Students in the 2026 Bryson Future Scholars cohort listen as Charles Walker, SIU Carbondale’s New Student Programs interim director, discusses several upcoming events to start the fall semester. (Photo by Russell Bailey)
July 16, 2026
SIU’s Bryson Future Scholars Program gives students an early academic edge
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Nearly 50 newly admitted Southern Illinois University Carbondale students this month are gaining early momentum toward academic success as part of the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program.
The 2026 program includes 29 students from the HOPE Chicago program along with students from throughout Illinois and neighboring states. Kristopher Marshall, director of Saluki Success Initiatives, said the four-week program helps students prepare for college and lifelong success and is a continuation of the track record of success from previous years.
By helping students build effective academic habits, navigate campus resources, establish meaningful relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging before the fall semester begins, students are much more likely to successfully address challenges they might encounter, Marshall said.
“Students in the program often carry on the relationships they develop and rely on the connections they made during the summer throughout their time here at SIU,” he said. “The ability for students to get connected to campus early is pivotal to their overall success.”
The program serves students who are chosen to attend SIU through a selective admissions process and receive assistance to help transition from high school to college.
Empowering student success
The scholars complete three university core curriculum courses during their 4-week campus visit: communication studies, English and Saluki Success/University 101, Marshall said. They have visits from campus and community partners, receive time management instruction and participate in workshops. There’s also mandatory study-table time, featuring tutoring and academic coaching. In addition, the participants join in team-building and cultural enrichment activities.
Marshall noted that students in the 2025 program earned an average GPA of 3.628, the highest GPA since the program restarted in 2021.
Sponsors include Exploratory Student Advisement and Hope Chicago.
Marshall said this year’s theme is G.R.I.T — Growth, Resilience, Initiative and Tenacity.
The students moved into university housing on June 28 and have become acquainted with the college experience — including attending classes five days a week — where they will have already earned 7 credit hours before fall 2026 semester classes begin on Aug. 17.
While on campus, students become acclimated to campus resources and units, including financial aid, sustainability, Saluki Cares, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the writing center, Marshall said.
The program includes social time to help students establish friendships and a feeling of inclusiveness. For example, current Seymour Bryson Scholars recently visited the St. Louis Science Center and attended a Cardinals’ baseball game and met with Cardinals’ business office officials.
Sixth year for revitalized program
The Future Scholars program was established in 1991 by the late Seymour Bryson, a triple alumnus of SIU who retired in 2008 as associate chancellor for diversity and Rehabilitation Institute professor. After a brief hiatus, the program was re-established in 2021 through Chancellor Austin Lane, with the SIU Foundation providing funding.
Media opportunities
Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to take advantage of a variety of opportunities for engaging photos, stories and videos while the Seymour Bryson Scholars are on campus through July 24.
Media are welcome to cover:
- Any of the after-dinner study table times set for 6:15-7:45 p.m. Sunday through Thursday each week on the 7th floor of Morris Library in Rooms 722, 724 and the Tutoring Center.
- Breakfast from 8-8:50 a.m. or lunch from 11-11:50 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Student Center. Students will be interacting and available for interviews.
- The awards banquet and presentation at 6:30 p.m. July 24 in the Old Main Room at the Student Center during which family and supporters are invited to join participants.
For more information about the program, to confirm exact times and locations for specific events and coverage opportunities, or to arrange a visit during a classroom session or other activity, contact Kristopher Marshall, director of Saluki Success Initiative, at 618-453-4351 or sheed@siu.edu. All times, dates and locations are subject to change, depending on weather and other factors.