SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - November 02, 2026

SIU and Mizzou collaborate on $300k project to monitor soybean drought stress with drones, AI

Chao Lu, a professor of electrical, computer and biomedical engineering, is leading SIU’s research in partnership with the University of Missouri in exploring how artificial intelligence and drone-based imaging technologies can help monitor drought stress in soybean crops.

500 celebrate SIU’s growing momentum during 6th annual Saluki Takeover Tour Chicago

A record crowd of 500 SIU Carbondale alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends attended the Chancellor’s Reception Oct. 28 at the historic Palmer House as part of last week’s Saluki Takeover Tour Chicago. SIU teams traveled across the Chicago metro area for recruiting, alumni and corporate engagement events. University leaders visited high schools and community colleges to meet with students, counselors and administrators. The reception also celebrated a $1 million gift and the premiere of a new university commercial.

Reminder: Flu immunizations available on campus on Thursday

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services will provide free flu immunizations for all active and retired SIU Carbondale employees, their dependents and spouses enrolled in a state-sponsored health plan. The Jackson County Health Department will administer the immunizations at a walk-up flu shot clinic, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, in the Student Center’s Renaissance Room.

Prospective students invited to SIU’s Open House on Friday

The university will host high school students, prospective transfer students and their families to the next Open House from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.

$1M commitment will expand opportunities for SIU engineering students

Shon Yates, a 1993 electrical engineering graduate and his wife, Alexis Yates, have committed $1 million to expand opportunities for engineering students at SIU Carbondale. The gift to establish the Shon and Alexis Yates Center for Access and Advancement in Engineering within the university’s College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, was announced during the sixth annual Saluki Takeover Tour Chicago Chancellor’s Reception on Oct. 28.

SIU’s Simon Institute hosts alum, Illinois state Rep. Will Davis for open house

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will host an open house on Friday, Nov. 6, featuring a special appearance by alumnus and Illinois state Rep. William “Will” Davis. The event will bring together institute staff, friends and supporters for an opportunity to connect and discuss issues shaping Illinois public policy. The open house is from noon to 1:30 p.m.

SIU President Dan Mahony: “The Importance of an Accessible Campus”

SIU System President Dan Mahony’s latest “Office Hours” podcast is “The Importance of an Accessible Campus.” The podcast highlights what SIU offers in disability services programs and campus accessibility. Mahony talks with Lisa Caringer, director of SIU Carbondale’s Office of Access and Accommodations and ADA compliance coordinator, and Dominic Dorsey, director of Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support at SIU Edwardsville.

Qingfeng Ge is named inaugural Gower Distinguished Director

SIU Carbondale has named Qingfeng Ge the inaugural Gower Distinguished Director of the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences, establishing the first named directorship in the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences. Ge has led the school since its reorganization in 2021.

Smash, toss or spear old pumpkins at SIU’s Great Pumpkin Smash

Jack-o’-lanterns past their prime can go out with a bang at the Great Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov. 7. This free, family-friendly event is from noon to 3 p.m. at SIU’s University Farms Service Center.

SIU researcher to discuss region’s glacial history Wednesday in Marion

Steve Gariepy with SIU’s STEM Education Research Center will discuss natural divisions in Southern Illinois, with a focus on the Illinoisan Glacial termination line that runs across the region, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Glaciers End in Marion.