
- Little Elm: Julissa Lopez, Little Elm High School.
SIU Carbondale offers various scholarships to high school seniors and transfer students. For more information on the university’s scholarships and financial aid, contact Amber Rivers, associate director of scholarships in the Financial Aid Office, at scholarships@siu.edu or 618-453-4628.