Lewis and Clark Community College President Ken Trzaska, left, and SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane formalized a Saluki Step Ahead agreement on March 5. (Photo by Britni Bateman)
March 16, 2026
SIU, Lewis and Clark Community College sign Saluki Step Ahead transfer agreement
GODFREY, Ill. — Leaders from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Lewis and Clark Community College signed a Saluki Step Ahead transfer agreement on March 5, strengthening pathways for Lewis and Clark students to complete their bachelor’s degrees through SIU.
SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane joined Lewis and Clark Community College President Ken Trzaska to formalize the partnership, which expands access to the Saluki Step Ahead program and creates a clearer transfer pathway between the two institutions.
Saluki Step Ahead allows students to apply to SIU during their first year at a participating community college, secure a designated degree track and complete their bachelor’s degree through select online programs. University leaders say the program helps remove barriers for transfer students who may not be able to relocate to Southern Illinois while still providing access to SIU’s research-level academic programs.
Trzaska said the agreement reflects the strong partnership between the institutions and a shared commitment to student success.
“This is a remarkable partnership,” Trzaska said. “We look forward to continuing to grow together and find ways we can be even better partners to each other as we focus on doing more for our students.”
Lane said the agreement builds on a statewide effort launched several years ago to strengthen connections between SIU and community colleges across Illinois. The program began in 2021 and since then, 46 of 48 community colleges in the state have signed agreements, with 52 total partners participating.
“Both Vice Chancellor Wendell Williams and I began our careers in the community college system, so we understand the challenges transfer students sometimes face,” Lane said. “Too often, students see their credits transfer to a transcript but do not fully apply to their degree. Programs like Saluki Step Ahead help remove that barrier and create a clearer path to graduation.”
Lane said the program’s success depends on the collaborative work happening behind the scenes at both institutions.
“The real work is done by the teams at both institutions who ensure that when students transfer from Lewis and Clark Community College to SIU, their credits apply directly toward their degree,” Lane said.
The program also expands access for students who cannot relocate to Carbondale. Through Saluki Step Ahead, students can complete their first two years at Lewis and Clark and finish their junior and senior years online through SIU.
“This partnership expands opportunity for students while helping them complete their bachelor’s degree in a more affordable way,” Lane said. “Through Saluki Step Ahead, Lewis and Clark students can plan their pathway early and transition seamlessly to SIU.”
The program includes financial support to help students complete their degrees without taking on excessive debt. Students receive a $4,000 discount in their junior year and another $4,000 in their senior year when completing the program online.
“So think about your cost here and our cost and us giving them that $8,000,” Lane said. “It’s going to help them finish without acquiring all this debt and getting discouraged about reaching the finish line.”
SIU remains committed to ensuring transfer students receive the same high-quality academic experience as students who begin their studies in Carbondale, Lane said.
“We’re fully committed to making sure that students from Lewis and Clark get first-class transfer education from a Research 1, top-tier Opportunity University at Southern Illinois University Carbondale,” he said.
The signing ceremony was part of the fifth annual Saluki Takeover Tour St. Louis.